WWE Fastlane Predictions: Bad News Barrett (C) vs. Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship
By Mike Smith
At WWE Fastlane, Bad News Barrett defends his Intercontinental Championship against Dean Ambrose.
This all started the night after WWE Royal Rumble, when Raw was “snowed in” at WWE Headquarters. Ambrose walked to Stamford, CT, which is not a short walk from where he and the rest of the talent were, in Hartford.
Ambrose would later say that he noticed a wall during his tour of Headquarters, a wall adorned with pictures of every Intercontinental Champion in history, and said he wanted his face on that wall. Ever since then, Ambrose has been hellbent on getting that match, but Barrett hasn’t been interested.
This past Monday on Raw, Ambrose had a contract for the match made up, and Barrett signed it, but only after Ambrose zip-tied him to the ringpost and guided his hand through a very sloppy “BNB”.
So, will Ambrose get his face on that wall? Will Barrett keep The Lunatic Fringe at bay? Rob Wolkenbrod, Jordan Campbell, Callum Wiggins, Tim Sherry, and Mike Smith have some predictions:
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Rob’s Take: The majority of this feud has featured Ambrose getting the upper-hand on Barrett from the contract signing to the numerous losses that BNB has took to look vulnerable. In typical WWE booking fashion, this probably means that Barrett is going to retain his title on Sunday. However, I think we’re going to see rematch of this at WrestleMania.
Rob’s Prediction: Bad News Barrett
Jordan’s Take: Both Ambrose and Barrett have a bright future in WWE. The work between these two superstars during their feud has been excellent. But, Ambrose needs a win here. Ambrose has technically lost his last two feuds against Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt. There is a concern that Ambrose is being overlooked but that should change with a victory on Sunday. Ambrose should have an extended run with the Intercontinental Championship.
Jordan’s Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Callum’s Take: The Intercontinental Championship is receiving a lot less love and attention since Dolph Ziggler lost the belt to Barrett. The Brit has seldom competed in big matches, and has lost a significant amount to eminent talent whilst in possession of the belt. Ambrose at least has worked to try and build up its reputation again by looking to join the group of WWE’s greatest champions by capturing the belt.
I’m not to certain as to what the quality of this match will be. Barrett looks to be in the best shape of his career, whilst Ambrose has been one of the most exciting parts of WWE over the past year with his unpredictable behavior. As such, this result is equally unpredictable, but I assume Barrett will hold onto his title for now due to having only captured it a short time ago.
Callum’s Prediction: Bad News Barrett
Tim’s Take: This feud between two of WWE’s most talented in-ring and vocal performers is just getting started. This should be a hard-hitting, back and forth, physical affair. Look for Barrett to pull this one out with some form of trickery (i.e. hooking the tights, using the ropes for leverage) leaving Ambrose enraged and continuing this feud to WrestleMania where Ambrose will take the strap.
Tim’s Prediction: Bad News Barrett
Mike’s Take: I liked the beginning of this feud. Ambrose wanting to get his face on the prestigious wall of Intercontinental Champions makes the title seem important. I even liked Barrett saying he doesn’t deserve it, especially considering that Ambrose has lost a lot of momentum in recent months.
That said, the way Ambrose got him to sign the contract was bad, made-good by the fact that Ambrose is an amazing performer, and he can make just about anything good.
I think, after all that lost momentum, Ambrose needs a win here, and he can’t afford to wait until WrestleMania.
Mike’s Prediction: Dean Ambrose
We are 3-2, in favor of Barret. Who do you think will walk out of Fastlane as Intercontinental Champion – Barrett or Ambrose? Let us know in the comments section below.
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