Dean Ambrose seemed a rank outsider to win the Intercontinental Title at TLC. Kevin Owens has been pushed with such verve and momentum since he debuted against John Cena that it seemed almost a given that he would enter the New Year with his title reign in tact. However, WWE opted to give the fans some satisfaction at TLC by putting the championship on Dean Ambrose, finally allowing the babyface star to win gold after so many near misses since the break-up of The Shield. The match between Ambrose and Owens was compelling, with Ambrose having an answer for all of KO's signature moves. He won in innovative fashion, countering the Pop-up Powerbomb into a hurricanrana to hold the champion down for the three count. It was a finish that allowed Ambrose a clean, decisive win whilst also protecting the valuable heel in defeat. Ambrose as champion opens up some great promo possibilities and should add a degree of shine to the Intercontinental Title, even as the US Championship seems to diminish in the hands of Alberto Del Rio. The Lunatic Fringe will make for a great champion and this title reign should really build some steam, helping Ambrose back into the main event picture.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
