Dolph Ziggler Talks About His Influences, Spirit Squad, Vickie

Phil Strum of the Poughkeepsie Journal conducted a phone interview with WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler yesterday and has posted the interview online. Below are the highlights:

Being Satisfied With His Career: “Actually, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am today. On my own personal schedule, I am a little behind schedule. I think I’ve dealt with things really well in my career and I’m on track.”

Being Sent Back To FCW After The Spirit Squad Gimmick: “Of course, it’s scary any time you’re coming off the main roster. But I was less than a year into the business at the time and I knew I just needed to work harder than everybody else. I had to go back and learn more of the business. I had two or three practices where I worked with some of the best guys. Working with Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Ric Flair really sped along my learning.”

Which Wrestlers He’s Learned From: “Shawn Michaels, 10 or 15 years ago, was may favorite ever in the ring. Beating someone up, getting beat up. He was the best ever. I’ve taken a lot of advice from him. It’s incredible to watch him. He’s done it better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

Working with Vickie Guerrero: “It’s been great. I think we make a good combination. Me and her work well together. No one gets booed more than Vickie Guerrero. People hate her and I love it. I like working with her. Hopefully, I can absorb some of that hatred. I know people don’t want to boo me because I look so good.”

His Goals in WWE: “I honestly want to be considered the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time. I want to be the world champion and I wanted to be one of the greatest sports entertainers that this business has ever seen.”