WWE RAW Star Admits He 'Lost Himself' After Beating John Cena

Theory was positioned as one of WWE's rising stars at the time, but his push quickly diminished after his victory over Cena. He failed to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and got lost in the shuffle.

The 28-year-old has opened up on a change in his mindset after returning to WWE at Survivor Series in November and joining The Vision. He explained that he is more focused on fulfilling his potential than on basking in the glory of a win over the 17-time world champion.

Theory said on WWE RAW Recap:

"To me, it's about the future, and that's exactly what the Vision's about, it's about taking, and that's what I'm all about now. I'm not waiting for opportunities, I'm not looking at my past and saying, 'Hey, I beat John Cena, somebody hand me another opportunity'. We just take, and that's how it feels now being in The Vision, just going to take everything."

Theory is still one of the younger members of the WWE RAW roster, but he has already achieved big things since arriving on the main roster in March 2020. He alluded to this when asked about his shift in mentality:

"I went from a lot of big moments so quickly in my career, and I think I kind of lost myself and got comfortable. Waiting for somebody to give me a handout, give me something, because of me feeling like I deserved it."

Theory is only one of a few members of the current generation who lay claim not only to facing Cena but also to beating him. He admits he relied on such achievements too much:

"I can admit that, being the youngest Mr Money in the Bank, the youngest US champ, beating John Cena at WrestleMania, walking in as the US Champ, walking out as the US Champ. I was in a place back then where I just hung on to that stuff so much. Especially the John Cena thing, I don't know how many times I said his name and tried to tell everybody that I did this."

He added:

"Where I'm at now mentally is like 'Hey that guy Austin Theory beat John Cena', people should already know that, I shouldn't have to tell you."

Theory spoke following a win over Rey Mysterio on RAW last night, thanks to interference from Logan Paul. It was a big night for him as Paul Heyman officially announced him as the newest member of The Vision, joining Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul in the group focused on WWE's future.

'Linkin Park Vibes' - Fans Love Theory's New Entrance

Theory hasn't only returned with a new mindset, but is also sporting a different look and presentation. He has a new entrance theme, which he debuted last night on RAW.

The new theme seems to sample Triple H's 'My Time' entrance song from the Attitude Era before breaking into a nu metal type sound. Joe Tessitore on commentary made a brilliant call:

"That ring entrance just screams of what he's been saying now 'I take now'."

WWE's music has come under plenty of criticism in recent years due to a lack of inspiration attributed to their music producers Def Rebel. But Theory's new theme song has gone down well with fans who have even likened it to Linkin Park.

One fan wrote on X:

"Nah this new theme is fire. Linkin Park vibes."

Another added:

"I have a feeling this is going to be the best thing to ever happen to Austin Theory. The potential was always there and now with the correct presentation and booking Theory can fulfill that potential. Magnificent entrance."

One wrote:

"Ok I’m really digging Austin Theory’s new music."

Popular wrestling streamer SantiZap pointed out that Theory's theme wasn't 'popping bottles' but admitted:

"This is actually a good entrance theme."

Another streamer, Conman167, was impressed, although he laughed at a 'Temu Linkin Park' comment in his chat:

"He's got a cool entrance and that's half the thing that gets you over in WWE."

Def Rebel appears to have produced the track (the above is a different version), as the Netflix subtitles read 'Remember the Name' by the music production trio. There is still uncertainty about their future with the company amid reports that their contract is set to expire soon.

Theory's new entrance also included new lighting and a fresh demeanour as he kick-started his latest run in WWE as a member of The Vision. He will be hoping fans continue to get behind him heading into 2026.