Dean Ambrose, Curtis Axel and the Stagnant WWE Midcard Champions

If all things were equal in professional wrestling, Dean Ambrose would be the No. 1 contender for Alberto Del Rio’s WWE World Heavyweight title.

If all things were equal, Curtis Axel would be in the face of John Cena right about now, as a “Paul Heyman guy,” trying to capture the WWE title at SummerSlam.

As we know, both of those things are not on the card in Los Angeles and may be a long way off from ever coming to fruition. If they happen at all.

Back in the day, there was so much importance placed on who was No. 2 in a wrestling promotion because it, more times than not, meant a battle of title holders and a great series of matches. But in Vince McMahon’s circus called the WWE, he forgot that the idea of a true top contender in the company is crucial to seeing a true story being told.

This is why I loved the NWA. Magnum T.A. challenged Ric Flair. Roddy Piper challenged Jack Brisco. Dusty Rhodes challenged Terry Funk Jr.

You get the idea.

While both Ambrose and Axel are great heel wrestlers in a place and time where we need to see a little less talk and a lot more action, it is unfortunate neither will ascend to the top of the WWE food chain in the near future.

Let me make this clear, though: Ambrose would be my choice to reach the plateau first. He is more charismatic, a better talker, and has those two “hounds” who circle around him to “protect” the title.

Because the WWE has become a “WWE title or bust” or “World title or bust”-type of outfit, there are not enough strong contenders to challenge for the midcard titles. Back in the day, Nikita Koloff and Tully Blanchard, or Sting and Muta, or even Bob Orton, Jr. and Dick Slater would battle it out (on television) and it would get the same coverage as if it were the biggest title of the NWA promotion.

No such luck here, boys and girls.

The company wasted potential feuds with Antonio Cesaro and Ryback, where Ryback could have won the United States title and worked on his “game,” thus allowing him to rise in the ranks at a more steady rate than being rushed to the main event.

And the thought of a former World champion like a Sheamus or Randy Orton holding the second-tier title not being an option is nuts. Ask The Miz or Chris Jericho their opinions about holding WWE gold. It’s all about a title in every case.

For now, the WWE has a great situation with the development of two great midcard heel champions. But in a short amount of time, Axel and Ambrose will get antsy for a little taste of what it’s like to be on top of the WWE ladder.

If the company does not allow that to happen, two great careers could come to a halt. Again, the WWE will show its lack of faith in characters who look the part but aren't allowed to act the part.