WWE Battleground match card preview: Dolph Ziggler vs. Damien Sandow

Free Kickoff Pre-Show

Damien Sandow vs. Dolph Ziggler

Even WWE.com admits that this is a thrown together affair, but that doesn't mean it won't be a highly entertaining one. Earlier in the summer of 2013, Dolph Ziggler was the World Heavyweight Champion (WHC). By virtue of his win at Money in the Bank, Damien Sandow holds a briefcase containing a contract for a shot at that title at a time of his choosing. We'll be entertained by a showdown of the two, live and free on the internet during the Battleground Kickoff at 7:30ET/4:30PT!

The Road to Battleground

As the promotion's website says, "No perceivable animosity is driving this duel." So, why are they fighting then?

Ziggler has had a bit of a bumpy road since his concussion and the loss of the WHC to Alberto Del Rio. Despite two non-title wins over Dean Ambrose, the regime has fed him to The Shield on a couple of occasions. He is connecting to the fans more than ever, but he's also been on the losing end of a number of competitive bouts. That's probably because his newfound honorable streak has placed him at odds with HHH, Stephanie McMahon and the rest of the authority figures currently running the show.

Things have likewise pretty much sucked for the Intellectual Savior of the Masses since winning the briefcase containing a contract for a WHC shot. He has a point when he repeatedly claims to be our "uncrowned World Heavyweight Champion", as the track record for Money in the Bank cash-ins is pretty solid. Unfortunately, the track record of blue (now leather) briefcase holders in the lead up to their cash-in is also solid - solidly crappy. Sandow has been losing steadily, starting with his feud with former tag partner Cody Rhodes that turned the blue briefcase into its current coriaceous condition.

Who can change their luck and regain momentum on the way to hopefully holding WWE gold someday soon?

What's at stake?

The fast-paced, bump machine Ziggler versus the methodical, sometimes savage Sandow should be a treat for the viewer. The question is, which of these men will consider it a treat for themselves when all is said and done.

The pre-show has been home to star power and great matches in recent months. We should be on the receiving end of a proverbial "hot opener" when these two future stars collide. Which of them will increase the brightness of their star, though?

Find out Sunday, October 6th live and streaming here at Cageside Seats!