WWE has made yet another name change to one of their main roster superstars. Austin Theory announced a new ring name on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
WWE drops Austin Theory’s first name, now known as ‘Theory’ https://t.co/T2AC404wPu pic.twitter.com/mvqyBnFIhV
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) April 12, 2022
Austin Theory shortens his name
He explained to Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville in a backstage segment that his new ring moniker will simply be ‘Theory,’ claiming that he and Vince McMahon believed he’d outgrown the “Austin” in his name. This comes in wake of Stone Cold Steve Austin delivering both with stunners at WrestleMania 38. Cesaro, Buddy Murphy, and, most recently, Matt Riddle are among the WWE Superstars who have lost their first names. Other superstars, such as Humberto Carillo and Angel Garza, have stopped using their surnames. It is the latest in the long list of name changes made by Vince McMahon.
A selfie with Mr. McMahon! ????#WrestleMania @austintheory1 @VinceMcMahon pic.twitter.com/nW31hoXATk
— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2022
Theory made his WWE in-ring debut on the December 25, 2019 episode of NXT. He was called up to the main roster and joined Seth Rollins’ stable during the pandemic. Theory became McMahon’s protégé after stealing a Cleopatra’s Egg relic at Survivor Series 2021, gifted to McMahon by The Rock as part of a promotional tie-in with Netflix’s Red Notice film. This was a part of a storyline. McMahon sees Theory as a future main event caliber superstar and WWE is looking to push him up the card.
Theory set for a championship match next week
Theory is set to face Finn Balor for the WWE United States Championship next week. He faced Pat McAfee at WrestleMania in a losing effort but has been a regular on Raw in recent months alongside Vince McMahon.
Next Monday on #WWERaw@FinnBalor defends the #USTitle against Theory! pic.twitter.com/ZK6O9R3z8D
— WWE (@WWE) April 12, 2022
Theory is slowly climbing his way up the WWE ladder with the goal of becoming a main eventer. Vince McMahon reportedly views him as the next John Cena caliber superstar. It is sure that Theory will be capturing a singles title soon.