WWE Superstar life is relentlessly non-stop. If you’re not performing in the ring, you’re on the road. If you’re not on the road, you’re doing media appearances. Not doing any of those things? Then you’re probably in the gym training for the next show.
Tired just reading that schedule, aren’t you?
For Austin Theory, there aren’t many members of the WWE locker room that he glances at with envious eyes. The 25-year-old is currently in the throes of an evolution that could propel him to main event superstardom in the coming years.
The 25-year-old is a two time and current United States Champion, with a Money In The Bank briefcase victory to his name (although the less said about that cash-in, the better). He recently reached the last five of the 2023 Royal Rumble. And he is heavily rumoured to be squaring off against John Cena at this year’s WrestleMania.
But while on-screen the Atlanta native is a brash, cocksure up-and-comer who doesn’t have much time for anyone who isn’t his own reflection, away from the ring, Theory has nothing but admiration for his peers.
And one WWE Superstar in particular.
Former Olympian Impresses Theory
SPORF recently sat down with the US Champion to discuss training regimes, match preparations and which members of the WWE locker room impress him the most. One name sprang to mind almost immediately for Theory.
“Somebody who really impresses me all around is Chad Gable. In the ring, I was watching him this weekend at live events and what an athlete, man. He’s very impressive. I’ve seen him in the gym training and he is on another level in the gym. That dude trains hard. Chad Gable, man. I’ll give it all to him.”
It should come as no surprise that Gable is so physically and athletically impressive. After all, the former American Alpha member is an Olympian, appearing at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he competed in the 84kg category of the Greco-Roman style wrestling event.
Gable, a four time tag team champion across WWE’s three brands (Raw, SmackDown and NXT), was a high school standout, winning the Minnesota State Wrestling Championship in 2004. He was also named as the Wrestling Observer’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2015 and ‘Most Underrated’ in 2019, while Rolling Stone named him ‘Most Promising Wrestler’ of 2017.
The 36-year-old WWE Superstar, now one half of Alpha Academy with Otis, is similarly an NXT alumni, meaning he and Theory both came through WWE’s Performance Center together while also enjoying success with the promotion’s developmental territory.
Theory Set For Banner Year
It will be interesting to see if Theory utilises any of Gable’s skillset for himself during his upcoming push towards the main event. Some lightning fast amateur wrestling may be enough to throw John Cena off his game at WrestleMania.
Given how Theory was once projected as Vince McMahon’s next golden boy, it speaks volumes of his dedication and ability to adapt to see him still very much in the limelight, even after McMahon’s departure as Head of Creative.
Triple H at first appeared to not have the same lofty plans for the 25-year-old. The repeated failed cash-ins of the Money In The Bank contract seemed to be proof of that. Then that US Title cash-in attempt against Seth Rollins seemed to further deplete Theory’s stock.
Since then, however, Theory’s character has been allowed to evolve and grow into a more serious role on the main roster. Thriving as United States Champion and now earmarked for one of the biggest marquee matches at WrestleMania.
A successful dance with A-List John Cena in Hollywood this April could keep Theory’s name in lights for the foreseeable future.
WWE’s latest Premium Live Event, the 2023 Royal Rumble, is available to stream via the WWE Network
Featured Image Credit: WWE
