The wrestling world was shaken up earlier this week, as WWE confirmed speculation that Dean Ambrose was to depart the company when his contract expires in April.

The news came as a shock to much of the WWE Universe, as Ambrose is such a popular figure to many that it seemed so untoward that he would actually want to quit.

There's every chance that Ambrose could turn-out for the newly-formed All Elite Wrestling, especially as their first event is in Las Vegas this coming May, where Ambrose is based.

But the fact that WWE stated they wish for Lunatic Fringe to return in the future suggests he's just taking a break from wrestling.

One competitor who has been in the ring with Ambrose a lot in the last few years is Dolph Ziggler.

The two feuded for Ambrose's WWE Championship in 2016 and reignited their feud in 2018 during The Shield's rivalry with Ziggler, Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman, so they're very well-acquainted with each other.

Ziggler has now described how he feels about the whole Ambrose situation in an interview with Busted Open Radio.

"It was very surprising to me. I don't know too many people who are too close to him that would have any insight. I wouldn't want to guess anything," Ziggler said, per Fightful.

"I didn't see that coming. He's always got something going on and is always in a prominent role, doing something great and he's liked by the fans. He could just try to move on and do some other stuff.

"I can understand. It's hard to read him sometimes. He's a ridiculously nice guy and loves the business. Definitely does his own thing. Kind of in his own world a lot.

"I'm friends with his wife [Raw commentator Renee Young] and we talk all the time. But Dean and I, if we're putting a match together, we talk, but otherwise....really friendly guy, loves wrestling, loves having a good time but definitely does his own thing. Maybe he's looking to do his own thing some more."

The Ambrose departure could see a shift in how talent view themselves within the company now.

There has been several reported instances of superstars wanting to be released from their deals recently - only 205 Live star Hideo Itami has been successful so far - but with a realistic alternative company ready to battle WWE and the creative team not being able to please everyone, don't be surprised to see some bigger stars follow Ambrose's suit.