Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

This week the WWE will present the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view as a WWE Network exclusive and it's a wise business decision because it gives the fans an extra incentive to sign up for the free month of the digital streaming service. Obviously, after fans have subscribed, they would have the option to easily renew for future PPVs and even if it's just for a few events, it's still profit for the WWE. It's also a smart move to put Paul Heyman on the Stone Cold podcast in June because again, it's an incentive for the new subscribers from the free month to renew. While the Elimination Chamber provides the network with exclusive content, it puts the WWE in a tough spot from a booking prospective with just two weeks to build up another PPV and the chamber is the main selling point, but the WWE title picture is a unique situation.

Along with the chamber providing the network with an exclusive show, the WWE title match gives the event a new main event as well, considering that Ambrose was a sudden addition to the fatal four way at Payback and there hasn't been an Ambrose/Rollins title match yet. The WWE didn't have many options though because Rollins vs. Orton happened on PPV and Raw many times before, which is why Orton took the pin at Payback. Reigns/Rollins hasn't been done directly, but Reigns has spent the better part of a year around the main event picture and he would need to be somewhat rejuvenated for another push to the title to have any steam. Don't get me wrong, Reigns still has the potential to be a main event star, but after the initial push flopped, it makes sense for the WWE to distance him from the title picture before they rebuild the push. As I've said before, I think Ambrose has all the skills to be a major star for the WWE, but he doesn't exactly seem like a legitimate contender for the title, mostly because he hasn't won many matches prior to the sudden main event spot. Without the momentum of a legitimate push, there's not necessarily the believability that Ambrose could actually win the title.

However, the feud for the title provides Ambrose with an opportunity to show his skills in a more prominent role and evolve his character to suit a main event spot. As I've said previously, Ambrose blends a combination of Brian Pillman and Jake Roberts with his own style for promos, but he hasn't necessarily been given the opportunity to showcase the majority of his mic skills. Similar to Pillman and to some degree Terry Funk, Ambrose showed a level of intensity and a sense of danger with his character during certain angles, but it's been somewhat limited in the PG environment. More specifically, the attempted comical angles that were on Raw a few months ago with Ambrose talking to a mannequin and the exploding briefcase almost dilute his character. Ambrose could be a main event star, but to be perceived as a legitimate contender, Ambrose should get the opportunity to present his character as a serious threat to the title. There can be some comic elements or segments, but if Ambrose isn't booked with an edge his persona, it could hinder his progress to become an established main event competitor. I don't think Ambrose will win the title at the PPV, but it will be interesting to see how it's booked and the finish of the match because he should remain strong for the feud since there could definitely be more mileage from Ambrose/Rollins. Regardless of the result, the WWE title match should be solid and it should be a good event, despite the lack of a build up because there should be some good action for the show.