10 Times WWE Failed To Make Dean Ambrose 'The Guy'

While Ambrose may have been considered the de facto leader of The Shield early in its run - due to being its most competent talker and having years of experience - it was only a matter of time until 'The Big Dog' was front and centre of the pack, thanks to his movie star good looks.

Officially declaring Ambrose as the captain of the ship at the group's inception could have done wonders for his career, as well as accelerating him into the main event picture even sooner - similar to how being leader of Nexus inserted Wade Barrett into the world title scene early. Not that it panned out for him. Cough. Cena. Cough.

Ambrose even had a run as US champion while Reigns and Seth Rollins held the tag team belts, making it clear who was held in highest regards within the faction. That status never lasted of course, and the official blessing of 'leader' was never granted. Even Dean's run as US champ fell flat, with him hardly defending the gold.

Eventually, Rollins came to be addressed as 'The Architect' of the trio, while Reigns was clearly the main man being groomed for a big singles push. This left Ambrose in the loose cannon role of the group, who would occasionally disappear in big match ups - such as in their clash with The Wyatts. Hardly the actions of a leader and future face of the industry.