Which Underutilized Raw Star Did Randy Orton Just Endorse?

While talking to Carl Lamarre of Billboard , Orton gave his stamp of approval to a performer slipping down the card. "I've always been an Austin Theory fan," Orton said. "I feel like he just needed to mature a little bit—just like we all do because he started—but starting that young and having that much going for you, you're ahead of the game. Now that he's becoming a man—so to speak, before our eyes—I could see him finding who he is in that ring and settling down."

The conversation, in particular, revolved around Seth Rollins' new stable and a hypothetical fourth man. Orton suggested Theory could be a great choice as the young up-and-comer of the group, akin to his rise to glory in Evolution.

Theory is currently in a program with Grayson Waller, where the "tag team" has teased a split for months now. If he could escape that lifeless angle and create a fresh presentation, Theory has all the tools to be a main event player.

Perhaps this rub from Orton can put Theory back on an upward trajectory.