In the high-octane world of professional wrestling, few stars have sparked as much intrigue and fervor as Dean Ambrose, now wrestling under the moniker Jon Moxley in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite his departure from WWE five years ago, the echoes of Ambrose’s tenure, especially as The Lunatic Fringe, continue to reverberate through the corridors of the Stamford-based promotion. The upcoming NXT Roadblock is set to stoke the flames of nostalgia, promising a spectacle that not only honors the legacy of Ambrose but also teases the tantalizing prospect of his wrestling philosophy returning to the WWE ring.
A Salute to The Lunatic Fringe: The Asylum Match Returns
NXT Roadblock is gearing up to be a battleground of intense rivalry with Dijak and Joe Gacy locking horns in an Asylum Match. This match stipulation, closely associated with Ambrose following his unforgettable clash against Chris Jericho at Extreme Rules 2016, is a testament to the enduring impact of Ambrose’s legacy. Dijak’s recent announcement on X/Twitter, revealing his intention to study Ambrose’s tapes ahead of the match, has set the stage for what might be a heart-stirring homage to The Lunatic Fringe.
"Dean Ambrose… Dean… James Dean. Ambrose. AMBROSE! Dean Ambrose is strong baaby!
— Dusty Rhodes giving Jon Moxley his new name.
“Dean? What am I? a frat boy?”
— Moxley's response. pic.twitter.com/fJEsC0bGJ5
— Allan (@allan_cheapshot) March 3, 2024
The speculation around Dijak paying tribute to Ambrose during his bout with Gacy is rife with possibilities. From reenacting iconic moments to executing Ambrose’s signature moves, the homage could serve as a bridge connecting WWE’s past, present, and future. While WWE might steer clear of explicitly mentioning the AEW star, Dijak’s actions within the squared circle could subtly honor Ambrose, eliciting a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans.
The Ever-Present Question: Will Ambrose Return to WWE?
Jon Moxley’s departure from WWE in 2019 marked the end of an era. Citing creative differences with the then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Moxley sought pastures anew in AEW, where he has flourished. Yet, the question of his potential return to WWE is one that lingers, fueled by the seismic shifts within the company’s creative landscape. With McMahon’s departure and Triple H’s ascendancy to the helm of WWE’s creative direction, the stage seems set for a new chapter that could potentially welcome back prodigal talents like Moxley.
The transformation under Triple H’s leadership hints at a WWE more attuned to the aspirations and creative visions of its wrestlers. For Moxley, this could mean a return on his own terms, a scenario where his creative inputs find the respect and consideration they deserve. Although a return might not be on the immediate horizon, the possibility remains a beacon for fans dreaming of seeing The Lunatic Fringe once again grace the WWE universe.
Conclusion: A Legacy Unbroken
As NXT Roadblock approaches, the anticipation builds not just for the spectacle of the Asylum Match but for the broader narrative it represents — a narrative of homage, legacy, and the undying connection between a wrestler and the fans. Whether through a subtle tribute in the ring or the speculative whispers of a return, Dean Ambrose’s influence on WWE is indelible. As the lines between past and present blur, one thing remains clear: the legacy of The Lunatic Fringe continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought in the ever-evolving saga of professional wrestling.
