WWE Initiallyโ Planned Dolph Ziggler‘s 2023 Return as a Heel Turn,Targeting a Championshipโข Pursuit
Stamford,CTโ – Novemberโ 20,2023,21:41:17 EST – Prior to his eventualโค face returnโค at WWE Fastlane on โฃOctober 7,2023,Dolph Ziggler’s plannedโฃ comeback โwas originally conceived as a villainous shift,positioning him as a contender for the โWorld Heavyweight Championship held โby Seth “Freakin” Rollins.Internal discussionsโ within WWE explored a narrative whereโ Ziggler would express resentment towards the current roster, fueled by perceived lack of possibility during his time away from the company.
The alteration in plans underscores the fluid nature of WWE โcreative and the impact of real-time fan reaction. The initial concept, developed throughout the summer of 2023, aimed to capitalize โon Ziggler’s established in-ring skill while presenting a fresh, antagonistic โpersona. This pivot is โimportant โขfor Ziggler, Rollins, and the broader landscape of the world Heavyweight championshipโ picture, โas it demonstrates WWE’s willingness to adjustโ course based on evolving dynamics. Theโข change โขalso highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to maximize audience engagement and deliver โunexpected storylines.
According to sources within โWWE, the original โฃstorylineโข envisioned Ziggler โฃreturning to television with a seriesโข of scathing promos, criticizing the perceived preferential treatment givenโค to younger talent. He would have argued that his years of service and proven track record were being overlooked, justifying aโค more aggressive and self-serving approach to achieving championshipโ success. This heel โขturn was intended to generate immediate heat and establish ziggler as a credible threat to Rollins’ title reign.
The plan involved Ziggler interrupting Rollins’ championship โcelebrations, initiating aโฃ verbal feud that would escalate into physical confrontations. WWE officials believed thisโ approach wouldโ tap into Ziggler’s existing fanbase while concurrentlyโค attracting new viewers intrigued by his darker, moreโ calculating character.The creative team even discussed potential interference from other heels toโ further solidify โฃZiggler’s alignment and build anticipation for a championship match.
However, โขas Ziggler’sโข return date approached,โข feedback from internal sourcesโ andโ preliminary audience research suggested that a faceโข return might be more favorably received. Concerns were raised that a heel turn could diminish Ziggler’sโ popularityโฃ and possibly alienate fans who had long supported him as a babyface. Ultimately, WWE optedโฃ to pivotโฃ to a more heroic narrative, presenting Zigglerโ as a returning veteran eager to proveโ he still belonged at the โขtop of the card.
