10 Times WWE Failed To Make Dean Ambrose 'The Guy'
Forget 'The Big Dog': Ambrose could have been running the yard instead of jumping ship to AEW.
Jon Moxley - the artist formerly known as Dean Ambrose - blew the roof off with his debut for AEW at their Double or Nothing PPV and is certain to be a major player for the new promotion going forward. Since then, Moxley has spoken candidly of his horrid time behind the scenes with WWE on the Talk is Jericho podcast (and others) revealing all the nonsensical decisions that led to his departure.
Despite world title reigns and main event status, it's fair to say Ambrose still never reached his full potential under Vince McMahon's dominion, and was restrained by his booking. There was no lack of opportunities to launch Dean to the next level however. Creative just never seemed to take advantage - as is the case of many a superstar.
Ambrose could have been the next 'Stone Cold'. Instead, he was forced to play second fiddle to his close friend Roman Reigns - who the higher ups clearly had more faith in as the face of company. From rivalries lost to WrestleMania matches squandered, these are the moments when WWE ripped the rocket from Ambrose's back and which eventually drove him packing.
With ratings on the decline and stock dropping, they may just be moments which the wrestling conglomerate soon lives to regret!
10. Stripping Him Of His Jon Moxley Character
From the get go, Ambrose was at a disadvantage, being unable to use the Jon Moxley character that had flourished on the independent scene and got him noticed by the big leagues in the first place. Back then, WWE wasn't as generous at letting stars from the indies keep their original names: Tyler Black, Kevin Steen, and Prince Devitt being just a few examples. They may have relaxed on it a little now, but Moxley predates that window and had to settle for the less cool 'Dean Ambrose' name.
It wasn't just the name that Ambrose lost however: it was the entire essence of who he was. While there may have been some glimpses of the old Moxley early in his tenure, they quickly fell by the wayside, giving way to the 'The Lunatic Fringe' - who was a far cry from his original dark and sadistic persona. Dean was goofy and puerile most of the time, mainly being played for comedy and lacking the bad ass edge he needed. Pet plants and stolen hot dog stools did no favours.
Sure, WWE is PG rated now with a younger audience, but there is a middle ground between X-rated promos and slapstick antics. With the Jon Moxley name in tact, and a bit more creative freedom given, who knows where Moxley would be today? Possibly still in WWE as a top guy as opposed to working for the competition - which has no qualms about letting him be himself.