The evolution of the Lunatic Fringe - 10 standout moments from Dean Ambrose's career
WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose has earned his veteran stripes by competing for over fourteen years in the business he loves.
Tall, but not massively built, Ambrose mixes the technical acumen of Ric Flair with the hardcore toughness of Mick Foley, with Steve Austin's rebellious streak thrown in for good measure. The result is a wrestler who manages to be loved by all of the fans, from the children to the women and the coveted 18-36 year old male demographic.
But Dean Ambrose did not spring fully formed from the head of Zeus. Instead, he worked his way from the very bottom of the sport to ascend to the lofty heights of WWE champion. Here are ten moments from his journey.
#10 Humble beginnings
As a young man of 16, Dean Ambrose--then known by his birth name of Jonathon Good--became involved in Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA.) Became involved with, but did not wrestle, because Thatcher refused to have Good take any bumps until he turned eighteen.
In order to pay for his training, the lower-class Good sold popcorn at the arenas and helped set up the ring, as well as carrying jackets and robes back to the locker room for the veteran talent. In the parlance of pro wrestling, this is known as 'paying your dues,' and Ambrose paid his early and often.
When he turned eighteen, Thatcher began his training, and John Good would become something else altogether...