Ambrose's Rise Leads To Draft Odds Fall

In just one month, we have seen Dean Ambrose move from being in a mid-card feud with Chris Jericho to being in the main event as WWE Champion. This rise has led to a fall in odds with the bookmakers taking bets on the upcoming WWE Draft.

The current champ is available in a series of draft-themed betting markets that have been written up for customers to bet on. The traders in charge of the markets have apparently readjusted their lines anticipating Ambrose being the first selection on July 19th.

To quote Lee Corso - 'Not so fast, my friends.'

If the current brand extension is going to be identical to the first time WWE split-off its two shows, Ambrose might not even be drafted at all.

In 2002, the WWE Titleholder - Triple H - was used as a floating champion who crossed both brands. It was later on when WWE introduced a second title. The same could be the case in 2016 especially with the potential for a controversial finish to the title match later in the week.

Despite this forewarning, it's worth noting how Dean Ambrose's price differs from when the markets were first drawn up in early June.

First Overall Draft Pick 

It has been quite the descent for the champion here. His price has been cut from 25s into even money.

It isn't just Ambrose who has seen a price cut. Former WWE champion, Seth Rollins has dropped from 2/1 to 6/1, Brock Lesnar from 10/1 to 6/1, AJ Styles from 14/1 to 10/1 and Triple H has halved from 20s to 10s.

Seeing Triple H's price move like that has me wondering whether the customer or customers are betting on Stephanie McMahon getting the top pick and electing to choose her husband. It could be used as a way to reintroduce Triple H in time for SummerSlam. That's a logical speculative punt if ever I saw one.

And, no, it wasn't me who bet on him.

Roman Reigns, who will still be under suspension at the time of the draft, has had an increase from 1/2 to 6/1. I am tempted to make a small punt at 6/1 because I see slight value in picking him based on the fact that, despite knowing he was being suspended, the company still booked him in the triple threat match for Battleground. That's enough evidence to suggest the test failure hasn't affected his position with the company for the interim. With that said, he's not going to be available on the night. This should back them into a corner and make them go with somebody else.

First Overall Draft Pick Excluding John Cena and Roman Reigns

Ambrose's odds have made a sharp drop in the market that excludes John Cena and Roman Reigns from the running as well.

He has plummeted from 20/1 into a short 7/10. Notice the only other name whose odds have been cut in the same period? Yes, Triple H once again. 

First Of The Listed Participants To Be Drafted

If my theory that Dean Ambrose will not be included in the draft turns out to be accurate, the following selections I point to will end up being voided as the rules state that 'Should any of the listed participant(s) ends up not getting drafted for whatever reason, or all the listed participant(s) are drafted in a single pick (where applicable) bets will be declared void.' 

As you can see, the three matchbet specials all have sided in favour of Ambrose. As with all of the shifts/adjustments for Ambrose, this has to do with the idea that the WWE Champion has to be one of, if not, the first selected because it will demean the title.

Time will prove everything here. If, in the next few weeks, there are hints the champion will not be eligible for the draft, don't be surprised to see the selections at the top of the board with lower odds than they have today.

These markets can be found across a handful of betting websites that are listed on this page. Today's highlighted sportsbook is the one that can be found at GrosvenorCasinos.com. Its wrestling markets can be found under 'WWE' on the website.

A new customer offer can be claimed via the banner below: