5 Reasons Dean Ambrose leaving WWE might be a work, and 5 why his departure could be legitimate

Should he stay or should he go? Is this real-life drama playing out in the WWE or an elaborate concocted angle?

When it comes to pro wrestling, it's impossible to not have an opinion about the man known as the Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose.

Overwhelmingly, that opinion seems to be a positive one. Fans like Ambrose's edgy, anti-hero character and see him as a somewhat less bombastic and sneakier version of Stone Cold Steve Austin. In terms of wrestling ability, Ambrose is smooth as silk and rarely makes mistakes, and is known for his unpredictable offence and ring generalship.

In fact, when most people have something negative to say regarding Ambrose, it's usually about the way his character is portrayed and his lack of main event status rather than any fault of the Lunatic Fringe.

And here's an interesting caveat; Ambrose is very popular with women in the audience. Much like the Rock N Roll Express in the 1980s, Dean Ambrose can appeal to all segments of the audience, the women, men, and children.

Recently, it was reported that Dean Ambrose had told the WWE he would not be re-signing with the company. Given the well-known dissatisfaction that has led to other talent such as the Revival wanting out of their contracts, fans were ready to believe this was a legitimate news story.

But hold the phones; The WWE made no public statement whatsoever about the Revival. Dean Ambrose's departure, however, has been publicly acknowledged by the company. Instantly the rumours started flying; Is Dean Ambrose's request for release for real, or just a storyline?

Here are five reasons it might be a work or fabricated story, and five it might just be for real.

Could be a work #1: The WWE usually does not comment publicly about contractual matters

Dean Ambrose and Vince McMahon in more civil days.

Here is a well known fact; the WWE does not make a policy out of speaking publicly about the contractual status of its talent, except in special circumstances.

Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey are good examples of the exception to the rule. Their mainstream media appeal and rock star-esque status make their contracts big business. Another time the WWE will speak about talent and their status is when such talent has been released.

These are the announcements that usually involve the phrase 'wishing them nothing but the best in their future endeavours.' Thus, being 'future endeavoured' has become a euphemism for being fired from the WWE.

But for the WWE to make a public announcement about a star leaving, and still feature that star on their programming? It's literally unheard of. This is a strong sign that the whole drama might in fact be a work.

Could be legit #1: Dean Ambrose's career has stalled out at the midcard level

Dean Ambrose has certainly had his ups and downs in the WWE. When the Shield first made their debut on the main roster, they were intended to be a trio of equals.

However, Dean's charisma and low-key delivery quickly made him the defacto leader of the faction, at least in the eyes of fans. He became US Champion and held the title for a very long time, though it has been pointed out that he rarely made title defences. Meanwhile, his Shield mates were the reigning tag team champions.

Fast forward to the Shield being split up, and suddenly it's Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in the main event picture. Dean seemed to be lost in the shuffle, at least for a time.

However, his ability to resonate with fans and the fact that many of his live events sold out in spite of major names like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar not being present led WWE to give him a main event push--for about a hiccup.

Dean lost the WWE Title, and then ended up back in the midcard as IC Champion. One can understand why this would frustrate the Lunatic Fringe and might lead him to legitimately ask for his release.

Could be a work #2: The WWE recently stated Ambrose was one of the 'greatest US Champions of all time.'

The WWE has ranked Dean Ambrose as one of the greatest United States Champions of all time.

For the most part, ever since the WWE acquired WCW in 2002 they have by and largely ignored legacies involving WCW championships.

However, one title that has remained unbroken in its lineage is the United States Championship. The title is considered by the WWE to be the same one that Ric Flair won and defended in the old NWA territories, and worn by men like Bret Hart in WCW's years of operation.

That's all well and good, but how this pertains exactly to Dean Ambrose is as follows: Despite publicly acknowledging that Dean Ambrose is leaving the company, the WWE still chose to rank him as one of the top five United States champions of all time.

Needless to say, this is an odd choice if Dean is really leaving the company, and might be more proof that the whole affair is a storyline meant to work the fans.

Could be legit #2: All Elite Wrestling might be tempting the Lunatic Fringe

There's no doubt about the fact that All Elite Wrestling's creation is a game changer for the industry--at least temporarily.

One of the things that make the promotion founded by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks such a major event is that for over twenty years the WWE has had no real competition. Yes, Impact/TNA wrestling worried them for a time--particularly the Knockouts division, which led directly to the Women's Evolution movement in WWE--but they were never big enough nor gained enough of a market share to really threaten the WWE's dominance.

What this meant for wrestlers like Dean Ambrose was that there weren't any clear alternatives to working for WWE, unless they wished to take a massive pay cut and ply their trade in smaller venues. But with AEW starting to gain steam, talent like Dean Ambrose and the aforementioned Revival now have a place they might call home in the future.

The fact that Dean, who has been a WWE employee for most of the last decade, is just now changing his mind after the formation of AEW is a sign that his departure could be legitimate.

Could be a work #3.: He's been used in all kinds of storylines

Dean Ambrose as a germaphobe was pretty surreal.

Perhaps the most compelling argument for Dean Ambrose's leaving being all a work is that he has participated in some of the strangest, non-sequitur pro wrestling storylines of all time.

At one point, early after The Shield disbanded, Dean was forced to see a psychiatrist...of course, it being WWE, cameras were on hand to view something that is supposedly protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. Dean Ambrose worked hard, and the segment clicked, but it was still rather unconventional.

Then there was Dean Ambrose's strange, nonsensical feud with Bray Wyatt. Fans to this day speak of their disappointment because on paper such a pairing should have been pure magic. Alas, crazy plus crazy equalled a mess.

And let's not forget the time Dean Ambrose was a germaphobe, which is a rather inconvenient malady for a pro wrestler who has to get up close and personal with his opponent's sweat!

WWE obviously thinks Dean has a lot of range, and that might be why his announced departure might be an elaborate storyline too.

Could be legit #3: Locker room discontent

Have you ever had a job where many of your fellow co-workers were unhappy? Maybe they didn't feel they were being compensated enough, or that the manager in charge was ruining the company, or that they should be given a more prominent, prestigious role. In any event, it's certainly not pleasant to be around a lot of grumpy people at work.

Now take that phenomenon and magnify it by about ten times, and that's what happens when people are unhappy in any pro wrestling federation's locker room. Discontent can breed more discontent, as wrestlers compare notes and rile each other up in very negative ways.

The same thing could be happening to Dean Ambrose. Perhaps the general locker room malaise has gotten to him after so many years with the company. It's well known that talent like the Revival and Dolph Ziggler are unhappy, and their unhappiness might be contagious.

Could be a work #4: Standing in the ring with the future heir to the WWE Empire

Dean Ambrose in the ring with Triple H and Seth Rollins.

In an earlier slide, we mentioned that it's unusual for a wrestler leaving the company to be featured on live television.

Well, what's really, really unusual is when that same departing wrestler is inexplicably in the ring during the opening segment of the biggest brand in all of the company, and in all fairness, the biggest brand in all of sports entertainment. And what's really, really, REALLY unusual is when that same segment features none other than the WWE COO--and some say Vince's unnamed successor--Triple H.

Triple H knows he's a wrestling legend, with fourteen world title reigns to his credit. He reigned as the top heel during most of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras. Thus, he often uses his star power to help up and coming talent. This is why he often appears in photos pointing at new NXT hires and freshly minted NXT champions; He's using his superstar presence to give the 'rub' to the other talent.

So putting Dean Ambrose in the ring with a man whose main job is to get talent more popularity is really puzzling...unless Dean leaving is just a work!

Could be legit #4: The WWE is crowded with talent

Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, and Alistair Black at Halftime Heat.

One thing is certainly true; In recent years, WWE has made a concerted effort to sign as many huge wrestling stars as possible.

From Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles to indie scene darlings Keith Lee and Ricochet, the WWE currently has one of the most stacked rosters in the history of pro wrestling--possibly THE most stacked roster since WCW had legends like Macho Man Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan under contract.

Given that there have been so many new hires, Dean Ambrose might be wanting to head to a new promotion where he can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. Add in the fact that many of these newer hires, like AJ Styles, have passed Dean by and entered the main event picture. This could be a reason why Dean's departure is for real.

Could be a work #5: His departure was hinted at in a WWE Chronicle episode

WWE's Chronicle program on their network flirts with breaking kayfabe.

For those of our readers who do not have a WWE network subscription, there is a series you may not be familiar with: WWE Chronicle. The idea is to follow around a WWE superstar, reality show style, and get their insights and develop their characters outside of the bombastic arena shows.

The program often flirts with breaking kayfabe, the 'let's pretend it's real' aspect so puzzling to non-wrestling fans. However, it still tows the WWE company line, and you will rarely hear anything that is truly buzz-worthy.

However, during Dean Ambrose's recent Chronicle episode, he made a cryptic statement that many believe points to his departure being a work.

“I’m just going to try and relax and enjoy this last trip around the world… because I got the feeling that this could very well be the last time.”

The WWE often plans things out well in advance, and this statement could have been 'setting the stage' for Dean's worked departure from the company.

Could be legit #5: Dean Ambrose's physical condition

Fans who only know Dean Ambrose from his WWE run may not be aware of his past deeds on the independent circuit. For a long time, he was involved with a promotion called CZW, or Combat Zone Wrestling.

CZW's main business model was to take what had been done in Extreme Championship Wrestling, the now defunct brand purchased by Vince McMahon, and make it even more over the top. Dean Ambrose was put through flaming tables, had fluorescent light tubes busted over his head, and took more chair shots than the law should allow.

Recently, he missed almost a year because of a triceps surgery. Worse, he contracted MRSA, a type of medication-resistant bacteria that has been plaguing hospitals for the last decade. Dean Ambrose even revealed that he nearly died from the illness following his surgery.

Given the immense amount of punishment his body has absorbed over the years, Dean Ambrose might really be calling it quits with the WWE, and all of wrestling for that matter. If he really is ending not just his WWE tenure but his entire wrestling career, it might explain why WWE is acknowledging his departure on television.

There you have it; Five reasons Dean Ambrose leaving the WWE might be a work, and five reasons it could be legitimate. What do you think about the Lunatic Fringe's future? Please comment and let us know and as always thanks for reading!

Edited by Rahul Arun