The news of John Cena returning to Madison Square Garden on December 26th to face AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose in a Triple Threat match means one thing – WWE doesn’t know what to do with this trio of superstars.
While Cena will still look to claim his 16th world title, matching Ric Flair’s hallowed record, Ambrose is the wild card that the company does not know how to use.
The main event match between the former WWE World Champion and Styles, who still wears the gold, is proof positive that there is no plan to take the belt off “The face that runs the place” anytime soon.
For now, Ambrose is trapped in a state of purgatory most wrestlers can never escape. Because of the lack of a main event roster and slim pickings in terms of depth on SmackDown Live’s list of competitors, Ambrose is guaranteed to be part of the plan involving Styles’ belt.
We can thank James Ellsworth for that. We all knew the man who has no business in the title picture would become involved in the end one way or another at the TLC pay-per-view on Sunday night.
SmackDown Live’s pay-per-view schedule is over for the year. The Royal Rumble is on the horizon and Styles figures to still walk into San Antonio wearing the title. Whether he defends the belt at the event or faces Shawn Michaels as it has been rumoured is anyone’s guess.
I suspect that there will be a match between Styles and Cena, with Cena walking away from Texas as the champion while matching Flair’s feat.
Still, that leaves Ambrose out in the cold with no title to challenge for. WWE must find suitable opponents to keep the former Shield member as the ever-popular anti-hero he has been portrayed to be since the Holy Trinity of stars split.
Here are five booking options for Ambrose now that TLC is over.
#1 John Cena
If it is the plan to put the belt on Cena in 2017 and do so early in the year, would the company make Ambrose the top contender? Cena’s status in WWE is unknown really, with the match on December 26th booked but the time frame for him to return to television action is unknown.
Also read: WWE Rumors: WWE could be building towards Dean Ambrose vs. Shane McMahon at "Wrestlemania 33"
Recent talk about his displeasure with management over the use of both Goldberg and The Undertaker may make for some stressful times for the leader of the brand. I like Ambrose and Cena in matches, as they have proven to have chemistry in the ring.
They also deliver in selling matches in promos. This might be the safest of all opponents for Ambrose and a win over Cena wold put him over once again with the fans.
#2 Baron Corbin
The Lone Wolf versus the Lunatic Fringe. This could be one of those under the radar feuds that gets better with each match. Corbin is on the record as saying that he is in WWE to make money, win titles and become the best in the company.
He has proven to be every bit a free spirit, by rubbing Daniel Bryan the wrong way and doing things contrary to protocol. Ambrose is a bit of a loose cannon himself. A feud like this is a solid proving ground for Corbin, who looked solid in his series with Dolph Ziggler and in his latest match with Kalisto.
A win or two over Ambrose could mean that he gets a shot at the World Title. It could also mean this is the type of feud that leads to a confrontation with Cena in the future.
#3 The Miz
Don’t misinterpret this. The Miz is becoming Chris Jericho before our eyes. The man who delivers in the ring, is solid on the mic and makes his opponents look great. I have always been a fan of the Intercontinental Champion.
I think he is underrated and adds a real value to the blue brand. He is keeping the mid card alive and well.
How will he do against Ambrose and how would Maryse become a part of this program? This is the type of feud that benefits The Miz more the Ambrose, but it still would prove to be an entertaining confrontation.
I think at some point the mocking of Daniel Bryan leads to a match between the general manager and The Miz. But for now, The Miz could be Ambrose’s next opponent.
#4 Randy Orton
The newest member of the Wyatt Family looks to prove his relevance on the blue team. I suspect at some point, “The Viper” will turn on his leader – creating a feud between the two. For now, he and Bray Wyatt make a pretty formidable team. And then, there is Luke Harper.
I’m not sure if this new union of Orton and Wyatt will last after the Royal Rumble, but for now, Orton could prove to be a formidable opponent for Ambrose. Orton’s greatest asset is his versatility. Whether he is a babyface or a heel, The Viper can strike at any time.
I also suspect if Ambrose wins the WWE World Title, Orton will become one of the top contenders for the title. There has been tension between these two in the past – will it finally come to a head in the ring?
#5 James Ellsworth
Now that the mascot of SmackDown Live cost Ambrose the WWE World title, it is almost a given that Ambrose will seek revenge for losing the TLC match. I said this before in an article that Ellsworth’s 15 minutes of fame were up a long time ago.
But as we all have seen, I was wrong.
This is the reason I dislike these storylines. Ellsworth is the fly in the ointment of the title picture. Now that he has beaten Styles in a ladder match and helped Styles retain his title Sunday night, what happens next? Ambrose will and should be seeking revenge in every way possible.
If Ellsworth was thought to be a bit-player, he has gotten another lifeline. Styles will move on to another contender. Ambrose will have to deal with the man who cost him a chance at glory.
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