Following a report from PW Torch, WWE was quick to confirm that Dean Ambrose will indeed be leaving the promotion when his contract expires following WrestleMania 35.

And with that, a run with the WWE that began in 2011 for Ambrose is about to come to an end. The former WWE Champion and beloved member of The Shield is deciding to move on and explore other opportunities.

So how did other superstars backstage address the news? According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlingInc.com), Some talents believe the whole Ambrose saga is a work, given how WWE addressed his looming departure on their website. This includes most members from the creative team.

That said, some superstars knew about it before this week's episode of Monday Night Raw. One unnamed superstar told PW Torch that Ambrose grew tired of portraying a "hokey character," which influenced his decision to leave.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that Ambrose rejected a five-year deal, which offered him seven figures annually. Per Meltzer, Ambrose simply isn't worried about the money. So we know that the pay obviously wasn't a factor in his decision to part ways when Ambrose's current deal expires.

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It's also worth noting that Raw commentator Renee Young, Ambrose's wife, posted this photo with a very kind caption on her Instagram page.

Ambrose missed eight months after suffering a torn triceps tear in Dec. 2017. He finally returned to television in August, but he turned on long-time partner Seth Rollins a couple of months later and became a heel.

But Ambrose's heel turn hasn't garnered much of a spark, and fans and pundits have been highly critical of it. Perhaps this failed heel run was the last straw for 'The Lunatic', who has simply decided he's had enough in WWE.

What This Means

Losing a main event star in Ambrose will hurt the WWE, but the former WWE Champion has to do what's best for him. He'll be the most sought-after free agent in wrestling, and Ambrose should have no problem securing a role with a rival promotion - one that will let him portray a character that he's happy with.

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