In the world of professional wrestling, there are moments that live on in infamy, sparking debates, discussions, and lingering questions that fans continue to revisit for years. One such moment occurred 9 years ago today, as WWE fans were treated to one of the most controversial finishes in recent memory. On that day, Dean Ambrose, known for his unpredictability and reckless fighting style, almost captured the WWE Championship from the hands of Triple H in a high-stakes match that had fans on the edge of their seats. However, what should have been a glorious moment in Ambrose’s career quickly turned into a frustrating disappointment, as the referee’s decision to deny the pin due to Ambrose’s foot being under the ropes led to Triple H successfully defending the championship.
This moment from WWE’s past is not only remembered for its dramatic outcome but also for the waves it made in the wrestling world, as it opened up discussions about refereeing, championship rules, and the consequences of controversial finishes. So, let’s dive deep into this unforgettable episode, exploring the buildup to the match, the aftermath of that controversial moment, and the broader implications for both wrestlers involved.
### The Build-Up to the Title Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Triple H
By 2016, Dean Ambrose had become one of WWE’s most beloved and unpredictable Superstars. Known for his chaotic, no-holds-barred fighting style, Ambrose had built a reputation for taking on anyone, anywhere, and at any time. His run as WWE World Heavyweight Champion was long overdue, and fans were desperate to see him claim the prestigious title. The year 2016 marked a pivotal point in Ambrose’s career, as he was thrust into the spotlight, entering into a major rivalry with none other than Triple H, one of WWE’s most seasoned and dominant figures.
The road to the match was paved with tension, both in the ring and in the ring’s backstage politics. Ambrose’s role as a fan favorite, combined with his unpredictable nature, made him the perfect foil for Triple H, who was the embodiment of control, dominance, and authority. This rivalry built steadily throughout the year, leading to the highly anticipated match at _WrestleMania 32_, where Triple H was the defending WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The build-up was filled with dramatic promos, confrontations, and in-ring brawls, as Ambrose and Triple H engaged in a feud that blurred the lines between personal animosity and championship aspirations. Ambrose’s relentless pursuit of the title was a central theme, and the WWE Universe was behind him every step of the way. Meanwhile, Triple H, whose career had seen highs and lows over the years, looked to solidify his legacy by keeping hold of the title and proving that he was still the dominant force in the company.
### The Match: A High-Stakes Battle with Controversial Consequences
When _WrestleMania 32_ arrived, fans packed into AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ready to witness one of the biggest and most anticipated matches of the night: Triple H defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Dean Ambrose. The match had all the makings of an instant classic, with Ambrose bringing his wild, unpredictable style against the cerebral, calculated approach of Triple H. The crowd was electrified, knowing they were witnessing a contest that could define the future of WWE.
From the start, the match was a brutal and fast-paced encounter. Ambrose threw everything he had at Triple H, using every weapon at his disposal—chairs, kendo sticks, and even the steel ring steps. Meanwhile, Triple H was no slouch, countering Ambrose’s chaotic offense with his calculated, ruthless style. Each Superstar was determined to walk out as the champion, and they gave everything in the ring.
As the match progressed, the intensity only increased. Ambrose, known for his resilience, took the fight to Triple H, refusing to stay down. He landed a brutal _Dirty Deeds_ (his finishing maneuver) on Triple H, and the crowd went wild, thinking that Ambrose had done enough to secure the win. The referee counted—one, two, three—but something unexpected happened: the referee immediately stopped the count.
The match came to a screeching halt, as the referee noticed that Ambrose’s foot had unintentionally slipped under the bottom rope during the pinfall. According to WWE’s official rules, if a wrestler’s foot is under the ropes during a pinfall, the pin is considered invalid. The referee ruled that Ambrose’s pin didn’t count, despite the fact that many fans believed Ambrose had done enough to win. This decision led to a flurry of boos from the crowd and created immediate confusion in the arena.
### The Aftermath: Triple H Retains the Championship
Following the controversial call, the match continued, and despite Ambrose’s best efforts, Triple H would go on to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Ambrose’s hopes of capturing his first WWE Championship were dashed by what many fans felt was an unfair decision by the referee. Triple H’s ability to weather the storm and outlast Ambrose in the ring solidified his position as the champion, but the controversy surrounding the finish left fans frustrated.
For Ambrose, the loss was more than just a setback—it was a painful reminder of how elusive the WWE Championship could be. Many saw this as a turning point in his career, with the controversial finish fueling even more animosity towards Triple H and WWE management. Ambrose’s struggle to win the title would continue, but the emotional toll of losing in such a fashion became an unforgettable moment in his journey.
For Triple H, retaining the championship allowed him to prove that he still had the ability to hold onto the top title in WWE, despite the odds being against him. However, the match also highlighted some of the frustrations fans had with the _WrestleMania 32_ main event scene. While the contest between Ambrose and Triple H was certainly a thrilling one, the controversial finish left a sour taste in the mouths of many WWE fans, who had invested heavily in Ambrose’s rise.
### The Legacy of the Controversial Finish
Nine years later, this match and its controversial finish are still discussed by wrestling fans and analysts alike. The referee’s decision to deny Ambrose the win because of his foot being under the ropes remains a key talking point in WWE history. This incident is often cited in discussions about questionable finishes and how they affect the legacy of a match, especially when it involves a high-profile title bout.
The moment also highlighted the challenges that come with officiating in professional wrestling. While the rules are clear regarding the ropes during a pinfall, many fans argued that the referee could have let the match continue, given the stakes and the sheer effort both Superstars put into the contest. This raised questions about how referees interpret the rules in certain situations, and whether sometimes the “spirit of the match” should take precedence over strict adherence to the rules.
For Ambrose, the match was a defining moment in his career. While he would eventually go on to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2016, this match at _WrestleMania 32_ was a frustrating and pivotal experience in his pursuit of the title. The loss served as a stepping stone in his journey, one that eventually led to him overcoming the odds and solidifying his place as one of WWE’s top stars.
### Triple H and the Aftermath: Moving Forward as Champion
For Triple H, retaining the championship was a significant achievement, as it reinforced his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of his era. However, the controversial finish left a sense of unresolved tension. It didn’t take long for fans to continue clamoring for Ambrose to get another opportunity to challenge for the title, which ultimately set the stage for more intense storylines and rivalries in the months that followed.
Triple H would go on to face other challengers, but his rivalry with Ambrose remained one of the most memorable in WWE. The controversial finish at _WrestleMania 32_ was not the last time the two would cross paths, and it only added fuel to the fire for what was to come in their ongoing saga.
### Conclusion: A Defining Moment in WWE History
Nine years ago today, Dean Ambrose almost became WWE Champion, but the controversial referee decision that saw his foot slip under the ropes led to Triple H retaining his title. This moment remains one of the most discussed and debated in WWE’s storied history, and it continues to be a point of conversation among wrestling fans. The fallout from this controversial finish only added layers to the rivalry between Ambrose and Triple H, propelling both Superstars into the next phase of their careers.
For WWE, the match highlighted the complex relationship between storytelling, the rules of wrestling, and the unpredictable nature of the business. It also served as a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in professional wrestling are those that leave fans questioning what could have been.
As we look back on this pivotal moment, it’s clear that both Ambrose and Triple H went on to have lasting legacies in WWE, and the _WrestleMania 32_ match, with its controversial finish, remains a defining chapter in their careers.