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Sunday, Aug 23 | 12 AMET/9 PMPT

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Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio def. Dolph Ziggler

Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio def. Dolph Ziggler

LOS ANGELES -- Despite a valiant effort, Dolph Ziggler once again fell short of dethroning Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. (PHOTOS | VIDEO)

But, could the loss actually be considered a good thing for the young Superstar?

Much like in chess -- where a player improves his game by matching wits with superior opponents -- a WWE ring warrior gets better by tangling with top Superstars.

As Mysterio has shown, he is clearly the superior talent, delivering losses to his young opponent at Night of Champions (PHOTOS) and again on this night in his home state of California.

But, things were a bit tougher for Mysterio this time around. Ziggler pushed the veteran to the limit, showing significant signs of improvement since their last title encounter. In fact, Ziggler was once even able to avoid getting hit by the champion's signature maneuver -- the 619 -- something even the most wily veterans find tough to do.

So, who will make the next move? If Mysterio isn't careful, could he get schooled by the student. Or, is Ziggler's game still a work in progress, requiring more lessons?

Don't miss the next edition of SmackDown at 8/7 CT on MyNetworkTV to find out.

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LOS ANGELES -- Despite a valiant effort, Dolph Ziggler once again fell short of dethroning Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. (PHOTOS | VIDEO)

But, could the loss actually be considered a good thing for the young Superstar?

Much like in chess -- where a player improves his game by matching wits with superior opponents -- a WWE ring warrior gets better by tangling with top Superstars.

As Mysterio has shown, he is clearly the superior talent, delivering losses to his young opponent at Night of Champions (PHOTOS) and again on this night in his home state of California.

But, things were a bit tougher for Mysterio this time around. Ziggler pushed the veteran to the limit, showing significant signs of improvement since their last title encounter. In fact, Ziggler was once even able to avoid getting hit by the champion's signature maneuver -- the 619 -- something even the most wily veterans find tough to do.

So, who will make the next move? If Mysterio isn't careful, could he get schooled by the student. Or, is Ziggler's game still a work in progress, requiring more lessons?

Don't miss the next edition of SmackDown at 8/7 CT on MyNetworkTV to find out.