Dolph Ziggler tops Rolling Stone's WWE Best of 2014 list

Maybe it's a remnant of the Rock 'n' Wrestling connection.  Prior to their coverage of Daniel Bryan's rise to the WrestleMania main event, I hadn't even seen any coverage of pro wrestling from Rolling Stone since Captain Lou Albano guest-starred in a Cyndi Lauper video.

But Kenny Herzog does a great job covering WWE for their website's Culture section.  And it makes sense, since whether you consider it low brow or high brow, pro wrestling/sports entertainment is definitely popular culture.

With the winter holidays upon us, it's time for annual "Best of" lists for everything from movie scenes to lightbulbs.  And, don't worry, Cageside will be getting back in on this game soon enough.  Herzog is ahead of us though, and provides his winners of the year 2014.

Click on over to RS.com for his full posting. In the meantime, I'll share a little news that's bound to make Zigg-a-maniacs feel like showing off...

Dolph Ziggler is Rolling Stone's Wrestler of the Year

While stating that it was kind of a down year, with one WWE World Heavyweight Champ stripped of his belt for injuries that have kept him off television for most of the year and another keeping the title with him on his Minnesota farm, he's given credit for staying "near prominence" for so much of his career.

Still, along with his Survivor Series moment and becoming synonymous with the most prestigious championship routinely appearing on television this year, this is a nice mainstream rub for Dolph, and something that can only help as he swims with the sharks backstage and tries to stay in Vince McMahon and/or Triple H's good graces.

Here are the rest of Herzog's categories and awards...

Sporadically Active Face of the Year: Daniel Bryan

Sporadically Active Heel of the Year: Brock Lesnar

Best Russian Monster (Bulgarian Version): Rusev

Diva of the Year: Paige

Tag Team of the Year: The Usos

Most Convincing New Gimmick: Stardust

Least Convincing Face Turn: Jack Swagger

Most Likeable Loose Cannon: Dean Ambrose

Most Puzzlingly Pushed-Then-Buried Performer: Cesaro

Most Random-But-Intriguing Face Turn: Erick Rowan

Most Exciting NXT Up-and-Comer: Adrian Neville

Most Disastrous NXT Promotion: Adam Rose

Most Signs of New Life: Randy Orton

Most Tiresome Heel-Face Seesaw Act: Big Show and Mark Henry (tie)

Most Smothered In-Ring Potential: Seth Rollins

Most Underappreciated: John Cena

I think the only ones I'd disagree with are "NXT Up-and-Comer" (I like Sami Zayn), "New Life" (that belongs to Tyson Kidd...FACT) and maybe "Diva" (AJ and Nikki both will end the year in much better position that the Anti-Diva).

What do you think, Cagesiders?  Can the Intercontinental champ carry his momentum from the end of 2014 into a prominent spot at WrestleMania 31?