5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE SmackDown Live (Oct 18)

1. Winner: Dean Ambrose

The Lunatic Fringe was pretty tedious last night. SmackDown have done a good job of rubbing away the goofy comedy aspects of Ambrose’s character since the Brand Split kicked in, and it’s to Dean’s benefit. He works far better as an unhinged, unpredictable tweener, and his threat is greatly neutered when he descends into lame rodeo clown territory.

Sadly, Ambrose went full cornball again last night. It wasn’t as bad as the time he lost to an exploding television or attacked The Authority with a hotdog cart, but Dean’s “zany” dialogue was an unwanted distraction during the AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth main event. Dean is at his best when he’s allowed to be a true loose cannon, so here’s hoping this relapse was a one-off.

That being said, Ambrose’s tactics clearly worked. He was able to completely frustrate Styles into “losing” to James Ellsworth, and when the match was down, Ambrose had laid his rival out. Not only that, but a furious Styles demanded a match with Ambrose on Talking Smack: Daniel Bryan booked it for next week, and if Dean wins, he’ll become number one contender.

It’s a tough match for Ambrose, but a huge opportunity. He has been pinned by Styles in two consecutive singles matches, but he didn’t lose the decisive pinfall at No Mercy. Does he have what it takes to overcome such a streak? The frustration he’s planted in Styles’ brain may prove decisive.