Catching up with WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler WWE action shot Courtesy WWE

When the camera light comes on or the bell rings, Dolph Ziggler is driven to steal the show. It’s this drive that has earned this long-time WWE superstar the respect of not only the fans but his peers as well.

It’s been a roller coaster ride for the 37-year-old performer right from the moment he signed with the company and reported to Ohio Valley Wrestling. From the Spirit Squad male cheerleader and golf caddy to Mr. Money in the Bank and championship glory, the one constant has been his passion. The workhorse reputation he built through a series of stellar matches is the reason audiences remained by him no matter if he wins or loses.

Ziggler enjoys meeting those who have supported him every step of the way, as well as using his celebrity to give back. This includes appearing at numerous events WWE hosts with its charitable and community partners.

“It’s very cool,” he said shortly after joining fellow coworkers to surprise a group of Make-A-Wish children and their families at the One World Observatory in New York City. “The kids have got some great questions because some of them are really hardcore fans. I don’t always have the right answer for them. But just seeing the looks on their faces and knowing they are having a good time. That we can hang out for a few minutes, it’s very special.”

Common inquiries Ziggler received on this day were about working with Vickie Guerrero and AJ Lee. He looks back fondly at his time having those two to bounce off in creating memorable moments.

“It’s funny because a lot of times the relationships I would form with people who I just would go hi and bye to at work. Then one day you’re together and you have to make something work,” Ziggler said.

“Then you just become more and more friendly. Then that helps everything you’re doing in the ring. We got to know each other very well and always ended up being something very positive for the business and friendship-wise.”

Right from the day he was given the name Dolph Ziggler, the veteran has always been up to the challenge of making what was given to him work. He strives to grow and improve, never wanting to rest of his laurels or become complacent. And this attitude goes beyond wrestling. Go to a comedy club in the United States on a random night and you might catch Ziggler on stage. He is grateful to WWE for allowing him to pursue these other interests such like the art of standup and improv.

“I’m very lucky to go about 12 years where I maybe missed about four weeks of work,” Ziggler said. “So, every once in a while, when I have a couple of days off, I can bounce out to L.A. and maybe do a show. While we are in town for a few days in New York I can go hit the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and join their UCBW show or go judge a roast battle at the New York Comedy Club. It’s good to just have fun. When WWE takes over New York, I get to take over New York a little bit too.”

 

Dolph Ziggler after meeting Make-A-Wish children and their families during SummerSlam weekend in New York City. Credit: Nick Mayberry

When he isn’t wrestling, Ziggler has made appearances talking politics and world events on Fox News. Every experience gives him a chance to fine-point his speaking abilities. Since the fan favorite hasn’t been seen regularly on WWE TV recently, it’s led to many wondering why. The gossip going around is the absence is due to a repackaging. Ziggler is more than happy to set the record straight.

“There is all this talk out there about me being repackaged. I don’t think I’m doing that,” he said.

“It’s nice to take a little break and come back fresh. Not matter when or no matter what I’m doing, I think it will be nice. I’ve only missed a handful of weeks of work. After a while you just want to step out. People talking is fine. People are talking about you, so that’s a great thing. Some people’s jobs are to speculate. So, I can understand that. I’m still excited to be in the ring. I still do the live events and have a blast. I’ve been working with the likes of Nakamura, which has been really fun.”

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