Dean Ambrose’s TLC Matches: Ranked From Worst To Best
2. 2012 – The Shield Vs. Ryback & Team Hell No
This match announced the arrival of The Shield. In their first official WWE match, the Hounds of Justice proved to the WWE Universe that they were more than just a gimmick; they were also incredibly talented.
Not since Nexus' initial arrival in 2010 had a stable managed to garner such excitement, but where the booking of Nexus became laughable, the booking of The Shield was sublime. Here they were, like the majority of their first run, positioned as heels against a red hot Daniel Bryan, an aging Kane and a heavily pushed Ryback. Despite their baddie status, fans couldn’t help but get behind the exhilarating trio in a match that easily stole the show, and maybe even the year.
Dean Ambrose had his moments to shine, even taking a chokeslam onto a steel chair, but this was largely a team effort. The only downside on Ambrose’s part was his cartoony over-selling and facial expressions that made Shawn Michaels’ performance against Hulk Hogan look subtle by comparison. But that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise perfect debut.