Dean Ambrose: Top Match, Moment and More for WWE Superstar of the Week of Feb. 6

On the Road to WrestleMania, there aren't many spots in the rarefied air of the main event picture. With part-timers often returning to the active roster, there's even more competition for the stars of tomorrow attempting to make their way to the upper echelons of the industry.

Especially considering recent injury woes, there's no better time than the present for talented wrestlers lurking just beneath world title contention to stake their claim for a better spot. Over the last seven days, we've seen Dean Ambrose do just that.

Honourable Mentions

This week, a major honourable mention has to go out to The Miz. The former WWE Champion has been subject to plenty of criticism over the course of his career, but he demonstrated he's far from the rookie performer he once was.

Over the course of an inspired promo segment on Monday and a serviceable match on Thursday, The Miz did more than anyone else so far to make a crowd care about AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One can certainly deliver in the ring, but Miz helped lay some important groundwork in establishing him in front of a new audience.

The main event of WrestleMania seemed like too high of a ceiling for The Miz when he beat John Cena at the 2011 edition of the show. However, in a role in which his exemplary character work can shine, he's a real asset to have on hand.

WWE Superstar of the Week of February 6: Dean Ambrose

Credit: WWE.com

The fans have long been behind Dean Ambrose, but a glass ceiling has prevented him from rising above the status of Roman Reigns' best mate. Thankfully, a strong showing at January's Royal Rumble and his excellent follow-up to that seem to suggest times are changing for the Lunatic Fringe.

Ambrose has the necessary skills between the ropes and a mastery of the mic that goes far beyond what we've seen from him up until now. Combined with his connection with audiences, he's a perfect candidate for the main event—and this week, he carried the presence of a top-tier talent.

Dean Ambrose's Defining Moment for the Week of February 6: Standing Up to the Beast Incarnate on Monday Night Raw

Months of promos from The Authority, with predictable interventions from Roman Reigns, meant the opening to this week's edition of Raw had all the more impact. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman made their entrance to kick off the show—but Ambrose would soon head to the ring.

Speaking about his desire to head to Suplex City and the fact he's going to endure whatever Lesnar can throw at him, Ambrose single-handedly sold the main event of Fastlane to a receptive audience.

The Triple Threat we're scheduled to see was always going to be a great match, but Ambrose gave it some important context. Having lived to tell the tale of his battle with Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble, his words carried all the more weight.

This segment was given a little extra nuance thanks to Heyman's considered silence through Ambrose's exposition. The fact Lesnar's associate stood and listened to the Intercontinental champion's piece certainly added to its impact.

Everything about the way Raw opened was a breath of fresh air. It refrained from occupying the same territory we often see retreaded, all the while keeping focus on wrestlers the crowd is interested in seeing and the all-important WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Social Response

Ambrose's spirited speech from Raw certainly garnered a large amount of praise on social media—perhaps unsurprisingly given how popular Ambrose seems to be on the Internet.

"

If you liked that confrontation between Dean Ambrose and Brock Lesnar, GIMME A HELL YEAH!!!!! I always wanted to see that! #RAW #WWEFastlane

— Alexander N. Miller (@dontbackdownANM) February 2, 2016"

However, he also received some plaudits for his tag team work with Roman Reigns, which was put to good use in the main event matches for both Raw and SmackDown.

This seems to be an ideal method of asking questions about the relationship between the two, which will be given a supreme test at Fastlane. Monday Night Raw saw the pair pick up a win over The New Day, only for The Beast to make his presence felt.

"

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. The New Day? See what I'm saying!?? They're keeping Reigns AROUND Ambrose on purpose! #RAW @WWE

— Dalyxman's World (@The_Dalyxman) February 2, 2016"

On SmackDown we saw the Lunatic Fringe and the Juggernaut team up against Rusev and Alberto Del Rio of the League of Nations. However, the match was largely built around teasing a rift between the two fan favourites.

The League of Nations seems to have cooled already, and the stable simply isn't being considered as big a threat as it should given its members. The group isn't beyond saving just yet, but there's certainly rehab that needs to be done.

All in all, Ambrose certainly did something right this week—Twitter has been flooded with calls for him to take that crucial spot in the main event of WrestleMania.

"

Dean Ambrose Should Face Triple H At #WrestleMania ?

— Sloom (@Sloomzo) February 5, 2016"

Who's your pick for the best all-around WWE competitor of the past week? Let us know your answer in the comments section below.