Dean Ambrose Says He Makes More Money Without the Shield

Dean Ambrose is probably tired of having to answer questions about a Shield reunion. Now that the Lunatic Fringe is back in business, at least for the moment, with Seth Rollins, the questions are only going to intensify. In a recent interview with The Herald Dispatch, Ambrose spoke fondly of his time with the Hounds of Justice, but admitted that in many ways, he’s better off without them.

“They threw us right to the wolves. We clicked immediately,” Ambrose said. “We go week to week. We’d figure it out, did a lot on the fly. It all worked out. It’s a means to an end. Three new guys come in and kick the door down. It’s very rare three personalities work like that. You could tell we resonate with people. I’ve made way more money, got a lot more things done, a lot more work without them.”

Up Next: Dean Ambrose Ruins The Mizzies

He’s got a point. When not having to split a merchandise sale three ways, there must be a lot more money heading into Ambrose’s pockets these days. Ambrose also commented on the value of holding a championship with the same carefree attitude you might expect from the WWE’s rebel without a care.

“You know they’ll come and go,” Ambrose said. “You long to hold a championship belt, know it’s going to leave and you work to get one again. One moment you win a battle royal, you battle with a kendo stick, whatever it is. I don’t know any other way. I’ve been doing it so long. How’s my body doing? Terrible, I feel like crap. Doing this for over than a decade, not bad.”

Ambrose also revealed his true passion as a WWE star, which is performing for the house show audiences.

“I live for house shows,” Ambrose said. “You go out there for the audience, and it’s just them for one night. The freedom you have, the intimacy between the audience and us is different.”

More: Seth Rollins Teases a Shield Reunion at WWE MSG

“It’s tough in any line of work to get to the top,” Ambrose said. “You can’t quit when times get rough. Things are going to happen to you. You have to believe in your abilities to do the stuff and put your nose to the grindstone. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow. I’ve had an incredible journey. I love to do what I’m doing. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world. All kinds of memories, stories.”

Yeah, we’d have to agree that he’s had a pretty amazing run.