For Dolph Ziggler, the WWE World Cup isn’t just an excuse to lace ‘em up for a dream match, where he’s drawn Kurt Angle — a mentor, an icon and a forbearer for collegiate wrestlers like Ziggler who made the leap — in the first round of the bracket. It’s an opportunity for the former World Heavyweight Champion to prove what he’s been saying for years and years and years: that he isn’t just among the best in the world, but that he is the singular best. (Drew McIntyre, meanwhile, said he would be keeping a very close eye on Friday's Universal Title Match).
He certainly proved he can back up his boasts against Apollo Crews, one of the hungriest and most talented Superstars on the roster. Even though Ziggler, who literally throws himself into his offensive maneuvers, found himself inadvertently landing in Crews’ clutches, he seized the win with a combination of timing and veteran savvy, blocking a Frog Splash with his knees and following up with a pinpoint superkick for three.