Dean Ambrose Vs. Chris Jericho: A WWE Rivalry
The feud between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho in WWE was a captivating clash of personalities and wrestling styles. These two extremely talented superstars delivered memorable matches and promos, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. This article explores the details of their rivalry, highlighting the key moments and matches that defined their feud. Let's dive into what made this such an exciting chapter in WWE history.
The Genesis of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Dean Ambrose, the Lunatic Fringe, and Chris Jericho, the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla, began to take shape in early 2016. At this point, both wrestlers were established stars but were looking for a fresh, compelling storyline to sink their teeth into. Dean Ambrose had already made a name for himself with his unpredictable nature and willingness to push the boundaries, while Chris Jericho was a seasoned veteran known for his incredible versatility and ability to reinvent himself.
The initial spark was lit during an episode of "Monday Night Raw". Jericho, ever the attention-seeker, was in the midst of his "Highlight Reel" segment, a talk show format that allowed him to verbally spar with fellow wrestlers. Ambrose interrupted Jericho's segment, criticizing his arrogance and self-importance. This confrontation quickly escalated into a heated exchange, with both men trading barbs and insults. The tension was palpable, and it was clear to everyone watching that this was the beginning of something big.
Their contrasting personalities were a major factor in the feud's appeal. Ambrose was portrayed as the unhinged, unpredictable rebel, while Jericho was the condescending, self-proclaimed "best in the world". These stark differences made their interactions all the more compelling, as fans eagerly anticipated their next confrontation. The promos between Ambrose and Jericho were a highlight of the rivalry, showcasing their exceptional mic skills and ability to generate heat. They masterfully played their respective roles, drawing the audience deeper into their personal conflict.
Key Moments and Matches
Asylum Match at Extreme Rules 2016
One of the most memorable matches in the Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry was the Asylum Match at Extreme Rules in 2016. This match was contested inside a steel cage, with various weapons hanging above the ring. This stipulation perfectly suited the chaotic and violent nature of their feud. The weapons included a mop, a fire extinguisher, a straight jacket, and of course, Mitch the Potted Plant. It was brutal and intense, with both superstars taking a great amount of punishment.
The match was filled with creative and shocking moments. The use of the weapons added a unique element to the encounter, as both Ambrose and Jericho found innovative ways to inflict pain on each other. The climax of the match saw Ambrose delivering Dirty Deeds onto a pile of thumbtacks, securing the victory. The Asylum Match was a standout moment in their rivalry, showcasing their willingness to go to extreme lengths to defeat each other.
Other Memorable Encounters
Besides the Asylum Match, Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho had several other noteworthy encounters. Their matches on "Monday Night Raw" and "SmackDown" were consistently entertaining, featuring a mix of technical wrestling, brawling, and high-impact moves. Their promos were equally captivating, as they continued to trade insults and mind games. One particular segment that stood out was when Ambrose destroyed Jericho's prized light-up jacket, a symbol of his vanity and ego. This act of defiance further fueled the animosity between the two.
Another memorable moment was when Jericho attacked Ambrose with a Codebreaker on a pile of chairs. This brutal assault left Ambrose severely injured and added another layer of intensity to their feud. These encounters helped to build anticipation for their bigger matches, as fans eagerly awaited the next chapter in their rivalry.
The Impact and Aftermath
The Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry had a significant impact on both superstars' careers. For Dean Ambrose, the feud helped to solidify his position as a main event player in WWE. His victory over Jericho at Extreme Rules was a major milestone, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. The rivalry also allowed Ambrose to showcase his creativity and charisma, further endearing him to the WWE audience.
For Chris Jericho, the feud with Ambrose was another example of his incredible adaptability and longevity in the wrestling business. He proved that he could still hang with the younger generation of superstars, delivering memorable performances night after night. The rivalry also allowed Jericho to explore new aspects of his character, as he embraced the role of the arrogant and villainous veteran. His work with Ambrose was widely praised by fans and critics alike, solidifying his status as one of the greatest performers of all time.
After their feud ended, both Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho went on to have successful careers in WWE. Ambrose eventually won the WWE Championship, while Jericho continued to reinvent himself with various gimmicks and storylines. Their rivalry remains a highlight of their respective careers, a testament to their talent and dedication to the wrestling business. The Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry was a classic example of how a well-crafted storyline can elevate both superstars involved, creating a lasting impact on the WWE universe.
Why This Rivalry Worked
Several factors contributed to the success of the Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry. First and foremost, the chemistry between the two superstars was undeniable. They had a natural rapport with each other, which translated into compelling matches and promos. Their contrasting personalities also played a major role, as their differences created a dynamic and unpredictable conflict. Dean Ambrose, known for his erratic and unpredictable behavior, contrasted sharply with Chris Jericho's calculated and often condescending persona. This clash of styles made their interactions particularly intriguing.
Another key factor was the creative storytelling involved in the feud. The writers did a great job of building the tension between Ambrose and Jericho, using a combination of verbal exchanges, physical altercations, and shocking moments. The use of weapons and stipulations, such as the Asylum Match, added an element of danger and excitement to their encounters. The storyline was also well-paced, with each segment and match building upon the previous one, creating a sense of anticipation and investment from the fans.
The performances of both superstars were also crucial to the rivalry's success. Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho are both exceptional performers, with the ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level. They were fully committed to their respective roles, delivering convincing and entertaining performances week after week. Their ability to improvise and adapt to the situation also added to the authenticity of the rivalry, making it feel more real and personal.
Memorable Promos and Quotes
The promos between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho were a highlight of their rivalry, showcasing their exceptional mic skills and ability to generate heat. One memorable quote from Jericho was his constant proclamation that he was the "best in the world at what he does". This arrogant statement perfectly encapsulated his character and served as a constant source of irritation for Ambrose.
Ambrose, on the other hand, was known for his unpredictable and often nonsensical promos. He would often ramble on about random topics, confusing and frustrating Jericho in the process. One memorable promo saw Ambrose talking about his love for potted plants, which led to the introduction of "Mitch the Potted Plant" as a recurring character in the feud. These promos were not only entertaining but also helped to establish the unique personalities of both superstars.
The back-and-forth banter between Ambrose and Jericho was consistently witty and engaging, keeping fans entertained and invested in their rivalry. Their ability to think on their feet and deliver memorable lines was a testament to their skill and experience as performers. The promos were an essential part of the feud, adding depth and complexity to the storyline.
The Legacy of Ambrose vs. Jericho
The Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry left a lasting impact on WWE and its fans. It was a classic example of how a well-crafted storyline can elevate both superstars involved, creating a memorable and entertaining experience. The feud helped to solidify Dean Ambrose's position as a main event player in WWE, while also showcasing Chris Jericho's incredible versatility and longevity in the wrestling business. Their matches and promos are still talked about today, a testament to the quality and impact of their rivalry.
The feud also demonstrated the importance of chemistry and storytelling in professional wrestling. Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho had a natural rapport with each other, which translated into compelling matches and promos. The storyline was well-paced and engaging, keeping fans invested in the conflict between the two superstars. The use of weapons and stipulations added an element of danger and excitement to their encounters, making them even more memorable.
The legacy of the Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho rivalry extends beyond the matches and promos. It also serves as an example of how to create a compelling and engaging storyline that resonates with the audience. The feud was a masterclass in character development, storytelling, and in-ring performance, making it a standout moment in WWE history. Their rivalry remains a highlight of their respective careers, a testament to their talent and dedication to the wrestling business.