How the WWE Can Make Dean Ambrose a Top Star Again

I recently uploaded a blog post taking a look at why the recent return of Dean Ambrose hasn’t quite gone as expected and in that post, I mentioned that I would write a follow up discussing what I believe the WWE must do to turn things around for the Intercontinental champion. Today I’m going to be doing exactly that as we dive into some of the potential storyline’s, matches, and changes the WWE could create surrounding Ambrose and his future effectively turning things around for the better.

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Keeping the Intercontinental Championship on Him

Back at the TLC PPV fans witnessed Ambrose defeat Seth Rollins to become the new Intercontinental Champion. Now, the match may not have been to everyone’s taste as we touched on last week the end result that saw him walk out with gold was a move the WWE needed to make and heading forward it's vital the WWE keep that title around the waist of Ambrose. Without championship, gold Ambrose not only loses momentum but credibility. Right now, he needs a reason to feature on every PPV and appear on every episode of Monday night RAW and that is exactly what the title does for him. It puts a target on his back, puts him in bigger matches, and creates a cue of hot rivalries and competition. The more he takes part in big and impressive matches the better!

The Art of Hardcore Wrestling

For any long-term Dean Ambrose fans, you will remember the days before the WWE, the days of Jon Moxley. The days of CZW, death matches, hardcore bouts, and contests that highlighted the now IC champion as one of the most unpredictable, fearless, and dangerous men in pro wrestling. Now, CZW may be a far cry from the WWE but there is no denying the ability Ambrose has to adopt some of those characteristics into his character today and an element the WWE could so easily introduce the hardcore element to his in-ring style. Being stuck in the PG era does mean that this is something that could be quite difficult to do effectively but its not impossible. Ambrose shines in competition where he can use kendo sticks, tables, chairs, and several other objects under the ring to his advantage and leading the start of a modern-day hardcore division in the WWE may be something he and up and coming stars such as Tommaso Ciampa could benefit from in the future. However, in the meantime, this is a direction that promise3s to add more depth to Deans character, emphasise the change in attitude and separate him completely from every other superstar on the roster.

Include Renee Young

Okay, so this one that I’m a little divided on but looking at comments online and chatting with fellow wrestling friends it became clear that Renee Young popped up into the conversation regarding Ambrose almost every single time. Whether it be because she is playing too much of a role on commentary in Deans career or the complete opposite, many believing she should have more involvement and it’s left me very much divided. However, when I really dived into what she could actually bring to the table I was left pretty excited at the prospect of certain storylines. Whether it be the WWE put further emphasis on how dangerous and reckless he is by turning on his wife on camera leading to her to discussing how negative the home environment has been or switch it around completely and have her somehow pushed as the reason behind his change there is space for something really interesting to take place. I can see why the WWE wouldn’t go down this road and I can see why this would be less favoured by fans but to add more depth to his character, emphasises how lost and dangerous he is and add something completely new storyline wise introducing Renee could be an interesting, controversial and entertaining turn around.

Ambrose vs Everyone

The lone wolf gimmick may have been originally suited for Baron Corbin, but it appears it’s a direction the current IC champion should be going in. Trusting no one including former tag team partners, allies, other heels, and even his wife allows Ambrose shine as a lone wolf, its Ambrose vs Everyone. Seeing the whole world as his rival, competition and enemy highlights again how different he is to everyone else only truly trusting himself. What this also means #is there are no limits to what the WWE can do with his character and who he works a feud with. Matches against both heels and babyfaces work with Ambrose pulling this role off perfectly and it means there are no boundaries for a man who can become completely dangerous and unpredictable.

Move Away from Rollins

Personally, I believe one of the main causes behind Ambrose lack of positive reaction from fans is the feud with Rollins. While the two have previously been apart of amazing matches and their past rivalries have gone down a treat the two have struggled this time around and something just hasn’t worked. Moving forward and moving away from Rollin will enable Ambrose to show a new side to his new character and attitude and see him venture out on the roster exploring new directions. In ways, this rivalry is limiting, holding him and forcing him into a situation where he already feels stale only months into the heel turn.

Challenging the PG Era

Going forward its vital the WWE highlight Ambrose as a man against everything the WWE do and stand for, remaining with the company by a string. This means pushing how far he can take things, going against Authority figures, attacking authority figures and higher-ups, breaking every rule in the book, making it clear he isn’t here to put smiles on little kids faces and adding a modern-day ECW vibe that pushes the boundaries and challenges the rules. If done correctly this could leave Dean further down the line feeling like a new day Stone Cold Steve Austin and with elements of CM Punk’s character (don’t hate me for this) creates something very new and exciting.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post on Dean Ambrose, I strongly believe the WWE could create a unique, main event, top star leading a new era. The changes the WWE would need to make are a touch controversial and risky but looking at the experience and history of Ambrose and what we have seen throughout his career prior to the WWE I really do believe this is a risk that could pay off greatly. Moving away from his rivalry with Rollins is vital as we mentioned earlier and looking ahead its action against the likes of Lars Sullivan, Finn Balor, and maybe even a returning Matt Hardy one day would make for huge rivalries and matches sure to go down a treat. Regardless there are plenty of options moving forward for Ambrose but smart and unique booking is a must.

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