Austin Theory has reflected on his WWE main roster run and his memorable on-screen relationship with former chairman Vince McMahon.
Speaking on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive, Theory looked back on his journey from NXT to the main roster, pinpointing the moment that changed how he viewed his own career. He traced his development back to NXT, where things started to click once he leaned into his personality as part of The Way faction.
“I remember my time in NXT, it was kinda just, I feel like I was there. Then something started to work when I was in the group The Way; I started showing more of my humor, being more funny,” Theory said. “I feel like that’s kind of the tip of it in NXT.”
The turning point came on the main roster, where Theory says he didn’t initially grasp the level of support he was receiving until a standout title win.
“When I got to the main roster, I didn’t even realize Vince was pushing me, and behind me, until I remember when I won the US Title and became the youngest US Champ,” Theory recalled. “At the end of that match, Vince wanted all the heels to come out, hold me up in the ring. Then, as I left the ring, he came out on the stage and held my arm, and I think in that moment I was like, ‘Whoa, something’s going on here, we’re going places.'”
Theory added that he always sensed big things were ahead, even if he couldn’t see the specifics.
“I always knew I would do great things here, just not the detail of them. It’s been a crazy ride, but I guess like anything in life you have the ups and downs,” he said. He noted he’s since entered a reflective stretch focused on evolving his character. “Coming down a little and just reflecting and figuring out where can I be better, what can I do, maybe I need to switch the character and do something else.”
Theory and McMahon remained an on-screen duo for several months, up until McMahon’s initial retirement in 2022.
