Perhaps the riskiest and potentially most rewarding move would be to turn the reins over to Romans former Shield brother, Dean Ambrose. Since the dominant trio split in June, Ambrose arguably has gotten the biggest reaction from fans in the arenas. His sneak attacks on Seth Rollins drew huge cheers, and their feud was white hot before Rollins knocked him out of action last month. Ambrose is a ring veteran who plays his character so perfectly that you forget at times that hes portraying a lunatic fringe. Some have been comparing the reactions he gets for beating Rollins up to Stone Cold Steve Austin early in his run. While that might not be entirely accurate, it never hurts to be mentioned in the same breath as the Rattlesnake. As for punching Deans ticket for the main event of WrestleMania, this could unfold much in the same way that Daniel Bryans tale did earlier this year. Ambrose is way over with the fans but is being held back by The Authority. With Reigns out, Ambrose could step up and make a run for the title. And it can easily start at Night of Champions with Ambrose returning to challenge Rollins in Reigns stead. Its a risky proposition in that WWE brass doesnt appear to have him targeted as being the guy at WrestleMania XXXI. They clearly view him as a bigtime player for the company, but main-eventing Maina is a different planet altogether. Still, if this injury to Reigns teaches WWE anything, its that plans can change in a moment, no matter how well they are laid out. If given the ball, Ambrose could become a major star for WWE, but well only find out if the opportunity presents itself and WWE takes that step.
Scott is a former journalist and longtime wrestling fan who was smart enough to abandon WCW during the Monday Night Wars the same time as the Radicalz. He fortunately became a fan in time for WrestleMania III and came back as a fan after a long high school hiatus before WM XIV. Monday nights in the Carlson household are reserved for viewing Raw -- for better or worse.
