Corey Graves – “Austin Theory Is The Next Megastar” Of WWE
Corey Graves still has plenty of faith in Austin Theory despite his recent losses.
Austin Theory was considered a future star not too long ago. He was seen as Vince McMahon’s next (and last) personal pet project and shared the screen with the boss many times. Theory even had his own WrestleMania moments alongside Vince and the other famous Austin, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.
But ever since Vince McMahon departed and Triple H took over, Austin Theory’s future has become clouded. Things took a particularly disappointing turn when Theory “made history” by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on the US Title (the first wrestler to ever try to cash in on a secondary title) held by Seth “Freakin” Rollins AND failing to win.
In the follow up to Theory’s failure, he was very aggressive in a match against Dolph Ziggler on the November 14th Raw, which ended in a DQ because of Theory’s actions. Later on that same Raw, Theory attacked US Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins, who is now a babyface on Raw, so that likely sets up a rivalry between them.
That initial MITB failure by Theory has been perceived by many fans as an explicit and obvious burial by WWE management. But Corey Graves thinks otherwise.
On an episode of After the Bell, Corey Graves argued that not only will Theory bounce back from this loss, but he’ll become the next big wrestling megastar:
“I believe in Austin Theory. I don’t believe he’s ‘that guy’ yet, but in my heart of hearts as a nerd who’s spent way too much time studying the history of this business and watching it and loving it with all my being, I believe Austin Theory is the next megastar [of WWE.] And I think on Monday a lot of people started to believe as well.”
Graves went on to say that people need to be patient and let things play out regarding Theory’s recent losses.
“Let everything play out. Everybody loves to get ahead of themselves and jump on Twitter. ‘Oh this is it! Austin Theory’s done. He’s buried. Why would you do this to the guy?’ Let the story play out. This is WWE. World Wrestling Entertainment [emphasis on entertainment.]”
“There is a story involved. There’s curiosity. There’s drama. There are red herrings. Just like any source of literature. It’s entertainment. So let it play out. What we saw was a whole new chapter for Austin Theory.”
As he continued, Graves discussed the important role that Rollins was playing in the story as well.
“Rollins has been one of the mechanisms in this story, that has helped elevate Austin Theory’s stock in the eyes of the viewers. Yes, Rollins was the one who beat him but that was an essential part of the story. What Rollins is doing simultaneously is elevating the United States Championship.”
h/t sescoops for the transcription