10 Times WWE Got "The Guy" Wrong

10. Austin Theory

At a glance, Austin Theory seems like a guy who possesses a good number of the qualities needed to be a serious player in WWE.

He definitely looks the part, possessing an undeniably impressive physique. And he can hold his own in-between the ropes, too. (Though he does possess a rather flat finisher in his A-Town Down weapon of choice.)

That match-ender perhaps encapsulated the overall vibe of the former United States Champion during his 2022/23 top guy push under both Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque, with that run highlighting the major flaw holding the 26-year-old back from being a future WrestleMania main eventer: his lack of any real personality.

His work on the mic was extremely uninspired and forgettable. He never once truly captivated an audience, and Theory's Money in the Bank victory brought more dread than excitement, with fans never once buying the uncharismatic talent as a soon-to-be World champ as he carried around his bright green opportunity.

Despite failing to successfully bring home a belt via his cash-in, becoming the only person to challenge for a midcard title with his case and still bloody lose (!), WWE still didn't give up hope on their Austin Theory: Top Guy project.

A victory over John Cena on The Grandest Stage also couldn't convince people to take Theory seriously as the next big thing, though. 

So, WWE wisely opted to wave their white flag and dump him into the tag team ranks alongside the colourful Grayson Waller instead, a move that has actually done more for the lad than those high-profile victories and singles pushes ever did.