Dean Ambrose, Wade Barrett, Seth Rollins and More from the Sleeper Mailbag

Dean Ambrose lost the Intercontinental Championship on Raw. In the '80s, this would have been a crushing blow, but not now. In fact, with Fastlane approaching, Ambrose without the Intercontinental Championship is great news.

Dean the Dream?

After dropping the Intercontinental Championship on Raw, Dean Ambrose's chances of winning at WWE Fastlane have increased. This is a smart move by WWE, as history dictates intercontinental champions do not main event WrestleManias.

By entering the Triple Threat match without the Intercontinental Championship, Ambrose is suddenly more of a sleeper to win the match at Fastlane and head to WrestleMania. While this choice may be popular with some fans, it would hurt the buildup to WrestleMania 32, as WWE would have to start from scratch with another feud.

WWE can no longer pull the rug from under Roman Reigns without serious long-term consequences. If he does not main event and win at WrestleMania, as has been reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), his window of opportunity is in danger of slamming shut.

WWE is running out of time to solidify Reigns as a top star and a world champion before fans—both casual and hardcore—tire of his chase.

2016 is Reigns' year. Ambrose will have his chances.

King of Japan?

Wade Barrett (AKA King Barrett) could fit in nicely in New Japan Pro Wrestling. His size and colorful personality would give him a new lease on life in a territory where less accomplished veterans—like Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson—flourished.

If these are the final days of Barrett in WWE, his story will always go down as a case of "what could have been." Barrett is a phenomenal talent who excels in every category necessary to be a perennial main eventer.

Unfortunately, Barrett had some of the worst timing in WWE history when it came to injuries. Just months before WrestleMania 28, Barrett suffered a dislocated elbow per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc).

Barrett then suffered a shoulder injury in June of 2014 shortly before he was scheduled to appear in WWE Money in the Bank, according to WWE.com. Had he stayed healthy, there's no telling what type of trajectory he could have had.

Perhaps a healthy run in a new setting, like New Japan Pro Wrestling, will be a good indicator of his full potential.

Don't Seth with Texas?

Seth Rollins still has a long way to go in his recovery from a torn ACL. WWE would be wise to keep him off television until it is time for him to come back. The more he appears on WWE programming, even for cameos and special appearances, the less impact his eventual return will have.

One of the most rewarding moments as a WWE Superstar is the comeback. Given the frequency of injuries and burnout in WWE, just about every major star in history has at least one memorable comeback to their name.

Steve Austin, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Lita, John Cena, Batista and Chris Jericho have all enjoyed brilliant returns, some more than others.

There is no offseason in WWE, so it's easy for fans to take WWE Superstars for granted when they are on television every week. While injuries are never ideal, they are often a blessing in disguise, as talent can recuperate and return with a fresh coat of paint.

Rollins can sit this WrestleMania out. As long as he slows down in the ring a bit, he should have several more opportunities to headline future WrestleManias.

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and an on-air host for Bleacher Report. Like him on Facebook and listen to him on WZDaily.