Austin Theory was hand-picked by Vince McMahon to be the next face of the company since John Cena. The 25-year-old has won some major accolades, including becoming the youngest Money in the Bank holder in the company’s history.
Following the departure of McMahon in July last year, Theory’s push seems to have become a bit lackluster. Despite winning the Money In The Bank contract, he couldn’t cash it in against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Universal Championship. Rather, he went for the US title and won it at Survivor Series last year.
Love me or hate me…you know I’m that dude🚀 pic.twitter.com/SCj7gjLZjP
— Austin Theory (@_Theory1) May 5, 2023
The youngster then moved on to becoming a despicable heel and continued to mock WWE legend John Cena, with whom Theory has been compared numerous times. This resulted in Cena accepting Austin Theory’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania 39. Despite using wicked means, the US Champ emerged victorious as Cena put him over in a mediocre match.
However, it now seems that Cena’s efforts to put over the youngster have gone to waste. Since his win at ‘Mania, Theory has been in a meaningless feud with Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed. This led to a Triple Threat match at Backlash, where the champion retained. During the WWE Draft, Austin Theory was drafted to SmackDown, which then resulted in him partaking in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament. He lost the bout and was pinned by Bobby Lashley.
It’s Up and it’s up and it’s always🚀 #AustinTheoryLive pic.twitter.com/tACipNkLFq
— Austin Theory (@_Theory1) May 8, 2023
The loss once again leaves him with little to do until Night of Champions, with a challenger nowhere in sight. It is likely that Triple H will once again hastily put together a feud for the former The Way member to get on the card in Saudi Arabia on May 27. This has led fans to believe that WWE and Triple H have ruined the push of the former Money in the Bank holder, and his chances of being the next megastar are next to nil.
Fans blame Triple H’s poor decision-making for the downfall of Austin Theory
The WWE Universe has been quick to notice the downfall of Theory in the company’s programming and has taken to Twitter to air their grievances. While there is no doubt that Austin Theory has been a polarizing figure since debuting on the main roster and being taken under Vince McMahon’s tutelage, very few expected him to become an afterthought.
Many fans were of the opinion that his gimmick was ruined by Triple H and that his current character was bland. A handful of fans disagreed, saying that he is a great heel and a future world champion.
Talented guy, awful presentation and character, there’s nothing there that invests me or makes me care about him, he has no presence when he comes out, he’s just another guy
— jay (@vexi999) May 12, 2023
Needs a different character. Feels bland. Look at how Seth and Roman reinvented themselves.
— 🇺🇸🇦🇷🇪🇸 (@BringBackEV) May 12, 2023
He’s definitely talented, I think he has a future. I’m just not really invested into his character/personality though, and I can’t put my finger on why. He needs some kind of story
— Tyler Rose (@TylerRoseTV) May 12, 2023
He’s a future pillar of the company no doubt. All the people hating on him are mad because Vince chose him. That’s literally it.
— The Midnight Ryder (SCM) 🐎 (@MaskedRyder) May 12, 2023
He was good untill triple h ruined his gimmick
— .. (@Kdbxhaal) May 12, 2023
He’s for sure talented. I just don’t like his persona. I think if they changed his character up he’d be more like able.
— Latiesha (@itsmelatiesha) May 12, 2023
At only 25, Austin Theory still has the world at his feet. It remains to be seen whether Triple H will see the same potential in him as Vince McMahon or if he will stagnate in the mid-card for the foreseeable future. It’ll be interesting to see how he will be booked on SmackDown.