Austin Theory was once considered the **future of WWE**, a young and talented superstar with the look, charisma, and in-ring ability to be a top-tier main eventer. From working with **Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania** to **winning the Money in the Bank contract**, it seemed like WWE had big plans for him. However, fast forward to 2025, and Theory finds himself **lost in the shuffle**, stuck in a meaningless tag team and being squashed in seconds.
So, where did it all go wrong? Was it his **failed Money in the Bank cash-in**? The abrupt end of his **”selfie gimmick”**? Or was it simply WWE creative mismanaging his momentum? Let’s break down the **rise and fall of Austin Theory** and why his career has taken such a drastic turn.
## **2022: The Year of Opportunity for Austin Theory**
In 2022, **Austin Theory was on fire**. He was handpicked by Vince McMahon as a future star, heavily featured on **Monday Night Raw**, and involved in high-profile segments.
### 🔥 **Major Highlights in 2022:**
– **Angle with Stone Cold at WrestleMania 38**
– Being involved in any segment with **”Stone Cold” Steve Austin** is a big deal, and Theory was part of one at WrestleMania 38. Though he played the **cocky heel**, this moment cemented him as someone WWE had faith in.
– **Won the Money in the Bank Contract**
– In one of the biggest surprises of the year, Austin Theory won the **2022 Money in the Bank Ladder Match**, giving him a guaranteed championship opportunity.
– **United States Champion (Two-Time Champion in 2022)**
– Theory had **two reigns** as **United States Champion**, proving that WWE saw him as a key mid-card player with potential to move up.
At this point, it seemed like **nothing could stop his rise**. He had everything going for him, but then came **one of the most controversial booking decisions in recent WWE history**—his **failed Money in the Bank cash-in**.
## **The Turning Point: Failed MITB Cash-In on the U.S. Title**
When a WWE superstar wins the **Money in the Bank** contract, it’s usually a stepping stone to **World Championship glory**. However, in 2022, Austin Theory was **booked to cash in on the U.S. Title instead of the WWE or Universal Title**, making it one of the weakest cash-ins in history.
💥 **Why This Was a Career-Killer:**
– **Devalued the MITB Briefcase**
– The MITB contract is meant to **elevate a superstar**, not make them look desperate. Instead of cashing in on **Roman Reigns** or another world champion, Theory went after the mid-card title, making him look weak.
– **He Lost the Match**
– Not only did he cash in on a non-world title, but he **failed to win**, further damaging his credibility.
– **Momentum Came to a Screeching Halt**
– Before this, Theory was being **pushed hard** as a rising star. After this, he was no longer seen as a **serious threat**.
Many fans believe this was the **exact moment** when WWE **buried Austin Theory**. Instead of being a breakout main-eventer, he was suddenly **lost in the mid-card**.
## **2023: WWE Tries to “Rebuild” Austin Theory – But Fails**
After the failed MITB cash-in, WWE tried to **salvage Theory’s career** by giving him a big match at **WrestleMania 39** against **John Cena**.
### **Key Moments in 2023:**
– **Defeats John Cena at WrestleMania 39**
– On paper, this should have been a **huge win**, but the match itself fell flat. Cena barely appeared to promote the match, and Theory’s victory didn’t feel significant. Instead of elevating him, the match felt like a forgettable moment.
– **Segment with The Rock**
– Theory got some spotlight when he interacted with **The Rock**, but it didn’t lead to anything meaningful.
**The biggest problem?** WWE had **no clear direction** for Theory. They ended his **”selfie gimmick”**, which at least gave him some personality, and replaced it with a **generic “serious heel” persona** that lacked charisma.
At this point, Theory was in **mid-card limbo**, still holding the **United States Championship** but without the same excitement surrounding him.
## **2025: The Downfall Is Complete**
Fast forward to **2025**, and Austin Theory has completely **fallen from grace**.
### **Where Is He Now?**
❌ **Stuck in a meaningless tag team** after costing each other a match at an NXT PLE
❌ **Squashed by Jey Uso in seconds**
❌ **Zero character direction or momentum**
It’s shocking to see a **once-promising superstar** now being treated as an **afterthought**. WWE once saw Theory as a **future world champion**, and now he’s barely relevant.
## **What Went Wrong?**
So, why did Austin Theory go from being a **future main eventer** to being stuck in **irrelevance**? Here are the biggest reasons:
### **1. WWE Destroyed His Momentum with the Failed MITB Cash-In**
This was the single **biggest mistake** in Theory’s career. Instead of **cashing in on a world title**, WWE had him **waste the briefcase on a mid-card championship**—and he still **lost**. It **killed his credibility** overnight.
### **2. Triple H Killed His Selfie Gimmick**
– Under Vince McMahon, Theory had a **clear character**: the arrogant young star who took selfies with his opponents.
– When Triple H took over creative, he **removed the gimmick** and tried to **make Theory more serious**—but in the process, he **removed what made him unique**.
### **3. He Never Evolved Beyond the Mid-Card**
Despite **beating John Cena**, Theory never felt like a **main-eventer**. WWE didn’t give him feuds or storylines that helped him **move up the ladder**.
### **4. No Major Feuds or Storylines**
Wrestlers become stars through **great feuds** and **compelling storylines**. Theory didn’t get that. Instead, he was constantly in **directionless mid-card matches** that didn’t lead anywhere.
## **Can Austin Theory Be Saved?**
At just **27 years old**, Austin Theory still has time to **revive his career**, but WWE needs to **make serious changes**.
### 🔥 **How to Fix Austin Theory’s Career:**
✅ **Give Him a Meaningful Storyline** – He needs a **major feud** with an established main-event star.
✅ **Change His Character Again** – Either bring back the **selfie gimmick** or give him a more **compelling personality**.
✅ **Push Him Towards a World Championship** – Keeping him in **mid-card purgatory** won’t help him grow.
Austin Theory **still has potential**, but if WWE doesn’t course-correct soon, he risks being **another wasted talent**.
## **Final Thoughts: From Future Star to Forgotten Talent**
Austin Theory’s **rise and fall** is one of the most frustrating WWE career stories in recent memory. He had **all the tools** to be a **top guy**, but poor booking, a failed MITB cash-in, and a lack of direction turned him into **just another mid-carder**.
Will he ever recover? Or is his **main-event potential officially dead**? Only time will tell.
What do you think **WWE should do with Austin Theory**? Let us know in the comments 🔥👀