Why Austin Theory Is Being Promoted To WWE WrestleMania 36 Card

The real reason this hot prospect is stepping out.

by Andy H Murray
Austin Theory
WWE

Austin Theory looks set for an ahead-of-schedule main roster call-up in WWE, with the NXT newcomer set to replace the injured Andrade as Angel Garza's partner in a WrestleMania 36 match with Raw Tag Team Champions the Street Profits.

It's thought that an angle explaining the substitution will air on tonight's episode of Raw. Seeing what kayfabe explanation WWE comes up with will be interesting, as Theory has had no prior interactions with Garza, the Street Profits, Andrade, or manager Zelina Vega, though today's Cageside Seats Rumor Roundup reveals a potential reason why Austin is being thrust in this spotlight.

Per their writeup, Paul Heyman is thought to be extremely high on the 22-year-old - hence the hot-shotted call-up.

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Theory has worked just five televised NXT bouts since signing with WWE, going 2-3 against opponents like Roderick Strong, Tommaso Ciampa, and Tyler Breeze. One glance at him reveals why WWE is putting so much stock in him. A clean, professional worker with a great look and background in bodybuilding, he fits the company's mould to a tee and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him join Raw or SmackDown full-time after 'Mania, despite his inexperience.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.