5 things Dean Ambrose could do once his WWE contract expires

On January 29, WWE did something that's never been seen before by the company.

After months of speculation, the company openly admitted that former WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose, would not be renewing his contract, and is due to leave the Sports Entertainment juggernaut after WrestleMania 35.

The company has never been this open before about a Superstar leaving, never mind one of their top talents.

But with Ambrose leaving, speculation has been running wild, on what the Lunatic Fringe will do next in his incredible wrestling career that began in 2004.

Here are five things Dean Ambrose could do, when his contract with the WWE comes to an end.

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#5 Sign a new contract

The Lunatic Fringe captured the WWE World Title at Money in the Bank 2016.

This may seem a tad obvious, but there is still the possibility of Dean Ambrose returning to WWE once his contract expires.

This is no doubt what the company is hoping for, as the Lunatic Fringe has certainly been a huge star since his debut on the main roster just over six years ago.

A triple crown champion, Ambrose's star has, ironically, only become bigger since the company announced his departure, and if he doesn't sign, he would easily be one of the hottest free agents in a period of wrestling where there's more competition for WWE than ever before.

If the WWE do re-sign him though, the contract will certainly have to be something special.

A lack of creative control reportedly caused Ambrose to not re-sign, so that will be a big thing the company will have to change if they hope to retain one of their most unique and popular Superstars in recent years.

#2 Return to the indies

Ambrose, as Jon Moxley against current Impact star Sami Callihan in Combat Zone Wrestling.

Ambrose may have appeared on the WWE's main roster at Survivor Series 2012, but that wasn't the first time fans caught a glimpse of the future World Champion.

Before entering the company, Dean Ambrose was a huge star as Jon Moxley, competing in promotions such as CZW, where he made a name for himself in death matches.

It's no secret that the WWE has had to restrain the Lunatic Fringe, in order for him to work with their PG, family entertainment programming.

On the indies, Ambrose would be free to push himself like never before, both from a physical point of view and as a character as well.

With there being no shortage of indie promotions in the U.S. right now, and even more globally, the former champion wouldn't have any trouble finding work.

3: Leave wrestling

Could the Lunatic Fringe hang up his boots after an incredible 14 years as a professional wrestler

There's an old adage: All good things must come to an end, and for Dean Ambrose, this departure may be the end of his wrestling career.

I don't think any of us could blame Ambrose, as the man began his career 15 years ago, and outside of WWE, has competed in some truly barbaric matches, which must have taken a toll on his body.

Now 33 years old, Ambrose is considered old for a wrestler, but still has a lifetime away from the ring ahead of him.

Though he is billed as being a luantic on screen, it's clear that Ambrose is a highly intelligent person, and could put that brain of his to use throughout many business ventures, that would definitely be helped by having his huge name attached to them.

#2 Return to acting

Ambrose made his acting debut in 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown, as the grizzled John Shaw.

Dean Ambrose is an accomplished wrestler, but few fans may also know him as an actor.

But in 2015, The Shield member was able to show off his acting chops, when he played John Shaw in 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown.

Taking the franchise over from the likes of Randy Orton and John Cena, Ambrose impressed many with his acting skills, sharing the screen with veteran actors such as Daniel Cudmore (X-Men) Bill Dow (Stargate) and Roger Cross (24).

If he is to leave the WWE, acting could definitely be a viable option for Ambrose, as his name and star power would instantly make him a draw for many studios.

And he'd also be able to perform death-defying stunts, without having to face the bumps and injuries he's dealt with as a WWE Superstar.

#1 Sign with All Elite Wrestling

Could Ambrose be the next huge WWE star to sign with the new promotion?

Ever since AEW popped up on January 1, this year, fans have wondered who from WWE would jump ship to the new promotion founded by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks.

And for many fans, any Superstar who has shown even a hint at being annoyed at the WWE is apparently destined to wind up in AEW.

Ambrose signing with the new promotion would obviously be a huge deal for AEW, as fans have remained loyal to the former WWE Champion throughout his career, and would presumably be just as loyal once he chooses to leave WWE.

The company already boasts huge former WWE stars such as Neville/PAC, Billy Gunn, and most notably former WWE World Champion Chris Jericho.

Will Dean Ambrose be the next name added to that list?