The WWE locker room was dealt some surprising news earlier this week, when it was announced that former WWE Champion Dean Ambrose is set to leave when his contrct expires after WrestleMania 35.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that some superstars thought the whole thing was a work, but others were informed before Raw aired on Monday. It was later added by Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com that Ambrose rejected a five-year deal that would have paid him seven figures annually.

Well, news of Ambrose's looming departure caught WWE veteran superstar Dolph Ziggler by surprise, and he also had a tough time believing it at first. Ziggler explained his reaction on Busted Open (h/t WrestlingInc.com):

"I think he heard about my hiatus and he was just trying to one-up me. You know what? I'm gone for twenty years! Yeah, that was very surprising to me. I don't know too many people who are close with him to have any insight, I really wouldn't want to guess anything...

I thought, 'That guy's always got something going on with WWE. He's always in a prominent role, doing something great, he seems beloved by the fans.' So, yeah, I did not see that coming. Some people like to move on and do some other stuff, I understand."

There have also been rumors about Ziggler being discontent in WWE and also looking to leave soon, but he didn't drop any hints there. Could he and Ambrose wind up together in All Elite Wrestling? That remains to be seen, but it's certainly a possibility that shouldn't be ruled out.

Pro Wrestling Torch was first to break news about Ambrose's pending departure, and WWE.com released a statement to confirm it shortly after. Per PW Torch, Ambrose's decision to leave stems from discontent with his character, and one unnamed superstar said he's tired of portraying a "hokey" role.

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Ambrose turned heel back in October and has been feuding with long-time Shield counterpart Seth Rollins, but the fans and pundits haven't been very sold on it. With the heel turn failing to provide much of a spark for The Lunatic, perhaps he grew unhappy and realized he'd be better off elsewhere.

It's been an excellent run for Ambrose in the WWE, and he should earn a spot in the Hall of Fame someday. But his tenure won't end on the greatest of notes, which is unfortunate. He's done a lot for WWE, but all good things must come to an end.

What This Means

Ambrose seemed to be quite popular and respected in that WWE locker room, so his departure is going to leave a void that must be filled by someone else. But the 33-year-old superstar deserves credit for sticking true to himself and doing what's best for him, rather than chasing the money.

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