Dean Ambrose: Doomed to be a popular mid-carder in WWE?
Dean Ambrose is one of WWE’s most popular Superstars.
The Lunatic Fringe has evolved from his days in The Shield, maturing as a budding main event star as he went. Fans that once believed Roman Reigns would eventually grab the proverbial brass ring suddenly began to support Dean and believed he could be the next big thing in Vince McMahon’s company.
But somewhere along the way, things changed for Ambrose. His popularity grew, but his character did not and now many fans are viewing him in the same light as several guys in the WWE locker room.
“He’s so good and he’s capable of so much more than he’s doing right now. He works hard and he can get the job done, WWE should give him a chance and see what he can do.” Those sentiments describe Dean Ambrose perfectly, but the problem is, they also describe a lot more.
Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, Bray Wyatt, Bad News Barrett, they’ve all been seen under the main event microscope and they’ve all amassed their fair share of supporters that feel each one deserves a legitimate shot at the top.
However, each man has merely a hook to get him over and it’s really not been enough. Cesaro is strong, Owens is mean, Ziggler is cocky, Wyatt is creepy and Barrett is ruthless. While Bray is obviously a stand out by virtue of his gimmick, the fact is he cannot win a match when it really counts.
The rest of them can win but in the end, none of it matters.
This is exactly where Ambrose falls in and for anyone that’s ever cheered him on, it’s an old story that must be put to rest. Ambrose is good, he is talented and he has done everything asked of him.
When a guy is in that spot, he should be rewarded for his efforts. But right now that just does not seem to be on WWE’s agenda. The company seems perfectly happy keeping Ambrose and other guys right where they are; in the middle of the card.
The mid-card is not a bad place to be in of course. Many talents outside of WWE would love the chance to be featured in the company at that level.
But it should be used as the proving ground for potential main event stars, not the final destination for everyone that does a good job there.
Guys that can get in the ring and bring it every time their number is called are doing so in hopes of going higher and Ambrose is no different. He’s made an impact; fans know who he is but after that, Dean has basically done everything he can to get over and it’s out of his hands.
The rest is up to creative.
Therein lies the real issue. If the booking does not improve for Ambrose, then his position will remain the same. He’s looked good with Roman Reigns and he looked great against Seth Rollins, but neither path led anywhere. He’s putting in good work and he’s connecting with fans, but that’s not enough; creative must come through for him.
Whether that means he turns heel against best friend Roman or he has a pipe bomb type moment in the ring in which he’s allowed to just speak his mind, something must happen for Dean to get him to the next phase of his WWE career.
The mid-card is just fine, but the main event is so much better.
It’s the same main event that can lead Ambrose to the promised land of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It’s the same main event that could make him a household name and get him over like no one can even imagine.
But in order for all of this to happen, his booking must be right. Without the full support and faith of WWE, Ambrose will continue down the path he’s on.
But unfortunately, that path is leading him nowhere.