Real Reason WWE Just Changed Austin Theory's Ring Name
The insanity behind Vince McMahon and WWE's decision to rebrand (Austin) Theory...
Austin Theory became the latest member of WWE's single-name club during last night's episode of Raw.
A backstage segment featuring authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville saw the up-and-comer explain that his mentor, Vince McMahon, had decided "Austin" wasn't right for him anymore. Thus, the 24-year-old will be moving forward as "Theory" and "Theory" alone.
The former Austin's WWE.com profile has already been updated to reflect this.
Speaking on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that Vince McMahon made the decision to change Theory's name as he didn't like the idea of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin against Austin Theory. Thus, the younger man lost his forename.
The report effectively states that McMahon had the decision based on a defunct storyline. Theory and 'Stone Cold' crossed paths at WrestleMania 38, where Vince's latest protege took a Stone Cold Stunner (delivering one of the greatest sells in the move's history in the process) prior to McMahon getting the same treatment. That story is finished now, though.
Nonetheless, it looks like Theory will be progressing without the "Austin" part of his name in WWE. The Madness of King Vince triumphs again.