10 Upcoming Wrestling Stories That Are Already Doomed

7. The Austin Theory Babyface Run

The Rock Cody Rhodes
WWE.com

Pairing Austin Theory with Grayson Waller - a more dynamic, engaging, and animated television presence - has proved a deft move for WWE, who had systematically failed to elevate the former EVOLVE prodigy as a believable singles heel across 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Theory was booked as a weak Mr. Money in the Bank, had two middling runs as United States Champion, and gained no discernable rub from his flop of a passing-the-torch match with John Cena at WrestleMania 39. With Waller, he has recovered, somewhat, as a servicable midcard heel, though WWE once thought him capable of more than that. If he's to have a chance of breaking through the glass ceiling, the rumoured face turn opposite Waller may be the last roll of the dice.

But Theory needs more than a simple alignment switch. He is a stylish wrestler who looks good on television and has an eye-catching moveset that may work better as a face than a heel. Unfortunately, the past few years have seemingly done a number on his confidence, and he looks short of even his NXT standards a few years ago. Still only 27, he is in need of a more radical change.

 
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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.