#3 The Lone Wolf
The creative team may choose to make Dean stand on his own, and not join any faction. As a lone wolf, Dean wouldn't have the benefit of having someone in his corner, but he wouldn't have to worry about someone stabbing him in the back either.
Dean could also focus on any of the singles titles without worrying about hurting anyone's feelings. At the end of the year, if this is the path Dean chooses to follow, he might be the Universal Champion.
Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.