6 Ways WWE Can Reintroduce Austin Theory

WWE’s Austin Theory is currently the topic of wrestling rumors regarding a potential return and renewed push on Monday Night RAW. The now-inactive pro wrestler, formerly known as “The Forever Champion,” hasn’t wrestled a match since July 2025 during a taping of WWE Main Event. He took a loss to El Grande Americano. His former ally, Grayson Waller, has moved on to The New Day in Theory’s absence.

Theory is a two-time United States Champion who bested the likes of John Cena, Edge, and Seth Rollins. He is also a former WWE Tag Team Champion alongside Waller as part of the tandem known as A-Town Down Under. However, compared to his push under the direction of Vince McMahon, Theory hasn’t been featured as one of the company’s rising stars in recent years under Triple H’s watch. That could all change with an attention-grabbing reintroduction on WWE programming.

#6. Austin Theory Could Join the Latest Iteration Of The Vision

Rumors circulating online suggest that there are creative plans to reintroduce Theory as a member of the faction formerly led by Seth Rollins. If these rumors come to fruition, Theory would immediately become a key player in a major storyline on Monday Night RAW.

Paul Heyman has hyped up Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker as the future of WWE. Another star who was seemingly groomed for greatness was Theory. However, much of that push for Theory began under the direction of McMahon and faded into obscurity under the watch of Triple H. But if the “King of Kings” wants the former US Champion to return to prominence, it’d be a smart move to bundle him into a group of dominant stars alongside Heyman, Breakker, and Reed.

#5. Theory Could Be a Surprise Entrant In Survivor Series WarGames

Before Seth Rollins’ most recent injury, there were rumors of The Vision competing in a WarGames match with Theory on their team. Considering the heavy rumors of Theory’s potential future involvement in Rollins’ former faction, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he were to join the group and fight alongside them at Survivor Series. However, that might still be a surprise if it were to happen, especially considering WWE’s standards on what can be regarded as a surprise.

No official match has been announced for Survivor Series: WarGames 2025. That premium live event is scheduled to take place on November 29 inside Petco Park in San Diego, California. However, given the event’s name, it’s expected that one or two WarGames matches will be featured, and it’s heavily rumored that The Vision will be booked to compete.

#4. Austin Theory Could Feud With The New Day and Grayson Waller

Tensions were teased between Theory and Waller before their breakup, yet no official rivalry between the two has ever taken place. Theory’s injury would officially put an end to A-Town Down Under, yet his past with Waller could be explored upon Theory’s return to in-ring competition.

If WWE were to go with this direction for Theory’s comeback, it would indicate a full-fledged babyface turn for the former two-time United States Champion. Theory has experienced increased fan support this year, and the company could capitalize on that by booking a heroic comeback for the former Forever Champion.

Theory will likely need to find allies such as The War Raiders and World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee. With friends fighting by his side, he would be able to take the fight to New Day and Waller in six-man matches. Lee, Styles, and The War Raiders could also watch Theory’s back during singles matches with Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and “Big G” Grayson Waller.

#3. Austin Theory Could Go After “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio’s WWE Intercontinental Championship

Theory became a decorated mid-card wrestler during his time as an active competitor on WWE’s main roster, winning the SmackDown Tag Team Titles alongside Waller at WrestleMania XL, becoming 2022’s Mr. Money In The Bank, and attaining two reigns as US Champion. However, one title that has eluded Theory is the championship first introduced by Pat Patterson in 1979 and currently held by Dominik Mysterio in 2025.

A run as Intercontinental Champion could revive Theory’s career as a rising star in World Wrestling Entertainment. However, a feud between him and Mysterio could be difficult to showcase in 2025 because fans might not know who to boo and cheer for. Likewise, the WWE creative writers might not know the best way to set up such a scenario between two Superstars who are getting significant fan support. If the company is looking for a wrestler to replace Dominik in Judgment Day, it’d arguably make greater sense to cast Rusev in the replacement heel role rather than Theory.

#2. Austin Theory Could Be Reintroduced As a Ringside Valet For WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss

Perhaps the silliest outcome for Theory’s return would be to cast him as the boy-toy manager of the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. If the former Forever Champion can withstand the goofiness of this scenario and continue to build fan support, it’d prove that Theory’s versatility and his inherent value can’t be diminished.

This role would be similar to the “Meat” gimmick portrayed by Shawn Stasiak in 1999 as part of the former World Wrestling Federation’s Attitude Era. Meat was the boy-toy of the female-led faction known as Pretty Mean Sisters, consisting of Terri Runnels, Jacqueline, and Ryan Shamrock.

Theory becoming a boy-toy might drive up interest for the women’s tag division as well as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. However, many wrestling fans would likely see this as wasting Theory’s talent and potential as a serious singles competitor in the men’s division.

#1. Austin Theory Could Return To NXT and Go After Ricky Saints’ NXT Championship

Saints successfully defended his title against Trick Williams at NXT’s most recent PLE, Halloween Havoc. Theory would be a more-than-credible challenger for Saints’ gold if the former Forever Champion were to return to the Orlando-based brand.

While he has history in NXT, Theory has only achieved championship success in WWE on its main roster. If he were to return to the company’s developmental brand, Theory could immediately be positioned as a headliner and main eventer. Whereas if he were to return to the red brand, he might be faced with an uphill battle of rising through the ranks from midcard status to superstardom.