Real name Nicholas Nemeth, known by his ring name as Dolph Ziggler, was a collegiate wrestler at Kent State University. He began his career in Professional Wrestling in 2005. After spending sometime in developmental territory, Ziggler debuted in the WWE as Nicky, a member of the five-man all-male cheerleading tag team, the Spirit Squad. The group was most notably known for feuding with Shawn Michaels and Triple H (during their 2006 DX run), and for winning the tag team championship.
After the Spirit Squad disbanded, Ziggler (known then simply as 'Nicky') returned to developmental territory. In the tail end of 2008, Nemeth returned under the new moniker 'Dolph Ziggler'. Ziggler was a cocky heel who used cheating tactics in his matches. After various feuds, Ziggler would eventually be managed by Vickie Guerrero. After this union, Ziggler began recieving many title shots and a Money in the Bank match. Ziggler defeated Kofi Kingston on July 28th, 2010 to win the Intercontinental Championship. His 160 day reign as Intercontinental Champion would end on January 4, 2011, once again in a match against Kofi Kingston on Smackdown.
On February 11th, 2011 episode of Smackdown, Ziggler lost a match against Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship. Due to storyline purposes, Edge lost the title to Ziggler due to using a banned 'spear' move. The following week Ziggler was offically given the World Heavyweight Champioship, only to lose it in a match to Edge 11 minutes later.
Ziggler's next prominent title reign was achieved on June 19th, 2011, at the Capitol Punishment Pay Per View. Ziggler defeated Kofi Kingston for the United States Championship. His 182 day reign ended at the TLC Pay Per View on December 18th, 2011, were he was defeated by Zack Ryder.
Ziggler's next moment of prominence came on the July 13th Money in the Bank Pay Per View, when he defeated Tyson Kidd, Damien Sandew, Lord Tensai, Cody Rhodes, Christian, Sin Cara, and Santino Marella for the Smackdown Brand Money in the Bank contract.
While holding onto the Money in the Bank Contract, Ziggler entered a high profile feud with WWE Legend Chris Jericho. Jericho defeated Ziggler at a Summerslam match, which was followed up by Ziggler defeating Jericho in a Money in the Bank contract vs. WWE Career match.
WWE Title History
- World Heavyweight Champion: 2 time
- WWE Intercontinental Champion: 1 time
- WWE United States Champion: 1 time
- World Tag Team Champion: 1 time (Spirit Squad)
- The 22nd Triple Crown Champion
- 2012 Money in the Bank winner (World Heavyweight Contract)
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