Tag: Austin Theory

  • A Vision Report Card: How Well Has The WWE Faction Served Its Members?

    A Vision Report Card: How Well Has The WWE Faction Served Its Members?

    Coming out of WrestleMania 41, one of the biggest stories in WWE was the emergence of The Vision. Seth Rollins was newly heel, aligned with Paul Heyman, and taking Bron Breakker under his wing, all of which was exciting and promised a great deal of intrigue with a new heel faction positioned on top of the Raw brand.

    The year to follow was largely defined by injuries, which were beyond the control of the group members or WWE creative. The booking too, however, hasn’t necessarily done this stable many favors. With over a year of the Vision being realized in WWE, it’s time to evaluate how well the group has served each of its members.

    Seth Rollins: C+

    Seth Rollins. Photo: WWE
    Seth Rollins. Photo: WWE

    Seth Rollins winning the Saturday main event of WrestleMania 41 felt like a career milestone as he moved to 2-1 in ‘Mania main event scenarios and won his first more conventional outing in this context—a Triple Threat in which he was on his own that didn’t involve him joining mid-match via Money in the Bank cash-in.

    Speaking of Money in the Bank, Rollins won that too for the second time in his career and worked a legitimately shocking angle when he faked an injury and cashed in on CM Punk at SummerSlam. At Crown Jewel, The Visionary beat Cody Rhodes in a champion vs. champion showdown. So, for that half-year stretch from April to October, there was reason to think his time atop The Vision might actually succeed at elevating Rollins to a new echelon of stardom, or at least be in the running for the best stretches of his career.

    The wheels came off when Rollins had to relinquish the title due to a legitimate injury, and WWE ran a nonsensical angle of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed turning on him in the process. The group was left without a leader and Rollins suffered from the passive style of babyface turn—a heel whose heel buddies turn on him—that so rarely leads to success. Masked man drama to follow felt more confusing and redundant than intriguing.

    And now, going into Summer 2026, Rollins finds himself in an uneasy tag team alliance with Montez Ford against Breakker and Austin Theory. It’s hard to see any argument that The Architect is in better standing than he was before launching this faction. Indeed, even moments like him putting over Breakker at Backlash really felt like they did less to put over the young upstart than to further damage the established star.

    Bron Breakker: C-

    Bron Breakker

    Bron Breakker becoming Seth Rollins’s first ally, under the tutelage of Paul Heyman in April 2025 made all the sense in the world. Breakker had looked like a dominant force for much of his freshman year on the main roster and had quite arguably outgrown the Intercontinental Championship picture by the time he dropped the title in a four-way bout that kept him protected at WrestleMania 41. Teaming up with Rollins offered a clear route for Breakker himself to advance to the main event level while sitting beneath the real-life learning trees of Rollins and Heyman alike.

    One of the pitfalls of faction membership is that there’s a real risk of anyone but the group leader coming across as a sidekick or fall guy. While Breakker has certainly had his moments, he never enjoyed any career advancement as a heater for Rollins. From there, after Rollins left the group, Breakker felt less like the new leader than one part of a thoroughly mid-card stable.

    Indeed, one of the most telling images of The Unpredictable Badass’s run with The Vision may well have come at Clash in Italy, where he was pictured in the crowd alongside Austin Theory as tag team champions. It’s a title Breakker never really won (subbing in for an injured Logan Paul). Moreover, being positioned as Theory’s tag partner positions Breakker a clear step back from where he had been when he first joined The Vision, and arguably even further back than he had stood when he reigned as NXT Champion before even making it to the main roster.

    Bronson Reed: B-

    Bronson Reed

    Bronson Reed has had the misfortune of catching the injury bug each time he looks poised to advance from the upper mid-card to the fringes of the main event scene. The optics of him running alongside Bron Breakker as dual monsters in The Vision had potential, but mostly saw both men stall out in the upper mid-card before Reed wound up hurt again.

    Reed went on the injured list at a plateau, and the absolute best that can be said about his Vision run to date is that he maintained his position on the roster, perhaps interacting with main event guys a smidge more for backing Rollins and returning to War Games.

    The master of the Tsunami has one of the murkiest futures of Vision members, though, when he does return to action. Simply returning to the fold of the group will all but certainly make it feel like he and the faction alike are spinning their wheels. Feuding against them doesn’t necessarily make sense either, though. Indeed, the best thing for Aus-Zilla would probably be for the faction to dissolve before he gets back or else to move away from them to SmackDown to get a fresh start.

    Austin Theory: A-

    Austin Theory

    The Vision hasn’t done its members, nor its rivals many favors. Indeed, the one man with a real case for having benefited is Austin Theory.

    Theory’s peak, to date, saw him win Money in the Bank, reign as United States Champion, and beat John Cena at WrestleMania 39. The years to follow saw him slide, arguably improving as an in-ring talent, but toiling in a forgettable tag team alliance with Grayson Waller.

    Theory being revealed as a masked man helping The Vision gave him a small boost back into relevance and affiliating with the group has given him a role on TV and a number of PLEs. In the end, Theory seems to, himself, be emblematic of the faction he’s enrolled in—a competent mid-card and tag team guy with no clear signs of advancing to a new level, but at least his roster spot has felt a little surer for having run with the group and recaptured tag team gold.

    Logan Paul: D

    Logan Paul at SNME. Photo: WWE.com
    Logan Paul at SNME. Photo: WWE.com

    Logan Paul was an anomaly in WWE—a celebrity part-timer who took to WWE so naturally and was so well-positioned that he absolutely thrived throughout his first three years-plus working with WWE. Indeed, after Paul made the leap to wrestling full time, it seemed altogether reasonable that colleagues and pundits speculated about his future as a world champion.

    That future may well still be in play for The Maverick, but wrestling full time, including weekly TV spots that are not designed as showcase matches for him, has exposed some of Paul’s limitations. Indeed, while he once was a reasonably credible one-off challenger to the likes of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes as WWE Champions, now it’s hard to think of Paul as much other than a tag team role player for whom another US title reign or a run with the Intercontinental Championship feels like a reach.

    Paul is out now due to injury and that actually may be the best thing for him to keep learning away from the ring and out of the spotlight, but also to hit the reset button on his character. Yes, Paul had the makings of a compelling Paul Heyman guy given all his tools, but The Vision wasn’t paving the road for him to feel like a top guy to fans. Starting over once he’s cleared could help Paul get the stink of The Vision off him as he moves on to better things.

    Paul Heyman: D

    Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman. Photo: WWE.com
    Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman. Photo: WWE.com

    Paul Heyman is in the conversation among the greatest managers of all time. His most recent faction work with The Bloodline prior to The Vision highlighted just how much he brought to the table as an on-screen talker and a behind-the-scenes creative contributor alike. The Vision, however, may have exposed Heyman’s limitations.

    As much as injuries and uneven creative are probably the biggest culprits in The Vision’s failings, it’s a black mark for The Oracle that he hasn’t been able to better salvage this group or its collective angles. Indeed, while there was so much reason for optimism about Heyman mentoring Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in particular to new heights, in reality, the whole stable has stumbled. A backdrop of Heyman cutting above-average promos hasn’t been enough to retain crowd investment.

    It may be most telling of all that, while Heyman has been involved with Brock Lesnar since his return last year and Lesnar was a part of The Vision’s War Games team at Survivor Series, The Beast has never actually been presented as a proper part of the faction.

    A generous perspective would suggest Lesnar just doesn’t fit the ethos of the group, and is a side client of Heyman’s. A more critical point of view, however, would suggest WWE recognizes The Vision as a sinking ship. They’ve patched holes to keep that ship at sea, arguably long past its true viability, but the company has no interest in dragging down a property as valuable as Lesnar along with them.

    Maxxine Dupri: Incomplete

    Maxxine Dupri
    Photo Credit: WWE

    Recent weeks have seen WWE hint at Maxxine Dupri being a part of The Vision and specifically attached to Austin Theory. The concept has merit for Dupri, Theory, and arguably the group on the whole. Each of them could use a boost. A heel turn feels fresh for Dupri and the addition of a femme fatale at Theory’s side gives him something different, besides which adding a female member to the faction will at least take them in a new direction. Faction warfare could be on the table opposite The Judgment Day, for example, or perhaps a reinvigorated American Made in the wake of Chad Gable dropping the Original El Grande Americano gimmick out of a widely celebrated AAA match.

    Without Dupri officially joining The Vision as of press time, it’s unfair to evaluate how the group will impact her or how she’ll impact the group. Nonetheless, if WWE is going to continue running with this group, there’s reason for optimism her membership will mark at least a small step in the right direction.

    Overall Grade: C-

    In the end, for all its shortcomings and misfortune, it’s not fair to call The Vision a complete failure. The early months of the group’s run were entertaining and did some small favors for Seth Rollins. Austin Theory has enjoyed some small career progress since his enrollment, and Maxxine Dupri’s involvement with him and the faction has promise.

    That said, the long-term arc of The Vision to date has set back Rollins, at best kept Bronson Reed in place, hurt Logan Paul’s standing, and dinged Paul Heyman’s legacy. Worst of all, where Bron Breakker once looked like a breakout main event inevitability, he’s now a young star in need of rehabilitation if he’s ever going to be taken seriously at the top of the card.

  • Austin Theory Addresses Hernia Crisis and Contract Uncertainty That Derailed His 2025

    Austin Theory Addresses Hernia Crisis and Contract Uncertainty That Derailed His 2025

    Austin Theory has revealed the medical issue that kept him out of WWE for several months, and the details paint a picture far more serious than fans realized at the time.

    Speaking on The Mark Hoke Show Pro Wrestling Show, the WWE World Tag Team Champion explained that he had been wrestling with a hernia for an extended period and had to manually reposition it after matches to continue competing. The situation reached a breaking point following a Main Event taping in July 2025 when the hernia would not go back in, forcing him to go straight to the emergency room still in his ring gear.

    “I was actually wrestling with a hernia for a very long time, and as gross as it is, I was having to pop it back in after certain matches,” Theory said. “I had a match on Main Event, and it would not go back in. So that night, I went to the emergency room, and it blew my mind because I was like, wow, I just had my gear on, and I went out there and I wrestled and now I’m in the E.R.”

    The injury alone would have been enough to deal with, but Theory revealed that his WWE contract was also coming up for renewal at the same time, piling uncertainty on top of a medical crisis and creating what he described as one of the lowest points of his career.

    “My contract was actually coming up so, a lot of things were hitting me personally and that’s kind of one of those things, that’s a low point in your life where you get really rocked,” Theory said. “Those points, you either stay down or you pick yourself up and you become a version of yourself that’s always been in you but it takes you to that next level.”

  • Austin Theory Reacts to Seth Rollins\’ Attack on Paul Heyman

    The Vision\’s Austin Theory recently broke his silence on Seth Rollins attacking Paul Heyman on the latest edition of WWE Raw.

    After Seth Rollins revealed himself as the masked man at Elimination Chamber, costing Logan Paul his spot, Rollins continued to target The Vision on the March 2nd episode of WWE Raw.

    Rollins found himself alone in the ring with Paul Heyman, striking his former \’Oracle\’ with a chair shot before delivering a brutal Stomp. This left Heyman bloodied, and he left the arena in an ambulance.

    Austin Theory reacts

    Austin Theory took to X to comment on the moment, publicly showing support for Heyman and criticizing Rollins\’ actions.

    \”A lot of people owe their careers to @HeymanHustle. This past Monday night @WWERollins chose to repay him with a beating. Thinking about you today, Wise Man.\"??\"

    Austin Theory’s message indicates the growing tension surrounding Seth Rollins’ shocking attack on Heyman. With Heyman taken out brutally, Rollins’ actions have only added more fuel to an already volatile situation between him and The Vision.

    It remains to be seen whether this incident will spark further retaliation in the weeks ahead as the road to WrestleMania continues.

  • Paul Heyman\’s Vision: Building the Next WrestleMania Main Eventers

    Paul Heyman recently sat down with his friends at Busted Open and made one thing crystal clear: The Vision isn\’t just a faction — it\’s a factory for the next generation of WrestleMania main eventers, and he\’s already thinking years beyond Las Vegas.

    The Wise Man opened the interview with a philosophy that has defined his entire career: the moment you think you\’ve peaked, you\’re finished.

    \”If you ever leave your studio and you say, \’That\’s the best show we\’ve ever done. I\’ll never have a show as good as that one\’ — time to start a different show,\” Heyman said.

    \”If you\’ve peaked, it\’s over. That\’s it. It has to be tomorrow\’s going to be better than today, and the day after tomorrow will be better than tomorrow.\”

    A Shop to Build WrestleMania Stars

    That relentless forward-looking mentality isn\’t just talk — it\’s the explicit mandate behind The Vision. With Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes occupying the current top tier of WWE\’s main event scene, Heyman is already asking who comes next.

    \”We have a shop here, and this shop — The Vision — is to create the next generation of WrestleMania main eventers,\” he said.

    \”Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes right now — that\’s your WrestleMania main event top tier. And some people may filter in and filter back out, but they can\’t do it forever. Who\’s going to be the WrestleMania main event not next year, but the year after, the year after, the year after?\”

    It\’s a question few in the business are thinking about right now. Heyman isn\’t one of them — he\’s been thinking about it for months.

    The Saudi Mania Revelation

    While the rest of WWE focuses on WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Heyman revealed he has spent the past eight months pushing internally for long-range creative planning — specifically around the 2027 WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia.

    \”I have been for the past 8 months jumping up and down with my hands flailing saying, \’What are we going to do with Saudi Mania?\’\” he said. \”And everybody\’s very concerned about what we\’re going to do at Vegas Mania. I tell you what, let\’s book Saudi Mania. It\’s going to make booking Vegas Mania much easier.

    Vegas Mania is the launching pad to Saudi Mania, which is the launching pad to Mania 2028, which is the launching pad to Mania 2029. It progresses. It\’s bigger tomorrow than today.\”

    The logic is simple: know where you\’re going and the path becomes obvious.

    \”If we just have a concept of what we\’re doing next year, oh my god, I can tell you what to do this year, because it leads to next year.\”

    Austin Theory: The Case Study in Potential

    When it comes to who fits that future vision, Heyman didn\’t hesitate to point to Austin Theory\’s place inside The Vision as the prime example of long-term investment paying off.

    He dropped a stunning comparison — Theory is Shawn Michaels in the Rockers — then immediately walked it back as possibly underselling him.

    \”He has decent size and he\’s only getting bigger. He has tremendous discipline. He\’s not one of these guys that is out all night in Europe at the Euro trash rave in Paris at 4:30 in the morning — he\’s in the gym at 4:30 in the morning,\” Heyman said.

    \”He\’s highly intelligent. He speaks to the youth. He looks great and he can work his balls off. Once he figures out the difference between a really good match and a money match, once he understands being out of character while in character and relaxing within the skin of that character — Austin Theory is going to be untouchable.\”

    Heyman also pointed to WrestleMania 38 Night Two as proof that Theory\’s ceiling is already evident to those paying attention — his work elevating Steve Austin and Pat McAfee during that night went largely unrecognized at the time.

    \”He\’s already been there and no one noticed,\” Heyman said. \”Austin Theory can make everyone around him. Now that he\’s learned how to do that, now he\’s going to learn how to make himself.\”

    Theory has been vocal about the impact working with legends like Steve Austin and John Cena has had on his career, and Heyman\’s assessment suggests those experiences are exactly the foundation The Vision intends to build on.

    The standard inside The Vision is non-negotiable, Heyman made clear.

    \”That\’s not a prediction. That\’s a spoiler. If he makes it a prediction, he\’ll be out of The Vision like that.\”

    With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon and a Saudi Arabia event already in Heyman\’s crosshairs, The Vision\’s architect is playing a longer game than anyone else in the building — and he\’s betting the next era of WWE main events on it.

  • Austin Theory Opens Up About Getting \”Comfortable\” in WWE Before Joining The Vision

    Austin Theory delivered an introspective promo during the December 29 episode of WWE Raw Talk, explaining his decision to join The Vision faction while admitting he had lost his way after early career success.

    \”When I really sit back, like I did, and think about it, I had a lot of big moments so quick in my career. I think I kind of lost myself, I did, I got comfortable,\” Theory revealed during the broadcast.

    The former United States Champion acknowledged he fell into a pattern of waiting for opportunities rather than creating them.

    \”Like I said before, (I was) waiting for somebody to give me a handout, give me something because of me feeling like I deserved it,\” Theory admitted.

    Theory reflected on his rapid rise in WWE and how it affected his mentality.

    \”I feel like my whole life I\’ve worked for everything that I had, and at a young age getting to the WWE, accomplishing the things that I\’ve done, I just got to a point…\”

    He explained that watching The Vision from home sparked a realization about taking control of his career.

    \”The Vision just takes, and they\’re not waiting for anything. Back at home when I\’m watching, it was like, I can sit here and I can wait, point the finger and blame whoever I want, but I can also point it at myself.\”

    Theory made it clear he\’s done relying on past accomplishments, specifically his victory over John Cena.

    \”I\’m not waiting for opportunities, I\’m not looking at my past and saying \’Hey, I beat John Cena, give me something. Somebody hand me another opportunity.\’\”

    Instead, Theory has embraced The Vision\’s aggressive philosophy.

    \”I know at the end of the day, if there\’s anything I truly want, I can have, but I\’ve got to take it. I\’ve got to put in that effort. I know exactly what to do, The Vision was the perfect opportunity for that,\” he stated.

    Theory concluded by emphasizing the faction\’s forward-thinking approach:

    \”To me it\’s about the future, and that\’s exactly what The Vision is about. It\’s about taking, that\’s what I\’m all about now. Nah, we just take, and that\’s how it feels now, being in The Vision, we\’re just gonna take everything.\”

  • 5 Male Superstars WWE Should Push In 2026

    As 2025 draws to a close there are a number of stars in WWE who are poised for a breakout year. To be clear, this does not include names like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, or Gunther who stand atop the business already and will likely as not continue their winning ways in 2026. Rather, it’s time to consider talents WWE or at least NXT fans already know who stands to graduate to a new level in 2026. Who are the men to watch for in the new year?

    Oba Femi

    For NXT fans, Oba Femi isn’t just a hot prospect. He’s the present and he’s an inevitability. Nonetheless, The Ruler is still mostly unknown to main-roster-only fans aside from a lowkey coming-out party opposite Cody Rhodes at the final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025.

    Femi has so many tools, from size and strength to athleticism to having quite quickly picked up on in-ring performance. He’s even reasonably solid on the microphone, especially by the standards of someone who was competing in shot put for the University of Alabama as recently as 2022.

    Specifically in an era when WWE has taken some heat for not featuring a lot of Black men on top, Femi may well be a main roster main event attraction in 2026.

    Austin Theory

    No one’s career trajectory was more tumultuous than Austin Theory’s when Vince McMahon fell under scandal and wound up in and out of the company before seemingly being exiled for good. Indeed, few and far between are the men who’ve held the United States Championship and a Money in the Bank briefcase, besides having beaten John Cena one-on-one at WrestleMania. Combine that with a fall from grace, spending much of the last two years in a semi-comedic tag team with Grayson Waller.

    The prevailing wisdom was that McMahon arbitrarily tried to shove Theory down fans’ throats too soon in the dying days of his reign over WWE. Just the same, with his great look, his deceptive athleticism, and his charisma coming along, the late stages of A-Town Down Under made clear fans were ready to take him a lot more seriously.

    The reveal of Theory as The Vison’s masked man has potential to elevate him. While he also runs the risk of playing a Buddy Roberts style bump machine for Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul, a lot of interesting possibilities await as Theory will be positioned to engage with top babyfaces, including plenty of intrigue about what will await him when Seth Rollins returns to the WWE landscape.

    Joe Hendry

    One could readily argue Joe Hendry had his breakout year already as 2025 saw him win the TNA Championship, work his first Royal Rumble, and wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Hendry did all of this while existing within a strange purgatory—an explosive star by TNA standards, but the writing was on the wall that he was WWE-bound (though he wasn’t signed to WWE yet).

    Despite becoming an NXT mainstay over the year, Hendry has only relatively recently officially signed with WWE. The jury’s out as to his ceiling—if going viral on the Internet and becoming TNA’s hottest attraction actually were his peak or if he had a ways to go. Nonetheless, given Hendry’s popularity, there’s every reason for optimism that at least a rock solid mid-card run on the main roster is imminent for him.

    Je’Von Evans

    With the exception of Oba Femi, there may be no surer thing on the NXT roster than Je’Von Evans. He may have caught fans’ eyes via sheer athleticism, but performances over the course of 2025 demonstrated he’s much more than just a high-spot guy. Rather, he’s more than capable of holding his own in big match scenarios—not least of all the main event of Stand & Deliver over WrestleMania 41 weekend.

    The biggest question for Evans in 2026 may well come down to whether he’ll finally win the NXT Championship and become “the guy” in developmental, move up to the main roster, or do both. The choice to feature The Young OG on John Cena’s farewell Saturday Night’s Main Event seemed to affirm WWE sees him as a main roster attraction imminently.

    Dominik Mysterio

    Dominik Mysterio has enjoyed major progress every year since turning heel in 2022, overachieving as a villain and becoming one of WWE’s biggest heat seekers. 2025 saw some of his most appreciable growth. He won the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania and enjoyed an over-half-year reign. He won the AAA Mega Championship. When he lost the IC title, it was in front of a raucous crowd for John Cena’s last match in Boston, and Dirty Dom won it back in front of a stadium crowd in San Diego at Survivor Series.

    As recently as a year ago, Mysterio was performing well, but it still felt like a stretch to imagine he’d ever win a proper world title in WWE. Now? The idea of him winning Money in the Bank and successfully converting the briefcase into a top title reign feels feasible. Heck, even him more organically continuing to scale the ladder to become a bona fide main event level threat without cash-in shenanigans feels much more than abstractly possible. 2026 may well be Mysterio’s biggest year yet.

  • Paul Heyman Credits Gabe Sapolsky For Discovering Austin Theory

    Paul Heyman set the record straight about Austin Theory\’s path to WWE, publicly crediting talent scout Gabe Sapolsky for discovering the rising star.

    Responding to a social media post about Theory\’s WWE journey, Heyman clarified his role in the process. \”For the record, @BookItGabe deserves all the credit for the discovery of @_Theory1,\” Heyman wrote. \”As Executive Director of @WWE #RAW in 2019/2020, I drafted Theory from @WWENXT for (ironically enough) @WWERollins\’ group.\”

    https://x.com/heymanhustle/status/2003645010995040698

    Heyman praised Theory\’s evolution since those early days, describing him as \”a seasoned veteran with a chip on his shoulder ready to step into the spotlight.\” The acknowledgment highlights Theory\’s transformation from NXT prospect to a main roster performer positioned for a potential push.

    Sapolsky, a respected figure in wrestling talent development, graciously responded to Heyman\’s recognition. \”I love the independents! Talent like Austin Theory make my job relevant and keep me inspired so everyday I have the same enthusiasm as I did on day 1,\” Sapolsky shared.

    https://x.com/bookitgabe/status/2003647311780675934

    The public exchange between Heyman and Sapolsky reflects their long professional history. Sapolsky served as a writer and booker during ECW\’s groundbreaking run in the 1990s, working closely with Heyman during one of wrestling\’s most influential eras before building his own legacy as a talent scout and independent wrestling promoter.

  • Austin Theory\’s Status With The Vision Heading Into 2026

    The following contains spoilers for the December 22 episode of WWE Raw, taped December 19 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    Austin Theory appears poised to officially join The Vision as WWE heads into 2026.

    During the December 22 episode, Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed were featured in a backstage segment discussing whether Theory should be allowed to join their faction. Later in the show, Theory teamed with Reed to defeat CM Punk and Rey Mysterio, with Theory pinning Mysterio for the victory. Breakker appeared after the match as all members of The Vision stood tall to close the segment.

    Theory has been off WWE television since July, when his tag team with Grayson Waller was quietly disbanded. Reports indicated he had been removed from WWE\’s internal active roster in August, fueling speculation about his status with the company.

    The Vision was formed earlier this year by Seth Rollins, who was later ousted from the group in October after Breakker and Reed turned on him. The faction added Logan Paul ahead of Survivor Series, where they won the Men\’s WarGames match alongside Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre.

    With Theory now aligned with the group on television, an official announcement of his membership could come on the January 5 episode of Raw.

  • WWE Rumor Roundup: Cena Backlash, NXT Botch, WrestleMania 42 Plans

    Here’s your WWE Rumor Roundup for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, featuring the latest backstage news and speculation from around the wrestling world.

    WWE “Blindsided” by Cena Tap-Out Backlash

    WWE was “blindsided” by the overwhelmingly negative fan reaction to Cena tapping out to GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event, despite the decision coming from the very top. Multiple people within the company disagreed with the finish, but Triple H made the call. Meltzer reported there was “no discussion” backstage about anticipating the reaction. RVD also weighed in on the match, sharing his disappointment that the bout wasn’t longer.

    NXT Title Change Was a Botch

    Thea Hail’s NXT Women’s North American Championship win over Blake Monroe was unplanned. Monroe reportedly had the wind knocked out of her and couldn’t get her shoulder up in time. The botch sparked a backstage scramble, forcing rapid creative adjustments for upcoming tapings.

    LA Knight Written Off – Likely a Work

    WWE announced Knight is out “indefinitely” with a cracked sternum after The Vision destroyed him. Per reports, this is almost certainly a work to give him a holiday break after 65 matches in 2025—more than any other WWE Superstar. Royal Rumble surprise return seems likely.

    Bron Breakker Favored to Win Royal Rumble

    Breakker is considered the “whiteboard favorite” to win the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Even with his January 5 World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk, he’s still reportedly penciled in as the winner. Randy Orton is also rumored for a Royal Rumble return.

    WrestleMania 42 Main Events Taking Shape

    Current plans for WrestleMania 42 are Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III for the Undisputed WWE Championship and CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker for the World Heavyweight Championship. This marks a shift from the original plan of Reigns vs. Seth Rollins. Rhodes and Reigns signaled renewed rivalry after their WarGames loss at Survivor Series.

    Brock Lesnar vs. GUNTHER Being Planned for WrestleMania

    According to Self Made Pro, WWE is now planning Lesnar vs. GUNTHER for WrestleMania 42. It was originally going to be GUNTHER vs. Bron Breakker, but now that Breakker is set for a title match, Lesnar gets The Ring General instead. GUNTHER has now retired both Bill Goldberg and John Cena.

    WWE High on NXT Talent After SNME

    WWE reportedly came away very encouraged by NXT talent showcased at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with officials clearly seeing long-term upside in Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Leon Slater, Je’Von Evans, and Joe Hendry. Leon Slater has already earned an NXT Championship match against Oba Femi at New Year’s Evil.

    Maxxine Dupri Vignettes Getting Praise Backstage

    The recent video packages focusing on Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri and Nattie Neidhart have been earning positive reactions backstage. Multiple talents have spoken favorably about the presentation.

    Seth Rollins Targeting February Return

    Rollins is hoping for a February return to start training for WrestleMania season, though wife Becky Lynch apparently questioned the feasibility of that timeline. His trainer confirmed he’s out of his sling and rehab is going well.

  • Austin Theory As The Newest Member of The Vision is \’Best for Business\’

    The controversial conclusion to Survivor Series 2025 left one burning question: who was the \”masked stomper\” that cost CM Punk and his team everything?

    While WWE has not officially unmasked the assailant, industry insiders and eagle-eyed fans are already convinced it was Austin Theory. The mystery attacker’s physique and move set, specifically the dropkick and stomp, point directly to the former United States Champion.

    If confirmed, this solidifies The Vision’s lineup as a dynamic faction that also includes Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul, with Paul Heyman pulling the strings.

    The addition of Theory would be a masterclass in putting potential megastars into their optimal positions. We saw what aligning with Paul Heyman did for Roman Reigns\’ career. Under the guidance of Paul Heyman, the members are primed to achieve the greatest success of their pro wrestling careers.

    With the dramatic ousting of Seth Rollins, and Breakker pinning CM Punk clean in the main event of War Games, the message is clear: The Vision isn’t just coming.. they’re already taking over. Adding Theory to the mix will only tighten their grip.

    Tonight\’s Monday Night RAW should provide answers when the fallout from Survivor Series continues.

  • Huge Spoiler: Identity of Mystery Man From Survivor Series Revealed

    The identity of the mystery man from the main event of tonight\’s Survivor Series PPV has seemingly been revealed.

    The finishing moments of tonight\’s PLE saw Bron Breaker and CM Punk coming face to face as a mystery figure climbed into the ring. The man dressed completely in black looked at both the contestants for a moment before choosing to attack Punk.

    He delivered a superkick followed by a Stomp to the World Champion, reminding everyone of Seth Rollins. The man left Breaker to pin Punk without revealing his identity however, leaving the fans buzzing.

    The Man Behind The Mystery

    Now Fightful Select has provided a big update on this matter. According to them, WWE sources claim the man behind the hood is none other than a returning Austin Theory.

    The former A-Town Down Under star had been dealing with an undisclosed injury and he has not wrestled since July this year. His tag team with Grayson Waller had also been disbanded quietly as Waller aligned himself with the New Day.

    Theory using the Stomp makes sense, as he has some history with Rollins. The young star was briefly aligned with the former World Champion during his Monday Night Messiah run early in his main roster career.

    How this will play out with Rollins having been kicked out of the group he founded is anyone\’s guess. It\’ll be interesting to see how things unfold when the Visionary returns from his shoulder injury.

  • Backstage News On Austin Theory\’s WWE Status After Seth Rollins Injury

    An update has emerged on the WWE status of Austin Theory, whose planned creative direction was thrown into chaos following the legitimate shoulder injury to World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. A new report from WrestleVotes indicates that despite the major storyline shuffle, there are still \”voices within the company pushing\” to keep Theory involved in significant creative plans.

    Theory has been off WWE television since July after suffering an injury that led to the dissolution of his tag team, A-Town Down Under. He was widely expected to return as a babyface to feud with his former partner, Grayson Waller.

    The situation became more complex when recent reports indicated that Theory was slated to be a part of The Vision faction alongside Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Brock Lesnar for a major WarGames match at Survivor Series. However, those plans were completely overhauled last week when Rollins\’s injury forced creative to turn Breakker and Reed heel, having them attack Rollins and align with Paul Heyman. This left Theory\’s potential role in the group in question.

    According to the new report, Theory \”still has internal support moving forward to reappear on TV in a significant manner,\” and the idea of him joining The Vision \”was at least discussed.\” While the original WarGames plans are now impossible, the continued support for Theory suggests that creative is still working on a new direction for his return to television.

  • Austin Theory Removed From WWE\’s Internal Active Roster

    Following Grayson Waller\’s on-air announcement that his tag team with Austin Theory was over, a new report from PWInsider.com has confirmed that Theory has also been removed from WWE\’s internal active roster.

    According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, WWE sources have confirmed Austin Theory\’s removal from the company\’s internal active roster. The reason for the change is currently unknown, though it comes after he was written off of television with a storyline injury.

    On the July 21st episode of Monday Night Raw, Theory\’s tag team partner, Grayson Waller, announced that their team, A-Town Down Under, was disbanded because Theory was \”injured.\” Waller later published a statement on his social media confirming the split. Theory\’s last match was on the July 14th taping of WWE Main Event, where he lost to El Grande Americano.

    With Theory sidelined and off the active roster, Grayson Waller is now moving forward as a singles competitor on Monday Night Raw. He has already been seen in backstage segments attempting to recruit new partners and forge new alliances, officially closing the book on the former championship-winning team of A-Town Down Under. The specifics of Theory\’s injury and a timetable for his potential return remain unknown.

  • WWE Tag Team Splits Up

    The tag team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory, known as A-Town Down Under, is officially over. On tonight\’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Houston, Texas, Waller announced that the team is \”done\” following an injury to Theory.

    During a backstage segment on tonight\’s broadcast, Grayson Waller approached The New Day\’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Waller informed them that he was looking for new partners because his tag team with Austin Theory had come to an end. He bluntly stated that A-Town Down Under is \”done\” and that because Theory is injured, he is \”moving on.\”

    The breakup marks an abrupt end for the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Their last match as a team was on the June 23rd episode of WWE Main Event. Austin Theory\’s most recent match was a singles loss to El Grande Americano on the July 14th edition of WWE Main Event, and it appears he suffered an injury at some point around that time.

    The split of the former champions comes as the Raw tag team division is heating up on the road to SummerSlam. Later tonight, The New Day, The Creed Brothers, and the LWO are set to compete in a triple-threat match to determine the next challengers for the World Tag Team Championships, currently held by The Judgment Day\’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh.

  • Grayson Waller Mocks Austin Theory in TikTok Video as WWE Babyface Turn Rumors Heat Up

    The ongoing rivalry between Grayson Waller and Austin Theory has taken a comedic turn, with Waller recently posting a TikTok video that directly mocks Theory\’s motivational speaking style. The Australian superstar\’s playful jab comes at a time when WWE fans are increasingly anticipating Theory\’s long-rumored transition from heel to babyface.

    \”You can do anything if you try. If you work hard you can achieve your dreams!\” – Grayson Waller mocking Austin Theory on TikTok

    In the TikTok video, Waller mimics Theory\’s earnest delivery style before breaking character with laughter. He continues his mockery by adding, \”And what I\’ve worked out is that these people think they\’re doing the right thing…\”

    @graysonwallerwwe

    Friday Motivation

    ? original sound – GraysonWallerWWE

    The Tension Behind the Mockery

    What makes this social media interaction particularly intriguing is the underlying narrative tension it represents. Austin Theory has been receiving increasingly positive fan reactions in recent months, yet WWE continues to position him as a heel character. This disconnect between fan sentiment and character positioning has fueled speculation about an imminent babyface turn.

    Social Media as Storyline Extension

    Waller\’s comedic approach allows him to maintain his heel persona while engaging directly with fans in a format that feels authentic and spontaneous.

    This type of cross-platform storytelling has become increasingly important in WWE\’s content strategy, allowing wrestlers to develop their characters and rivalries in real-time while building audience engagement between weekly shows.

    Looking Forward

    The fan support Theory has been receiving suggests that WWE may be building toward a natural character shift, with Waller serving as the perfect foil to help facilitate that transition. His willingness to mock Theory\’s genuine motivational content creates clear villain dynamics that could help cement Theory\’s eventual face turn.

    As this rivalry continues to develop both on television and social media, fans will be watching closely for signs of Theory\’s character evolution. Waller\’s latest TikTok mockery may be just the beginning of a storyline that could reshape both wrestlers\’ positions within WWE\’s roster hierarchy.

  • From Titanic to The Lion King: WWE Stars Reveal Movies That Last Made Them Cry

    WWE Superstars may be as tough as they come in the ring, but like all people, the wrestlers have a softer side. In a recent video from WWE, Jackie Redmond quizzed the stars on the last movie to make them tear up.

    Seth Rollins – Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Rollins said that the beginning of the movie will tug at the heart of any invested fan. He later shared that the scene where Hermione makes her parents forget she existed in order to protect them was especially devastating.

    Bayley – Love & Basketball: While embarrassed to be ousted as a romantic, the Role Model admitted to crying when Monica and Quincy make love for the first time.

    Grayson Waller – The Lion King: The Aussie Icon clarified that he teared up at the 1994 animated adaptation of The Lion King. Waller shared that the death of Mufasa was what broke him.

    Austin Theory – Spider-Man 3: An emotional fight scene between the wall-crawler and Sandman caused Austin Theory to cry, though he made clear it was only \”a little bit.\”

    Jey Uso – Titanic: James Cameron\’s 1997 blockbuster caused Main Event Jey to tear up, especially when Rose jumps back onto the sinking ship, giving up her safety so she can be with Jack.

    Karrion Kross – Milo & Otis: The 1986 Japanese adventure about the friendship of an orange tabby cat and a pug drew a tear or two from the former NXT Champion. Marley & Me is another film that gets the better of the usually twisted Kross.

    Some Superstars shared that they don\’t cry at movies including the Creed Brothers as well as Maxxine Dupri. Though these stars couldn\’t be moved, don\’t be surprised to see a WWE talent get weepy if you spot them at the cinema watching a particularly emotional movie.

  • Austin Theory on Working with Brock Lesnar, Steve Austin, John Cena and The Rock

    Just three and a half years after making his main-roster WWE television debut, Austin Theory has already worked with some of the biggest names in wrestling history.

    The 27-year-old grappler from Atlanta, GA is the latest guest on Chris Van Vliet\’s Insights podcast. Theory has been \”obsessed\” with WWE from a young age. He didn\’t give himself a fallback plan, despite skepticism from his friends. His first break into the industry came when he met former WWE trainer Bill DeMott at an MMA gym.

    Here are highlights of what he shared with CVV about working with legends including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, The Rock and John Cena.

    His WrestleMania Feud with John Cena

    Theory worked closely with Cena, who pushed him to be more authentic during their promo battles. He recalls it being a challenge to incorporate Cena\’s feedback while staying true to his character and his instincts.

    Taking a Stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania

    He was honored to take a Stunner from Stone Cold at WrestleMania, and jokes that he envisioned sharing a beer with Austin backstage afterwards (didn\’t happen).

    Ring Moment with The Rock:

    Theory says it was an unforgettable experience when he had a segment with The Rock on WWE SmackDown. He was notified about the segment at the last minute, but says he felt an almost \’telepathic\’ connection with the Final Boss, who \”signaled\” to him when to speak during their interaction.

    Brock Lesnar F-5\’ing him Off An Elimination Chamber Pod

    Theory took an absolutely crazy bump at Elimination Chamber 2024, when Brock Lesnar hoisted him onto his shoulders and flung him off the top of one of the pods. He says Vince McMahon hand-picked him for the spot, and Lesnar was \’intense and unpredictable.\’

  • Jelly Roll Thanks Austin Theory For Viral WWE SummerSlam Spot

    Country star Jelly Roll was heavily involved at this year\’s WWE SummerSlam PLE and got into the ring for some action. He has thanked WWE star Austin Theory for their viral spot at the Cleveland event.

    During the show, Jelly Roll performed “America The Beautiful” and his hit song “Liar.” Later in the night, he got himself inside the squared circle for some action. He not only hit chair shots but also hit the five-knuckle shuffle and a flawless chokeslam on Austin Theory.

    Jelly Roll opens up on the conversation with Austin Theory

    Roll recently made an appearance on Logan Paul\’s Impaulsive podcast and gave a shout-out to Austin Theory for making him look great in the viral spot at WWE SummerSlam. He even labeled Theory a “superhero” for handling the moment. He said:

    “To shoot on it for a second, ’cause I haven’t gotten to do this yet, and this is where I’ve been hoping I’d get to do it. Let’s go. Austin Theory is a superhero. Yeah, he is a hero, is what he is. And I’m not in the business, so I don’t gotta carry kayfabe. Dude made me look like a rock star. I love that dude and will forever, ’cause he told me that whole night, he was like, ‘I got you, dog, trust me.’

    Ahead of the event, Jelly Roll caught up with R-Truth and The Miz. They predicted which could be the top three viral moments of the night. They included their spot alongside Roman Reigns’ return and Logan Paul’s flip. He added:

    \”And ’cause I sat down with R-Truth and The Miz earlier in the night, and I said, ‘Look, y’all, if we do this right, we should have a top three viral moment.’ I was like, ‘Roman’s return, Logan’s flip, our Five Knuckle Shuffle and choke slam—that should be the three moments.’ Yep, it was the three moments, by the way. Dead on. And I was like, ‘If we pull this…’ and you know something you’ll appreciate about this…”

    Austin Theory had previously revealed that the initial plans were different. The chokeslam was not in the plans but he convinced WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H to allow Jelly Roll to hit the chokeslam on him.

  • Austin Theory Reveals Viral Jelly Roll Moment Was His Idea

    Austin Theory has revealed that his viral SummerSlam 2024 moment with Jelly Roll was part of his own idea.

    The former US Champion recently had an interview with Battleground podcast. He talked about things such as his partnership with Greyson Waller, how the creative approach has changed in Triple H regime, and more.

    During the interview, Theory was asked about the company trusting him with celebrity moments such as the segment with The Rock or his SummerSlam encounter with Jelly Roll. Talking about the latter, Austin Theory revealed that it was actually his idea for the rap star to give him a chokeslam during their interaction:

    \”Speaking of the Jelly Roll situation, it wasn\’t going to be a choke slam. I heard little ideas of—maybe a choke slam or this—but I think a scoop slam was actually gonna be what it was. I remember being in the ring with everybody and going to Triple H, being like, \’Hey, just trust me on this. Let him give me a choke slam; I\’ll make it look amazing. All he has to do is put his arm up.\’ Sure enough man, we went out there, and it looked amazing. It trended like crazy; it was all over the place.\”

    Not One Other Place I\’d Ever Go: Austin Theory

    While some other people would take being booked in spots like these negatively, Austin Theory keeps a positive mindset. According to him, his focus is always on what the company needs from him because it\’s the place he\’s always wanted to be in:

    \”But it\’s just understanding that job, of what you need to do that night. I think always understanding why I\’m doing something—ok is this gonna help this. Is this what we\’re trying to do for the company right now and the position they\’re putting me in—And I\’m just, I\’m all in. I\’m never like, \’Ah,\’ or disappointed in stuff like that.

    I have a huge opportunity; I got a moment. It\’s the WWE— it\’s the place I\’ve wanted to be my entire life. There\’s not one other place I\’d ever go. This is it. So, I\’m locked in, man. So whatever the opportunity is at the moment, or whoever the guy is—it doesn\’t matter if it\’s The Rock or Jelly Roll—it doesn\’t matter. I\’m all in.\”

    Austin Theory and Greyson Waller are scheduled to compete at the upcoming October 8 episode of NXT. They will challenge Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

  • Austin Theory Says New WWE Creative Is \’Very Hands On\’

    Austin Theory says the new WWE regime is allowing wrestlers to be truly creative with their characters.

    A number of WWE stars have spoken positively about the creative changes from Vince McMahon to Triple H regime. Names such as Becky Lynch, Randy Orton and Sami Zayn have explained that the new regime is thinking months in advance and they have long-term plans for everything that you see on TV.

    Another aspect of this conversation is allowing talent to have input in their own characters. Austin Theory spoke up about it during an interview with Battlegrounds podcast, saying that the creative process now is very hands-on:

    \”I would have to say, man, with the creative process now, it\’s very hands-on. There\’s a lot of opportunity for us superstars to make tweaks, make changes, have our own ideas and them not be shut down; them actually having the opportunity to be looking at and say, \’Well, maybe we could go somewhere with this.\’ Or, \’Ah, that\’s not really the plan, but that might have something to it.\’

    So, it\’s very hands-on, but it\’s also very, it being the creative – it\’s very creative for all of us. Because we\’re all being able to create. When it comes to what we do as sports entertainers, professional wrestlers, is showing our art. So, that creativity is so important for us to have in our own hands. And I feel that way now that we do have it.

    Austin Theory is currently involved in a tag team with Greyson Waller. The duo known as A Town Down Under previously won the SmackDown tag team championship which was renamed to the WWE Tag Team Championship during their reign.

    Waller and Theory are scheduled to compete at the upcoming October 8 episode of NXT. They will challenge Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

  • Austin Theory WWE Contract: Rumored expiry, dates and more

    Austin Theory has quickly become one of WWE\’s fastest-rising young stars since debuting on the main roster in 2020. As his profile continues to grow, many fans are curious about the details of Theory\’s WWE contract, including its rumored expiration date and other key information.

    Here, we examine what is currently known about Austin Theory\’s WWE deal and contract status.

    Austin Theory\’s WWE Career So Far

    NXT Beginnings

    Austin Theory first signed with WWE in August 2019, joining the NXT brand. He made his NXT television debut in December 2019 and quickly became a featured performer on the then-black-and-gold brand.

    Main Roster Call-Up

    In April 2020, Theory was called up to the main roster as part of the RAW brand. He aligned himself with Seth Rollins and became involved in high-profile storylines right away.

    Rise to Prominence

    Over the past few years, Theory has steadily risen up the card in WWE. Some of his major accomplishments so far include:

    • Winning the United States Championship
    • Capturing the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2022
    • Feuding with top stars like John Cena and Seth Rollins
    • Becoming one of the youngest WWE champions ever at age 25

    Rumored Details of Austin Theory\’s WWE Contract

    While WWE does not publicly disclose the specifics of talent contracts, some details about Theory\’s deal have been reported by other wrestling news outlets.

    It\’s important to note that this information is based on rumors and reports, not officially confirmed facts.

    Rumored Contract Length

    According to reports, Austin Theory likely signed a standard 3-5 year contract when he first joined WWE in 2019. This would put his original contract expiration sometime between 2022-2024.

    However, given Theory\’s rapid push and success on the main roster, it\’s very possible WWE has already signed him to a contract extension or new long-term deal. The company typically tries to lock up rising stars to longer contracts.

    Estimated Salary

    While Theory\’s exact salary is not public knowledge, estimates based on comparable WWE talent contracts suggest he is likely earning between $250,000 – $500,000 per year as base pay.

    This does not include bonuses, merchandise royalties, and other potential income sources. As Theory continues to be featured more prominently, his salary will likely increase substantially with future contract negotiations.

    Rumored Expiration Date

    IF Theory did sign a standard 3-year deal in 2019, his original contract may have been set to expire in late 2022. However, there have been no credible reports of Theory\’s contract actually expiring or him becoming a free agent anytime soon.

    The most likely scenario is that WWE has already extended Theory\’s contract or signed him to a new multi-year deal, potentially running through 2025 or beyond. The company clearly views him as a major star for the future. We will update this page as and when details of his contract status become more readily available.

  • WWE x Celebrity Family Feud Episode Airs 8/20 on ABC

    Several WWE superstars (and one former talent) are the next contestants on Celebrity Family Feud. The latest WWE installment of the show airs this Tuesday, August 20, on ABC at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT and will also stream on Hulu. The episode features men vs. women, with Bobby Lashley, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford), Austin Theory, and LA Knight taking on Mia Yim, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, Zelina Vega, and Sonya Deville.

    The episode was taped back on April 13. At the time, Lashley was in a faction with The Street Profits as The Pride and was coming off a win over The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam & Rezar) at WrestleMania 40 on April 7. His last televised match was a loss alongside Santos Escobar to LA Knight in a triple-threat match on the April 12 episode of Friday Night Smackdown.

    Another notable example of the episode being taped is that Theory is pictured with the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. He and his partner Grayson Waller would lose the titles to DIY(Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) during Friday Night Smackdown on July 12.

    The upcoming Celebrity Family Feud will give fans a different look at the WWE superstars outside the ring as they compete to answer the right questions. However, Lashley\’s appearance in the episode will remind wrestling viewers that he is no longer with the company and put a spotlight on him as he enters free agency.

    Bobby Lashley\’s Next Moves

    Lashley\’s contract with WWE expired on August 16. He and his former Hurt Business ally, MVP, were moved to the company\’s alumni section. In an Instagram post on the day of his WWE departure, Lashley shared a video of him working out with the caption,

    \”Every day is a new opportunity to push the limits and show the world what you are made of. I’ve got so much fight left in me, and I’m just getting started.\”

    Both are currently available to sign with any promotion with the expectation by fans that they will work together. It was also revealed that a company linked to MVP named Totally Harmless Concept, LLC, recently registered the trademark The Hurt Syndicate. Lashley is dealing with an arm injury but has openly shared that he wants to continue his wrestling career.

    Time will tell who Lashley will compete for next. However, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud gives him more exposure as he navigates free agency.

  • Austin Theory: \’WWE Today Has Surpassed The Attitude Era\’

    The current era of WWE is proving to be better than the much-acclaimed Attitude Era, at least according to WWE Tag Team Champion Austin Theory. 

    WWE officially launched its \’new era\’ at WrestleMania 40, though this came months after Vince McMahon\’s second resignation from the promotion in January 2024. With the 78-year-old billionaire no longer around, production changes have been well-received by fans as have the storylines we see on TV. 

    Speaking to the Battleground Podcast, Austin Theory had plenty of praise for the current era which he believes has surpassed the Attitude Era. 

    “We do all these things, and every show is packed. Even when I’m just doing meet-and-greets, like in Australia, I did one where 300 people came to see me in the middle of a mall. WWE is at an all-time high now, and you can’t deny it. I think we’ve surpassed the Attitude Era. This era has solidified a new world of professional wrestling.”

    Theory went on to describe Triple H as \”The Man\” and appreciates the \”innovative\” ideas of WWE\’s Chief Content Officer. The former U.S. Champion also praised the passion of everyone in WWE today and believes that with Triple H \’\”in the pilot seat\” that there\’s no stopping WWE. 

    It\’s hard to ignore the success of the current era of WWE. In November 2023, it was reported that the average attendance of WWE events have now matched the Attitude Era attendance. WWE is certainly making far more money now than it did during the era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks in part to its lucrative TV deals and relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

  • WWE 2K24 DLC: The Sandman Trailer From 5/15 ECW Punk Pack

    WWE 2K24 is set to have the first batch of downloadable content on May 15. The popular video game series will have five DLC packs, which fans can purchase together in a season pass for $39.99. In preparation for next week\’s release, WWE 2K24 has shared a first look at ECW legend The Sandman. 

    The upcoming DLC titled the ECW Punk Pack features The Sandman, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley), Terry Funk, and CM Punk as playable characters. It will mark the first time they will be playable in the last few years, including The Sandman, who hasn\’t been in a WWE video game since Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. 

    WWE 2K24\’s X/Twitter account previewed a first look and the entrance for The Sandman. 

    More On The Sandman In WWE 2K24

    Although the hardcore icon character model looks good, his appearance resembles his time in WWE. Fans may be disappointed that his signature ECW theme, Enter Sandman by Metallica, isn\’t featured in his entrance. It\’s also noticeable that the ECW legend doesn\’t come to the ring from the crowd in the game. 

    The Sandman is rated 86 in WWE 2K24

    It\’s unclear why WWE 2K developers didn\’t include The Sandman\’s signature entrance in their latest installment. Alongside the first look at the hardcore legend, WWE 2K24 revealed that he has an 86 overall. The Sandman\’s stats come as a surprise, with the ECW icon having better numbers than current WWE superstars. 

    The Sandman\’s Overall Compared To Current WWE Superstars In The Game

    The Sandman\’s high overall may surprise some fans compared to active WWE talent featured in the game. WWE 2K24 has the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion rated higher than the likes of AJ Styles (85), Chad Gable (80), and Austin Theory (72). He also has a better overall than other WWE Hall of Famers featured in the game, like Booker T (85) and Harley Race (84). 

    In an interview with Squared Circle Pit\’s Rob Pasbani, WWE 2K24 Producer Bryan Williams explained how it\’s decided to give certain wrestlers their overall

    SEScoops\’ Thomas Lowson transcribed the following quotes. 

    \”For us on the design side, we\’re really big on character differentiation and making sure that when you select a character that they are of their appropriate hierarchy on the card. Not everybody can be a Roman Reigns. You have people that are at the tippety top of the card and then you have people that are not, but there\’s no slight on anybody,\” said Williams.

    Williams also noted how many championships a wrestler has held and their win/loss record were considered when making the decision. 

    It\’s unclear why the WWE 2K developers felt The Sandman should have a better overall than several top current talent and legends. However, fans of the ECW legend will soon get a chance to put his overall to the test next week. 

  • Austin Theory Wants To Face The Rock At WrestleMania 41, Calls Cody Rhodes \’Goof\’

    Austin Theory is already chalking out massive plans for WrestleMania 41. He has not only put The Rock on notice for \’The Show of Shows\’ but also wants to dethrone the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

    Last year, during the September 15 edition of SmackDown, The Rock made his surprise one-off return and things didn\’t turn out too well for Theory.

    Theory told Lucas Charpiot of Ten Count Media that he believes The Rock interrupted him to be important and famous again. He said that he got better of The Rock but the wrestling legend attacked him as he felt \”insecure.\” 

    “Dwayne showed up, but not to save Pat McAfee. Dwayne showed up because he wanted to be famous again, he wanted to be important in WWE. So who did he interrupt? Austin Theory. Then what happened? I put him in his place. Then I did something that nobody has ever done. I stole his catchphrase, and I hit him with it, and I hit him with it before he could hit me with it. So then what? He got insecure, he started freaking out. He started doing the weird Rock stuff. Then he hit me with an elbow. That’s what happened.”

    He eventually stated if \’The Final Boss\’ wants to fight him, he is all set to lock horns with him at WrestleMania 41. He said: 

    “So what now? ‘The Final Boss’ wants Austin Theory, and Austin Theory will fight ‘The Final Boss’ at WrestleMania 41. Is that what they want?”

    Theory takes a jab at Cody Rhodes

    He furthermore took a shot at Cody Rhodes and labeled him \”goof.\” One half of the WWE Tag Team Champions said that he wants to dethrone \’The American Nightmare.\’ He said:

    “I just gotta take this title from this goof [points to picture of Cody Rhodes]? Is that it? I just gotta make a story up? That’s it? Alright, then that’s what I’ll do.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5n9gaqtMAM

    On this week\’s SmackDown, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller successfully defended their tag team titles against The Street Profits in their first televised title defense. 

    WWE is set to make a major announcement regarding next year\’s WrestleMania and many believe the location of the event will be revealed.