WWE Raw 5 Takeaways: Change Swooping Through Monday Nights

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4. Intercontinental Championship Adds More To Dean Ambrose’s Character

Dean Ambrose has taken to his recent heel turn like a duck takes to water, and it’s been a real highlight on an otherwise stale series of shows for the red brand.  The Lunatic Fringe has completely changed from his previous character to the point where he might be the best heel on Monday nights.

His ultimate betrayal of Seth Rollins led to a match between the two at TLC this past Sunday where Ambrose dethroned ‘The Architect’ to become the Intercontinental Champion.  Ambrose had plenty to talk about last night after his big win, including calling out Rollins for a face-to-face interaction where Ambrose wanted Rollins to tell him he was right all along.

Rollins never came out, so instead, Ambrose issued an open challenge for the Intercontinental Championship in Rollins fashion.  The challenge was answered by Tyler Breeze, an unexpected response to the challenge, but a welcomed one that gave the WWE universe a fresh matchup.  The match itself was pretty good from start to finish and Breeze pushed Ambrose pretty far, but ‘The Lunatic Fringe’ managed to keep his title in the end.

Ambrose got back on the mic after the match to address Rollins, but then Rollins jumped Ambrose from behind while dressed as one of Ambrose’s SWAT heavies.  ‘The Lunatic Fringe’ has already benefited from holding the Intercontinental Championship because it gives him more legitimacy.  He has a different side of confidence now and arrogance as well, which makes his character that much better.

Championships bring out more in superstars, and the same can be said for the former Shield brother turned cowardly enemy.