On Sunday, September 19th, 2010 from the Allstate Arena from Chicago, Illinois. While Kofi Kingston & Dolph Ziggler faced each other on a number of different occasions this match took place for the WWE Intercontinental championship. The stipulation was that if the champion was to be counted out or disqualified that they would lose the championship. This wasn’t a typical booking or a typical rule so there had to be a stipulation put in place to aid the challenger.
Just as Tony Chimmel gives his address of the rules, Vicky Guerrero interrupts him with her legendary ‘Excuse Me’ catchphrase. Vickie is accompanied by Kaitlyn her rookie DIVA from NXT. Ziggler came out to his old ‘I am perfection’ music and was the Intercontinental championship. It was at this point when Kofi Kingston made his way down to the ring looking to recapture his Intercontinental championship for the third time.
Both men lock up in the middle of the ring and Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston are going move–for-move against one another. Kingston was able to counter and knock Ziggler outside the ring. When Kaitlyn appeared to be showing concern Vickie sent her to the back as she had this covered. Kingston is attacked in the corner by Ziggler who then made a pinning attempt, but only for a count of two.
Kofi Kingston & Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler locks in a rear chinlock on Kingston and the referee was asking him if he quits. Kingston is being worn down, but he is able to hold on. Kofi attempts to get to his feet, but Dolph was able to work him back down to the ground. Ziggler then hits a leaping elbow onto Kingston, but only for a count of two. He returns to a chinlock and the attempts to pin down a wounded Ziggler.
Kingston attempts to make a comeback hitting a couple of kicks, but then Ziggler hits a fameasser, but Kofi kicks out. Ziggler is relentless working on the challenger while he is on the mat. Dolph is relentless working on Kingston. Ziggler stalks Kingston like he’s the predator and the challenger is the prey. Kofi finally gets to his feet and when he does begin to mount an offense on Ziggler. He connects with right hand after right hand working Ziggler into the corner. Kingston then hits a crossbody on the champion from the top rope. Ziggler attempts to make a comeback, but Kingston has all the answers. Kingston hits the boom drop and sets him up for trouble in paradise. Ziggler misses and Kofi and was distracted by Vicki in the process.
Kingston has the match clearly in his direction, but Ziggler returns putting in a rear chin lock again working down the challenger in the ring. Kingston reverses it and locks in a sleeper of his own. Kofi then slams Dolph onto the floor and then rolls him back in the ring. Kingston covers him, but only for a count of two. Cole questions why Kingston didn’t just leave Ziggler on the outside as Kofi could have captured the championship that way as well.
It has been a long time since Ziggler used the sleeper as a finisher or even signature type of move. Vicki is warming to slap Kingston, but Ziggler stops her. Kofi tries to capitalize and then attempts trouble in paradise but misses and hits the ropes. Dolph Ziggler stalks Kofi Kingston from behind and hits him with the Zig Zag for the three count and the win.
Winner: And still Intercontinental champion, Dolph Ziggler
It really said a lot about how much both of these two men gave when it came to this match nine years ago. It has been a long time since both men faced each other, but in doing such a lot has changed for both of them. They have been on a different trajectory in their careers. In a match that was just short of fourteen minutes, it really showed what both men could do and they opened a show.
What are the chances that when these two face each other at Stomping Grounds that they are likely to set the stage as well and compete for the WWE Championship? There are a number of factors that play a part where both men are today. Ziggler has long been seen as a valuable and durable talent capable of giving consistently good to very good matches. In the case of Kofi Kingston, his time has come with a great deal of support from the fanbase and subsequent championship success as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PGlk2J3zDs
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