100% this ^^
If Ziggler were a part of the Kliq he would be in the main event scene, no issues or consideration. We could argue Ziggler > Hbk until we are blue in the face, because the argument has plenty of people on both sides. Certain stars get shit on in WWE, it's been a fact for 2+ decades now easily, that's just the way it goes. You can outsell 80% of the WWE competitors in the merchandise dept, you can get cheers 2nd only to DB and you can sell with the cred to make shitbags look like superstars, but if you don't have the pull in the back, it means jack shit.
It's just a simple fact of life. Anyone at any job can be one of the best at what they do, but like the Pat Patterson Vince Mcmahon and many other top tier officials straight or otherwise era of sexual favors went, this industry is pretty much take it up the ass or your character will.