It appears WWE has major plans for Austin Theory upon his return from injury, with a potential main event push in the works for the former United States Champion. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed the initial plans for the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series, and the heel team surprisingly included the currently injured Austin Theory alongside main event stars like Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, and The Vision. The inclusion of Theory in such a high-profile spot indicates that the company may have a significant creative shift in mind for him when he is cleared to return to the ring.
Before his injury, Theory was in the midst of a storyline that seemed to be leading towards a babyface turn. After a run as a tag team with Grayson Waller, the duo had begun to show signs of dissension, with Waller blaming Theory for their losses. The storyline was abruptly dropped when Theory was sidelined with an injury, and Waller has since gone on to form a new alliance with The New Day. Meltzer notes that Theory’s inclusion in the WarGames plans is a complete reversal of his previous creative direction. “Now it seems like he’s coming back as a main event level heel when he left as an undercard comedy guy,” Meltzer wrote.
Meltzer also offered some insight into the backstage perception of Theory, suggesting that his look and physique are factors in the opportunities he receives. “He is one of those guys who because of his look will get more chances to be a top guy even if he’s not over like a top guy, because the powers that be look at him and think “he looks like a star,”” he wrote.
Theory is a two-time former United States Champion and was the winner of the 2022 Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, and while his cash-in attempt was unsuccessful, it is clear that the company has long seen main event potential in the 28-year-old. The reported plan for the men’s WarGames match would see Theory team with Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Brock Lesnar to take on a babyface team led by Roman Reigns and CM Punk.
