10 Things You Didn't Know About WWE Champion Dean Ambrose

1. His Wrestling Idol Might Shock You

Dean Ambrose WWE champion
WWE.com

Ambrose, in the heel role, is a sadistic, weapon-wielding trash-talker with a tendency to indulge in some hammy (though undeniably effective) selling in the Terry Funk vein. In the face role, he is a valiant, flailing but foolhardy underdog who doesn't know quite when he's down and out, in the Terry Funk vein.

While he in post-Shield face incarnation is evidently inspired most heavily by the seemingly-immortal Texan, Ambrose actually idolised Bret 'Hitman' Hart growing up. This makes more sense when you consider his age (29) more so than his style. Speaking to Sporting News in 2015, he claimed 'Never to be a Hulkamaniac', instead preferring the 'Hitman' due to his technical prowess. He also admired his relatable personality and the way in which he'd find a way to 'out-trick, out-smart and out-last' the 'litany of giant bullies' he'd compete against in the early 90's.

Hart resonated with the young Ambrose because Ambrose himself needed inspiration to evade his own demons growing up. Watching wrestling as a form of wish fulfilment, Ambrose needed it as a form of escapism...

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!