Dean Ambrose Vs. Chris Jericho: INSANE Asylum Match!

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into one of the most brutal and unforgettable matches in WWE history: the Asylum Match between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho. This wasn't just any match; it was a chaotic, weapon-filled showdown that pushed both superstars to their absolute limits. So, buckle up, because we're about to relive every heart-stopping moment of this epic encounter.

The Backstory: A Feud Fueled by Animosity

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the match, it's important to understand the bad blood between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho. Their rivalry started brewing in early 2016, and it quickly escalated into a personal vendetta. Jericho, ever the egomaniac, couldn't stand Ambrose's rising popularity and unconventional antics. He saw Ambrose as a threat to his status and a disrespectful upstart who needed to be taught a lesson. Ambrose, on the other hand, found Jericho's arrogance grating and was determined to knock him down a peg.

The tension between them reached a boiling point when Jericho destroyed Ambrose's potted plant, Mitch, a seemingly trivial act that ignited a firestorm. This seemingly silly act of plant-icide was the catalyst that took this feud to a whole new level of personal. I mean, come on, who destroys another man's plant? That's just cold, even for a heel like Jericho! From there, things only got more intense, with sneak attacks, verbal taunts, and increasingly violent confrontations. It became clear that a traditional match wouldn't be enough to settle their differences. They needed something more extreme, something that would allow them to unleash their pent-up aggression without any limitations. That's where the Asylum Match came in.

What is an Asylum Match?

The Asylum Match is essentially a steel cage match with weapons hanging from the top of the cage. We're talking kendo sticks, baseball bats, straps, even a freakin' straight jacket! The idea is to create an environment of pure, unadulterated mayhem where anything goes. It's a playground for hardcore wrestling fans and a nightmare for the competitors involved. The cage itself adds a claustrophobic element, trapping the two opponents inside and forcing them to confront each other with no escape. The weapons hanging from the top act as tantalizing prizes, daring the wrestlers to reach for them and inflict maximum damage. It's a true test of endurance, creativity, and sheer brutality.

This particular Asylum Match was only the second one in WWE history, adding to its mystique and importance. The first Asylum Match was contested between [unrelated wrestlers], setting a high bar for violence and excitement. Ambrose and Jericho knew they had to deliver something even more spectacular to live up to the hype. And boy, did they ever! They used every single weapon at their disposal, and at the end we were all surprised. This kind of match isn't for the faint of heart; it's a brutal, unforgiving contest that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who witnesses it.

The Match: A Symphony of Destruction

The Asylum Match between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho took place at WWE Extreme Rules on May 22, 2016. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that this was going to be a war. Both men went right after each other, exchanging blows with a ferocity that left the crowd roaring. The early minutes were a flurry of punches, kicks, and slams as they tried to establish dominance. But it wasn't long before they started utilizing the weapons hanging above the cage.

Ambrose, known for his unpredictable nature, was the first to grab a kendo stick and unleashed a series of vicious strikes on Jericho. The sound of the stick cracking against Jericho's flesh echoed through the arena, sending shivers down the spines of the audience. Jericho, however, quickly retaliated, using his veteran cunning to gain the upper hand. He targeted Ambrose's injured shoulder, trying to weaken him and limit his mobility. He used the steel cage as a weapon, slamming Ambrose into it repeatedly, further exacerbating the injury. It was a calculated and ruthless strategy designed to wear down his opponent and gain a decisive advantage.

The match continued with a series of brutal spots. Jericho introduced a barbed wire 2x4 into the equation, much to the dismay of Dean Ambrose. Ambrose in turn used a mop to try and combat Jericho. Both men were covered in welts and bruises as they battled it out in the confines of the cage. The crowd was on their feet, chanting and cheering as they witnessed the carnage unfold. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of shock, awe, and pure excitement.

The Finish: Thumbtacks and Triumph

The climax of the match was nothing short of insane. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, Ambrose managed to trap Jericho in a corner and unleash a barrage of kendo stick shots. Jericho, desperate to escape, grabbed a bag hanging from the cage and dumped its contents onto the mat: thousands of thumbtacks! It was a shocking and unexpected move that drew gasps from the crowd. But Ambrose, ever the resilient brawler, wasn't deterred. He lured Jericho towards the thumbtacks and delivered a devastating Dirty Deeds DDT right onto them! The image of Jericho writhing in pain amidst the sea of thumbtacks is forever etched in the minds of wrestling fans.

Ambrose quickly covered Jericho for the pin, and the referee counted to three. Dean Ambrose had won the Asylum Match! The crowd erupted in cheers as Ambrose celebrated his hard-fought victory. He had overcome Jericho's cunning tactics and the brutal environment of the Asylum Match to emerge victorious. It was a defining moment in his career, solidifying his status as one of the top stars in WWE.

Why This Match Still Matters

The Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho Asylum Match wasn't just a spectacle of violence; it was a testament to the storytelling and athleticism of both performers. It was a match that perfectly encapsulated their characters and their intense rivalry. Ambrose's unhinged and unpredictable nature was on full display, while Jericho's arrogance and cunning were amplified by the brutal environment. They took full advantage of the Asylum Match stipulation, using every weapon at their disposal to inflict maximum damage on each other.

More than that, this match was simply memorable. From the creative use of weapons to the shocking thumbtack spot, it was filled with moments that fans will never forget. It was a reminder of the intensity and excitement that professional wrestling can deliver when done right. It's a match that continues to be talked about and re-watched to this day, and deservedly so.

So, there you have it, folks! The Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho Asylum Match: a brutal, unforgettable, and utterly insane encounter that will forever be etched in WWE history. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won't be disappointed!