In a recent video posted to his Instagram account, WWE Superstar Austin Theory addressed fans and critics who have doubted his position and push within the company. In the video, Theory responded directly to the ongoing skepticism regarding his career trajectory.
“They say I’m missing something. They’re right. I’m missing a lot. I’m missing doubt. I’m missing quitting. I’m missing taking days off. I’m missing valuing other people’s opinions. No one’s me. And no one can be me. And one thing I have for sure is clear vision,” Theory stated.
Since transitioning to the main roster, Theory has experienced a polarizing reception from the WWE audience. His rapid ascent and prominent placement on the card generated skepticism among fans, a sentiment that Theory directly referenced in his latest social media post. The doubts surrounding his position stem from the various iterations of his creative direction over the past few years.
The initial phase of Theory’s main roster push was heavily dictated by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. In late 2021, McMahon began appearing in weekly television segments with Theory, establishing an on-screen mentor and protégé dynamic. This was a rare endorsement, as McMahon seldom participated in regular television angles with new talent at that stage of his career. During this period, Theory adopted a character trait of taking selfies with fallen opponents. The push culminated in a high-profile spot at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022. After losing a singles match to Pat McAfee, Theory was involved in a post-match angle where he received the Stone Cold Stunner from WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin. Vince also took a stunner during the segment.
Theory’s momentum continued when he captured the United States Championship. At the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in July 2022, he was added as a surprise entrant to the men’s ladder match. Theory won the match, becoming the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank in WWE history. However, his booking underwent a significant transition when Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over WWE’s creative operations later that year. Theory’s run with the briefcase ended in an unusual fashion. In November 2022, he attempted to cash in the contract on Seth Rollins for the United States Championship, rather than targeting a world championship. Theory lost the match following an attack by Bobby Lashley, marking one of the few unsuccessful cash-in attempts in the stipulation’s history.
Despite the setback with the Money in the Bank briefcase, Theory’s push was recalibrated. He adopted a more serious demeanor, dropped the selfie gimmick, and soon regained the United States Championship. This second reign led to a match at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, where Theory defended the title against John Cena. Theory secured a pinfall victory over Cena. Following his run in the singles division, Theory transitioned into the tag team ranks. He formed an alliance with Grayson Waller, dubbing themselves A-Town Down Under. They won the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XL in a Six-Pack Ladder Match but they were never pushed as a top act and after a year of teasing a split, they quietly split up a few months ago.
Paul Heyman is reportedly a big fan of Theory and sees big things in him. Now with Bronson Reed out of action, Theory may be relied upon more for promos every week on Raw.
