Highlights
- Grayson Waller is showing more potential than Austin Theory in WWE, as he believes in his character and delivers convincing performances.
- Waller's stellar run in NXT and his strong personality on the main roster have impressed WWE creative, making him a promising future star.
- WWE should continue to work on developing Theory's character and find a way to showcase his potential, but Waller should be given the chance to surpass him and be primed for the main event scene in the future.
Grayson Waller hasn’t long been on WWE’s main roster, but he is already establishing himself as someone who could very well be a star of the future. Due to his youth and look, comparisons have been drawn to Austin Theory, who is also another bright and talented young wrestler in WWE. Theory has been on the main roster for a couple of years now, and in that time the likes of Vince McMahon have attempted to prime him as the next big thing and a potential star of the future. However, things aren’t quite working out for Theory. With Waller, it feels as though WWE have unlocked what they couldn’t get out of Theory.
Austin Theory’s WWE Push Hasn’t Worked Out
At the back end of 2021, Austin Theory became aligned on-screen with Vince McMahon in a partnership which saw Theory being outwardly called McMahon’s hand-picked next star. It is easy to see why too, with youth on his side, all the fundamentals in the ring, and a very good look. Theory needed polishing, but if McMahon had seen a star in him, then it would be uncovered in due course. Theory would get marquee WrestleMania matches, the Money in the Bank briefcases, and reigns as United States Champion, but fast-forward to 2023 and Theory simply doesn’t seem to have “it”.
No matter what WWE has done with Theory, with big victories against major names like Edge and John Cena, he just isn’t climbing in prominence. Of course, some of that could be put down to booking, but much of why he isn’t working was laid out by Cena himself. In an interview with Sam Roberts on the NotSam podcast, the multi-time world champion had this to say: “That’s what I love about WWE. Fans can see through the BS if you don’t believe in your character. It’s what I said to Austin Theory. ‘You are young, you are athletic, you will work for this company, you will do interviews. I don’t believe what you do when you’re out there. I don’t.’ I said it to him personally before I said it to him publicly.
“I’m serious. In a room, with Austin Theory, I said, ‘The reason I came back to Boston is because you can’t do this yourself yet. You cannot carry a WrestleMania promo yourself yet. If you fail, we waste the equity that I’m willing to give. In that match, if I get hurt, I hold up production, which puts 300 people out of work. Let’s do this right. Let’s get some equity here.’ Then you start thinking about the angles, what’s the most important thing, what’s our story? ‘I don’t believe what you do,’ that’s what I’m going with.” (H/T Wrestling Inc).
Grayson Waller Has Been Stellar In His NXT Run & Main Roster Call-Up
Grayson Waller was a rising star in NXT, becoming one of the top heels of the brand, breaking out in feuds against the likes of Johnny Gargano and even Shawn Michaels (though of course the Hall of Famer didn’t step foot in the ring). During these rivalries, it was clear that not only could Waller have good matches, but he could tell stories and play an array of roles and characters. In contrast to Theory, it is very clear that Waller believes what he’s doing and is convincing in every word that comes out of his mouth.
Since joining the main roster, Waller has displayed so much personality, even in small doses. Despite the obvious comparisons to Theory, it is clear and obvious that Waller is more exciting than Theory and currently has much more potential to be a star. In fact, it was noted in a report from WRKD Wrestling that Waller was in line for big things due to him impressing WWE creative.
What Should WWE Do With Grayson Waller & Austin Theory?
Going forward, WWE should still try and find a way to get the best out of Theory, and to help him prove Cena wrong and begin to portray a convincing act. A refresh may be needed, with a new character, perhaps even a mouthpiece, and getting out of the US Title scene, but WWE shouldn’t give up.
When it comes to Waller, he really needs to surpass Theory in the food chain, as WWE have found exactly what they wanted originally in Theory - a cocky, arrogant young star who can work with anyone and can be a future world champion. Waller should take Theory’s spot, at least for now, as someone who should be primed for the main event scene down the line. WWE could still make two stars here, but Waller is the one who is the most likely to make it big.
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