Austin Theory
{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1997)}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| image = Austin Theory 080324 (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Theory in 2024
| birth_name = Austin Tyler White
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|8|2}}
| birth_place = McDonough, Georgia, U.S.{{cite web|title=Austin Theory|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=18855|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328180950/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=18855|archive-date=28 March 2023|access-date=27 June 2018|website=Cagematch.net}}
| residence =
| alma_mater =
| ring_names = Austin Theory{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/austin-theory|title=Austin Theory WWE|website=wwe.com}}
Theory
| billed = Atlanta, Georgia
| trainer = AR Fox
WWE Performance Center
| retired =
}}
Austin Tyler White (born August 2, 1997) is an American professional wrestler and bodybuilder. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Austin Theory, and is in a tag team with Grayson Waller as A-Town Down Under. He is a former two-time WWE United States Champion, a former one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and the winner of the 2022 Money in the Bank ladder match.
Prior to joining WWE, White competed on the independent circuit, including several promotions under the World Wrestling Network umbrella, such as Full Impact Pro (FIP) and Evolve – along the way winning the WWN Championship FIP World Heavyweight Championship and the Evolve Championship.
Early life
Austin Tyler White{{Cite web |title=White, Austin Tyler |url=https://musclememory.com/show.php?s=austin+white |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525000821/https://musclememory.com/show.php?s=austin+white |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=MuscleMemory.com}} was born on August 2, 1997, in the Atlanta suburb of McDonough, Georgia. His parents were divorced prior to his birth. White has been a fan of professional wrestling since childhood, citing John Cena as a huge influence and having dreams of joining WWE since he was eight years old.{{Cite episode |title=The Best New Talent in America |series=The Wrestlers |network=Viceland |date=May 22, 2019 |season=1 |number=1}}{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 26, 2020 |title=WWE NXT star Austin Theory talks tonight's bout with Tommaso Ciampa, path to NXT, Performance Center, Cena, being predicted as headlining WrestleMania one day & much more |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=134191 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429211543/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=134191 |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |publisher=PWInsider}}{{Cite web |last=Coppinger |first=Mike |date=January 26, 2023 |title='He's a natural heat-getter': Inside Austin Theory's transformation into a WWE headliner |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35525905/wwe-royal-rumble-2023-austin-theory-transformation-wwe-headliner |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328214705/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35525905/wwe-royal-rumble-2023-austin-theory-transformation-wwe-headliner |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN}} In 2015, he placed first in the NPC Georgia Bodybuilding Championship, Teen Men category when he was 17.{{cite web |last1=Torres |first1=Maria |date=July 16, 2015 |title=Mr. Teenage Georgia: Local teens bring home bodybuilding, physique titles |url=http://www.henryherald.com/news/mr-teenage-georgia-local-teens-bring-home-bodybuilding-physique-titles/article_ab69f31f-097c-5d5c-97b2-b53a2274da3d.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727232812/http://www.henryherald.com/news/mr-teenage-georgia-local-teens-bring-home-bodybuilding-physique-titles/article_ab69f31f-097c-5d5c-97b2-b53a2274da3d.html |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |access-date=June 27, 2018 |publisher=Henry Daily Herald}}
Professional wrestling career
=Independent circuit (2016–2019)=
File:Pro wrestler Austin Theory September 7 2018 (cropped).jpg in September 2018]]
He made his professional wrestling debut on May 5, 2016, under the ring name Austin Theory, defeating A. R. Fox to win the WWA4 Heavyweight Championship. Theory made his Progress Wrestling debut on April 1, 2017, at a Progress and Evolve joint show, losing to Keith Lee in a four way match involving Jason Kincaid and Blaster McMassive.{{Cite web |title=Austin Theory bio |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/austin-theory/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202180028/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/austin-theory/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}} On August 12, 2016, Theory made his World Wrestling Network debut at Full Impact Pro (FIP)'s Heatstroke. He made his Evolve debut at Evolve 78 on February 24, 2017, defeating Darby Allin.{{cite web |last1=Moorehead |first1=John |date=February 24, 2017 |title=EVOLVE 78 Results: Riddle, Kincaid, Title Match, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-78-results-riddle-kincaid-title-match-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081746/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-78-results-riddle-kincaid-title-match-more |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Fightful}} In July, Theory acquired Priscilla Kelly as a valet. On December 18, at Evolve 97, he defeated Fred Yehi to win the FIP World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |date=December 11, 2017 |title=EVOLVE 97 Results: Matt Riddle, Jason Kincaid, EVOLVE Championship, Title Change, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/evolve-97-results-matt-riddle-jason-kincaid-evolve-championship-title-change-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081917/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/evolve-97-results-matt-riddle-jason-kincaid-evolve-championship-title-change-more |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Fightful}} On February 17, at Evolve 100, Theory failed to win the Evolve Championship from Zack Sabre Jr..{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=February 18, 2018 |title=EVOLVE's 100 & 101 Results: Riddle, Kincaid, Sabre, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/evolve-s-100-101-results-riddle-kincaid-sabre-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081122/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/evolve-s-100-101-results-riddle-kincaid-sabre-more |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Fightful}} At Evolve 103 on April 6, Theory defeated Keith Lee to win the WWN Championship.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=JJ |date=April 6, 2018 |title=EVOLVE 103 results: Matt Riddle vs. Daisuke Sekimoto |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/evolve-103-results-matt-riddle-vs-daisuke-sekimoto-255171 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405135654/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/evolve-103-results-matt-riddle-vs-daisuke-sekimoto-255171 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On June 23, at Evolve 106, Theory lost the WWN Championship to Joey Janela, but retained the FIP World Heavyweight Championship against Janela and DJ Z in a triple threat match the next day.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=JJ |date=June 24, 2018 |title=EVOLVE 106 results: Joey Janela debuts, wins WWN title |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-106-results-joey-janela-debuts-wins-wwn-title-260291 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210031231/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-106-results-joey-janela-debuts-wins-wwn-title-260291 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=JJ |date=June 25, 2018 |title=EVOLVE 107 results: Adam Cole vs. WALTER title match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-107-results-adam-cole-vs-walter-title-match-260326 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405113908/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-107-results-adam-cole-vs-walter-title-match-260326 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On September 30, he lost the FIP World Heavyweight Championship to Anthony Henry.{{Cite web |title=FIP World Heavyweight Title (Florida) |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/fl/fip/fip-h.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316164724/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/fl/fip/fip-h.html |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}
At Evolve 117 on December 15, Theory defeated Fabian Aichner and Roderick Strong in a triple threat match to win the Evolve Championship.{{cite web |date=December 15, 2018 |title=EVOLVE 117 results: Triple threat title match, Ohno vs. Allin |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-117-results-triple-threat-title-match-ohno-vs-allin-272496 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209062706/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-117-results-triple-threat-title-match-ohno-vs-allin-272496 |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Over the next few months, Theory successfully defended the title against the likes of Henry, Kyle O'Reilly, Raul Mendoza, and Leon Ruff.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=February 17, 2019 |title=EVOLVE 122 Results (2/16/19): Montez Ford Challenges For WWN Championship, Strickland In Action |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-122-results-21619-montez-ford-challenges-wwn-championship-strickland-action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924111304/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-122-results-21619-montez-ford-challenges-wwn-championship-strickland-action |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Fightful}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=JJ |date=April 4, 2019 |title=EVOLVE 125 live results: Austin Theory vs. Kyle O'Reilly |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-125-live-results-austin-theory-vs-kyle-oreilly-280861/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416220925/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-125-live-results-austin-theory-vs-kyle-oreilly-280861/ |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=JJ |date=April 14, 2019 |title=EVOLVE 126 live results: EVOLVE vs. NXT matches |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-126-live-results-evolve-vs-nxt-matches-281586 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629011539/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/evolve-126-live-results-evolve-vs-nxt-matches-281586 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{Cite web |last=Pipkin |first=Landon |date=July 1, 2019 |title=Evolve 129 results: Pipkin's review of Austin Theory vs. Leon Ruff for the Evolve Championship, Roderick Strong vs. Anthony Henry, Tyler Breeze vs. AR Fox, JD Drake defends the WWN Championship against John Silver, Sean Maluta, and Takuri |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/01/evolve-129-results-pipkins-review-of-austin-theory-vs-leon-ruff-for-the-evolve-championship-roderick-strong-vs-anthony-henry-tyler-breeze-vs-ar-fox-jd-drake-defends-the-wwn-championship-again/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417091240/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/01/evolve-129-results-pipkins-review-of-austin-theory-vs-leon-ruff-for-the-evolve-championship-roderick-strong-vs-anthony-henry-tyler-breeze-vs-ar-fox-jd-drake-defends-the-wwn-championship-again/ |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Following a backstage confrontation between Theory and JD Drake, a Winner Takes All match for both the Evolve Championship and WWN Championship was set for Evolve 131 on July 13,{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2019 |title=EVOLVE Wrestling's 10th Anniversary Celebration streams live on WWE Network tonight |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/evolve-10th-anniversary-celebration-match-lineup-wwe-network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102141143/https://www.wwe.com/article/evolve-10th-anniversary-celebration-match-lineup-wwe-network |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} which was won by Theory.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=July 13, 2019 |title=Johnny Gargano shocks Adam Cole while Austin Theory tops JD Drake at EVOLVE's 10th Anniversary Special |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/evolve-10th-anniversary-special-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714081320/https://www.wwe.com/article/evolve-10th-anniversary-special-results |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On August 25, at Evolve 134, he retained the Evolve Championship against Drake and Josh Briggs in a triple threat match.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=August 26, 2019 |title=EVOLVE 134 Results (8/25): Gulak vs. Kushida, Matt Riddle In Action, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-134-results-825-gulak-vs-kushida-matt-riddle-action-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614061011/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-134-results-825-gulak-vs-kushida-matt-riddle-action-more |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Fightful}} Theory lost the title to Briggs at Evolve 139 on November 9.{{cite web |last=Toro |first=Carlos |date=November 10, 2019 |title=EVOLVE 139 Results (11/9) New EVOLVE Champion Crowned, Eddie Kingston, Shotzi Blackheart, More |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-139-results-119-new-evolve-champion-crowned-eddie-kingston-shotzi-blackheart-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081127/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/evolve-139-results-119-new-evolve-champion-crowned-eddie-kingston-shotzi-blackheart-more |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=Fightful}}
On June 16, 2018, Theory made his debut for Mexican promotion The Crash Lucha Libre, where he was defeated by Rey Horus. On March 2, 2019, Theory defeated Willie Mack, Bárbaro Cavernario and Sansón to win The Crash Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |last=Romero |first=Marcos |date=March 3, 2019 |title=The Crash tiene nuevo campeón |trans-title=The Crash has a new champion |url=https://www.elsoldetijuana.com.mx/deportes/the-crash-tiene-nuevo-campeon-3138448.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429024817/https://www.elsoldetijuana.com.mx/deportes/the-crash-tiene-nuevo-campeon-3138448.html |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |publisher=El Sol de Tijuana |language=es}} On June 14, Theory made his Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre debut representing The Crash, teaming with Carístico and Volador Jr. to defeat Rush and La Peste Negra (Bárbaro Cavernario and Negro Casas).{{cite web |last=López Escalona |first=Arturo |date=June 15, 2019 |title=Ángel de Oro y Niebla Roja avanzaron a final de Copa Dinastías |trans-title=Ángel de Oro and Niebla Roja advanced to the final of the Copa Dinastías |url=https://www.esto.com.mx/436522-angel-de-oro-y-niebla-roja-avanzaron-a-final-de-copa-dinastias-ultimas-noticias-deportes-lucha-libre/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704082554/https://www.esto.com.mx/436522-angel-de-oro-y-niebla-roja-avanzaron-a-final-de-copa-dinastias-ultimas-noticias-deportes-lucha-libre/ |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |publisher=Esto Enlinea |language=es}}
= WWE =
==NXT (2019–2021)==
{{main|The Way (professional wrestling)|l1=The Way}}
Prior to his signing with the company, he participated in a WWE tryout in February 2018.{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Independent wrestling standout Austin Theory, former UFC fighter Matt Van Buren among prospects at WWE tryout |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/wwe-tryout-february-2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804113319/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/wwe-tryout-february-2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2018 |publisher=WWE}} On April 8, during day 4 of WrestleMania Axxess, Theory retained his WWN Championship against Marcel Barthel.
On August 10, 2019, Theory was shown on-screen in the crowd at NXT TakeOver: Toronto.{{Cite web |last=Herrera |first=Tom |date=August 10, 2019 |title=EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory spotted in crowd at NXT TakeOver: Toronto |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-toronto-2019/article/austin-theory-spotted-at-nxt-takeover-toronto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422161402/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-toronto-2019/article/austin-theory-spotted-at-nxt-takeover-toronto |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} Five days later, it was announced that he signed a contract with WWE and would report to the WWE Performance Center.{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=August 14, 2019 |title=Evolve Champion Austin Theory headlines new class of WWE Performance Center signees |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/austin-theory-santana-garrett-headline-wwe-performance-center-class |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525032414/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/austin-theory-santana-garrett-headline-wwe-performance-center-class |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2020 |publisher=WWE}} On the December 25 episode of NXT, Theory made his in-ring debut, accepting Roderick Strong's NXT North American Championship open challenge in a losing effort.{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=December 25, 2019 |title=NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong def. Austin Theory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2019-12-25/article/nxt-north-american-champion-roderick-strong-def-austin-theory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211130421/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2019-12-25/article/nxt-north-american-champion-roderick-strong-def-austin-theory |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} On the January 8, 2020 episode of NXT, he achieved his first victory by defeating Joaquin Wilde, while subsequently establishing himself as a heel.{{Cite news |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=January 8, 2020 |title=Austin Theory def. Joaquin Wilde |work= |publisher=WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2020-01-08/article/austin-theory-def-joaquin-wilde |access-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022153123/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2020-01-08/article/austin-theory-def-joaquin-wilde |archive-date=October 22, 2022}}
On the March 30 episode of Raw, Theory made his main roster debut as an associate of Zelina Vega. He teamed with Angel Garza and Seth Rollins in a losing effort to Kevin Owens and Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 30, 2020 |title=Kevin Owens & Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Seth Rollins, Angel Garza & Austin Theory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-03-30/article/kevin-owens-street-profits-def-seth-rollins-angel-garza-austin-theory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415224935/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-03-30/article/kevin-owens-street-profits-def-seth-rollins-angel-garza-austin-theory |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} Theory and Garza faced The Street Profits for the Raw Tag Team Championship at Night 2 of WrestleMania 36 on April 5 and the following night on Raw, but lost both matches.{{Cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=April 5, 2020 |title=Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Angel Garza & Austin Theory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/the-street-profits-vs-austin-theory-angel-garza-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410154124/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/the-street-profits-vs-austin-theory-angel-garza-results |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 6, 2020 |title=Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Angel Garza & Austin Theory via Disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-06/article/street-profits-def-angel-garza-austin-theory-via-disqualification |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429024810/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-06/article/street-profits-def-angel-garza-austin-theory-via-disqualification |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |publisher=WWE}} After defeating Akira Tozawa on the April 13 episode of Raw, Vega's other associates, Garza and Andrade joined him in beating down Tozawa as all three posed together, confirming their status as a faction.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 13, 2020 |title=Austin Theory def. Akira Tozawa |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-13/article/austin-theory-def-akira-tozawa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226011648/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-13/article/austin-theory-def-akira-tozawa |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} On the May 18 episode of Raw, Theory was attacked by Andrade and Garza after accidentally costing them a tag team match against Apollo Crews and Kevin Owens, kicking him out of the faction. Later that night, he assisted Rollins and Murphy in attacking Black, formally joining Rollins' group as a disciple.{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=May 18, 2020 |title=WWE Raw results, May 18, 2020: McIntyre stands tall against Corbin as The All Mighty waits |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210004842/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-05-18 |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |publisher=WWE}} Following the June 22 episode of Raw, he stopped appearing with Rollins and Murphy.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 22, 2020 |title=6/22 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Championship Monday featuring Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women's Championship, The Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Titles, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. The IIconics for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/22/6-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-championship-monday-featuring-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-womens-championship-the-street-profits-vs-the-viking-raiders-for-the-raw-tag/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604204745/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/22/6-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-championship-monday-featuring-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-womens-championship-the-street-profits-vs-the-viking-raiders-for-the-raw-tag/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
On August 26, Theory returned to NXT, interrupting Bronson Reed,{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 26, 2020 |title=8/26 NXT TV results: Moore's review of new NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Scarlett, Tommaso Ciampa returns, Santos Escobar vs. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. Tyler Breeze and Fandango for the NXT Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/26/8-26-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-new-nxt-champion-karrion-kross-and-scarlett-tommaso-ciampa-returns-santos-escobar-vs-isaiah-swerve-scott-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-fabian-a/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027063525/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/26/8-26-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-new-nxt-champion-karrion-kross-and-scarlett-tommaso-ciampa-returns-santos-escobar-vs-isaiah-swerve-scott-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-fabian-a/ |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} whom he lost to at NXT: Super Tuesday II on September 8.{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=September 8, 2020 |title=NXT Super Tuesday II results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2020-09-08/article/nxt-super-tuesday-ii-results-sept-8-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125230713/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2020-09-08/article/nxt-super-tuesday-ii-results-sept-8-2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} At NXT TakeOver: WarGames on December 6, Theory helped Johnny Gargano win his third NXT North American Championship.{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=December 6, 2020 |title=Johnny Gargano def. Leon Ruff and Damian Priest to become the new NXT North American Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-takeover-wargames-2020/article/leon-ruff-vs-damian-priest-vs-johnny-gargano |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209145859/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/nxt-takeover-wargames-2020/article/leon-ruff-vs-damian-priest-vs-johnny-gargano |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} He then appeared on the December 9 episode of NXT to reveal he was part of a villainous faction called The Way with Gargano, Gargano's real life wife Candice LeRae, and Indi Hartwell.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=December 9, 2020 |title=12/9 NXT TV results: Moore's review of NXT Champion Finn Balor's opening segment, Ember Moon vs. Raquel Gonzalez, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cameron Grimes, NXT Takeover WarGames fallout |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/09/12-9-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-nxt-champion-finn-balors-opening-segment-ember-moon-vs-raquel-gonzalez-tommaso-ciampa-vs-cameron-grimes-nxt-takeover-wargames-fallout/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130121941/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/09/12-9-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-nxt-champion-finn-balors-opening-segment-ember-moon-vs-raquel-gonzalez-tommaso-ciampa-vs-cameron-grimes-nxt-takeover-wargames-fallout/ |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In January 2021, Theory and Gargano lost to Kushida and Leon Ruff in the first round of the 2021 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 20, 2021 |title=1/20 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Tommaso Ciampa vs. Timothy Thatcher in the NXT Fight Pit, Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter vs. Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm, Kushida and Leon Ruff vs. The Way, and LHP vs. Imperium in Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/27/1-27-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-finn-balor-and-kyle-oreilly-vs-nxt-tag-champs-danny-burch-and-oney-lorcan-in-a-non-title-match-santos-escobar-vs-curt-stallion-for-the-nxt-cruiserweig/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326084525/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/27/1-27-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-finn-balor-and-kyle-oreilly-vs-nxt-tag-champs-danny-burch-and-oney-lorcan-in-a-non-title-match-santos-escobar-vs-curt-stallion-for-the-nxt-cruiserweig/ |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Following a loss to Kyle O'Reilly on the July 20 episode of NXT,{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=July 20, 2021 |title=7/20 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Raquel Gonzalez vs. Xia Li for the NXT Women's Championship, Kyle O'Reilly vs. Austin Theory, Odyssey Jones vs. Andre Chase in an NXT Breakout Tournament match, Kushida and Bobby Fish vs. Roderick Strong and Tyler Rust, Drake Maverick vs. LA Knight |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/20/7-20-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-raquel-gonzalez-vs-xia-li-for-the-nxt-womens-championship-kyle-oreilly-vs-austin-theory-odyssey-jones-vs-andre-chase-in-an-nxt-breakout-tournament-matc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228022927/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/20/7-20-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-raquel-gonzalez-vs-xia-li-for-the-nxt-womens-championship-kyle-oreilly-vs-austin-theory-odyssey-jones-vs-andre-chase-in-an-nxt-breakout-tournament-matc/ |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Theory took an absence from NXT television, until he returned on September 14 during the premiere of NXT 2.0, attending the wedding of Hartwell and Dexter Lumis in his final NXT appearance.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 14, 2021 |title=9/14 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT 2.0 premiere with Tommaso Ciampa vs. Kyle O'Reilly vs. LA Knight vs. Pete Dunne for the vacant NXT Championship, Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis wedding, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, B-Fab's in-ring debut |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006202442/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/ |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
== Mr. Money in the Bank (2021–2022)==
As part of the 2021 Draft, Theory was drafted to the Raw brand.{{cite web |date=October 1, 2021 |title=See all the results from the 2021 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011021955/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2021 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} On the October 4 episode of Raw, Theory returned to the brand by attacking Jeff Hardy{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 4, 2021 |title=10/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the WWE Draft night two, Goldberg returns, the build to WWE Crown Jewel continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081644/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/ |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 8, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} and defeated him on the next two episodes of Raw.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 11, 2021 |title=10/11 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks, WWE Champion Big E and Drew McIntyre meet face to face, King of the Ring and Queen's Crown opening round matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/11/10-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-vs-bianca-belair-and-sasha-banks-wwe-champion-big-e-and-drew-mcintyre-meet-face-to-face-king-of-the-ring-and-queens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012005311/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/11/10-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-vs-bianca-belair-and-sasha-banks-wwe-champion-big-e-and-drew-mcintyre-meet-face-to-face-king-of-the-ring-and-queens/ |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 18, 2021 |title=10/18 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship, Shayna Baszler vs. Doudrop in a Queen's Crown semifinal match, Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal in a KOTR semifinal match, final hype for Crown Jewel |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/18/10-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-charlotte-flair-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-raw-womens-championship-shayna-baszler-vs-doudrop-in-a-queens-crown-semifinal-match-xavier-woods-vs-ji/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019000447/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/18/10-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-charlotte-flair-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-raw-womens-championship-shayna-baszler-vs-doudrop-in-a-queens-crown-semifinal-match-xavier-woods-vs-ji/ |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} After Rey Mysterio was injured by Bobby Lashley on the November 15 episode of Raw, he was removed from Team Raw for Survivor Series and replaced by Theory.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 15, 2021 |title=11/15 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Big E, Randy Orton, and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and The Usos, The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy, Bianca Belair vs. Tamina, the brand's final push for WWE Survivor Series |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/15/11-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-the-usos-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-bianca-belair-vs-tamina/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116065132/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/15/11-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-the-usos-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-bianca-belair-vs-tamina/ |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At the event on November 21, Theory eliminated Sheamus before he was eliminated by Hardy, but his team won the match against Team SmackDown.{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=November 21, 2021 |title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown in the 5-on-5 Men's Survivor Series Elimination Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-mens-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117003837/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-mens-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2022 |publisher=WWE}} On the following episode of Raw, it was revealed that Theory took Cleopatra's Egg from Mr. McMahon, leading to McMahon to reward Theory a WWE Championship match against Big E in the main event for "showing intestinal fortitude", which he lost.{{cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=22 November 2021 |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Austin Theory revealed as egg thief, awarded WWE title shot against Big E |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-austin-theory-revealed-as-egg-thief-awarded-wwe-title-shot-against-big-e/live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123042829/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-austin-theory-revealed-as-egg-thief-awarded-wwe-title-shot-against-big-e/live/ |archive-date=23 November 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021 |work=CBSSports.com}}
File:WWE Live Road To WrestleMania, Toronto, 2022 167.jpg
Theory would be given career advice by McMahon over the following weeks, serving as his protégé.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 29, 2021 |title=11/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Edge's return, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title match, Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins, RKBro vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler for the Raw Tag Titles, Damian Priest vs. Apollo Crews for the U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/29/11-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edges-return-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-match-finn-balor-vs-seth-rollins-rkbro-vs-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-for-the-r/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201213617/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/29/11-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edges-return-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-match-finn-balor-vs-seth-rollins-rkbro-vs-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-for-the-r/ |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 6, 2021 |title=12/6 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title steel cage match, Edge appears on Miz TV |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-steel-cage-match-edge-appears-on/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207095953/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-steel-cage-match-edge-appears-on/ |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 20, 2021 |title=12/20 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of U.S. Champion Damian Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match, Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop, Austin Theory vs. Finn Balor, AJ Styles and Omos vs. The Street Profits, Rhea Ripley vs. Queen Zelina, Cutting Edge and Miz TV talkshows |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/20/12-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-u-s-champion-damian-priest-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-non-title-match-bianca-belair-vs-doudrop-austin-theory-vs-finn-balor-aj-styles-and-omos-vs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221141036/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/20/12-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-u-s-champion-damian-priest-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-non-title-match-bianca-belair-vs-doudrop-austin-theory-vs-finn-balor-aj-styles-and-omos-vs/ |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At the Royal Rumble on January 29, 2022, Theory entered his first Royal Rumble match at #3, lasting 22 minutes before he was eliminated by AJ Styles.{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=January 29, 2022 |title=Brock Lesnar wins the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130053006/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} Two days later on Raw, Theory defeated Kevin Owens to qualify for an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship at the namesake event on February 19,{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 31, 2022 |title=1/31 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble fallout show, Brock Lesnar chooses his WrestleMania opponent, Ronda Rousey and new WWE Champion Bobby Lashley appear, Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory and Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles in Elimination Chamber match qualifiers |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/31/1-31-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-fallout-show-brock-lesnar-chooses-his-wrestlemania-opponent-ronda-rousey-and-new-wwe-champion-bobby-lashley-appear-kevin-owens-vs-au/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130213224/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/31/1-31-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-fallout-show-brock-lesnar-chooses-his-wrestlemania-opponent-ronda-rousey-and-new-wwe-champion-bobby-lashley-appear-kevin-owens-vs-au/ |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} but was the last man pinned by Brock Lesnar after being hit with an F-5 from the top of one of the pods down to the floor.{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=February 19, 2022 |title=Brock Lesnar triumphed inside the Elimination Chamber Match to capture the WWE Championship. |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081917/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 8, 2022 |publisher=WWE}} On the February 28 episode of Raw, Theory bribed McMahon into having himself accompany him to his interview with Pat McAfee to no avail.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 28, 2022 |title=2/28 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor for the U.S. Championship, Edge addressing his WrestleMania future, Raw Tag Champions Alpha Academy vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens in a non-title match, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/28/2-28-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-vs-finn-balor-for-the-u-s-championship-edge-addressing-his-wrestlemania-future-raw-tag-champions-alpha-academy-vs-seth-rollins-and-kev/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207202011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/28/2-28-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-vs-finn-balor-for-the-u-s-championship-edge-addressing-his-wrestlemania-future-raw-tag-champions-alpha-academy-vs-seth-rollins-and-kev/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Theory confronted McAfee on the March 4 episode of SmackDown, announcing he would be McAfee's opponent at WrestleMania 38.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 4, 2022 |title=3/4 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Ronda Rousey vs. Sonya Deville, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. The Viking Raiders for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Sami Zayn vs. Ricochet for the Intercontinental Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/04/3-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-sonya-deville-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-vs-the-viking-raiders-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-sami-zayn-vs-ricochet-for-t/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706100412/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/04/3-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-sonya-deville-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-vs-the-viking-raiders-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-sami-zayn-vs-ricochet-for-t/ |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2022 |title=Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/pat-mcafee-vs-austin-theory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404024454/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/pat-mcafee-vs-austin-theory |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=November 8, 2022|publisher=WWE}} At Night 2 of WrestleMania on April 3, Theory lost to McAfee, but helped McMahon defeat McAfee in the subsequent fight that ensued, until Stone Cold Steve Austin came out and hit Theory, McMahon, and McAfee with Stone Cold Stunners.{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Pat McAfee def. Austin Theory, then lost to Mr. McMahon; afterward "Stone Cold" Steve Austin Stunned all three |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/wrestlemania-sunday/pat-mcafee-vs-austin-theory-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019134645/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/wrestlemania-sunday/pat-mcafee-vs-austin-theory-results |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}
The following night on Raw, Theory and The Usos defeated RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) and United States Champion Finn Bálor after Theory pinned Bálor, earning the chance to challenge for Bálor's title.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 4, 2022 |title=4/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Raw After WrestleMania with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the return of Cody Rhodes, new Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair appears, the "debut" of Veer Mahaan|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625142438/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In a backstage segment the following week, Theory announced he and Mr. McMahon decided that the name Austin did not suit him anymore, dropping the first name and going by Theory.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 11, 2022 |title=4/11 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz, Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The Street Profits in a non-title match, Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair vs. Queen Zelina in a non-title match, AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio vs. Veer Mahaan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/11/4-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-cody-rhodes-vs-the-miz-smackdown-tag-team-champions-the-usos-vs-the-street-profits-in-a-non-title-match-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-queen-ze/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604222524/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/11/4-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-cody-rhodes-vs-the-miz-smackdown-tag-team-champions-the-usos-vs-the-street-profits-in-a-non-title-match-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-queen-ze/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the April 18 episode of Raw, Theory defeated Bálor to win the United States Championship for the first time in his career, becoming the second youngest champion in the title's history and the youngest champion under the WWE banner.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 18, 2022 |title=4/18 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. an opponent of Seth Rollins' choosing, Finn Balor vs. Theory for the U.S. Title, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits in a non-title match, commitment ceremonies, lie detector test |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512201402/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/ |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the May 9 episode of Raw, Theory lost in his first title defense against Cody Rhodes by disqualification after interference from Seth "Freakin" Rollins, but as championships cannot change hands by disqualification, he retained the title.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 9, 2022 |title=5/9 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Theory vs. Cody Rhodes for the U.S. Championship, "RK-Bro" Randy Orton and Riddle vs. The Street Profits for the Raw Tag Titles, Omos on the VIP Lounge, the fallout from WrestleMania Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/09/5-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-theory-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-u-s-championship-rk-bro-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-raw-tag-titles-omos-on-the-vip-lounge/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004041338/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/09/5-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-theory-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-u-s-championship-rk-bro-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-raw-tag-titles-omos-on-the-vip-lounge/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} He successfully defended the title against Mustafa Ali on the May 30 episode of Raw and at Hell in a Cell on June 5.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 16, 2022 |title=5/16 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for a future shot at the Raw Women's Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos in a steel cage match, Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso, Cody Rhodes addresses Seth Rollins, Mustafa Ali vs. Veer Mahaan with The Miz as special referee |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/16/5-16-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-a-future-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-omos-in-a-steel-cage-match-riddle-vs-jimmy-uso-cody-rhodes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705060737/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/16/5-16-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-a-future-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-omos-in-a-steel-cage-match-riddle-vs-jimmy-uso-cody-rhodes/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 30, 2022 |title=5/30 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair vs. Asuka in a non-title match, Unified WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, Lacey Evans in action, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP contract signing for Hell in a Cell |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/30/5-30-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-in-a-non-title-match-unified-wwe-tag-team-champions-the-usos-vs-riddle-and-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-tit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531165935/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/30/5-30-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-in-a-non-title-match-unified-wwe-tag-team-champions-the-usos-vs-riddle-and-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-tit/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=January 23, 2023|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=June 5, 2022|title=Theory def. Mustafa Ali to retain the United States Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/theory-vs-mustafa-ali-results|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123005046/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/theory-vs-mustafa-ali-results|archive-date=January 23, 2023|access-date=January 22, 2023|publisher=WWE}}
At Money in the Bank on July 2, Theory lost the United States Championship to Bobby Lashley, ending his reign at 75 days.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=July 2, 2022 |title=Bobby Lashley def. Theory to win the United States Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/theory-vs-bobby-lashley-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703050832/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/theory-vs-bobby-lashley-results |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=November 8, 2022|publisher=WWE}} Later that night, he was added to and won the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match, making him the youngest superstar to win the Money in the Bank contract in WWE history, as well as being the first Money in the Bank winner to lose a title and win the contract on the same night. At SummerSlam on July 30, Theory failed to regain the United States Championship from Lashley.{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Bobby Lashley def. Theory to retain the United States Title |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/bobby-lashley-vs-theory-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731015611/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/bobby-lashley-vs-theory-results |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |access-date=November 8, 2022|publisher=WWE}} Later that night, he attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank contract during the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Last Man Standing match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, but was hit with an F-5 by Lesnar before he could officially cash in.{{cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Roman Reigns def. Brock Lesnar to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519034129/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-results |archive-date=May 19, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023|publisher=WWE |quote=With bodies lying everywhere, Theory ran in with his briefcase, smashing Reigns across the face. Before he could cash in, however, Lesnar dropped him with an F-5 and turned around into a pair of Superkicks from The Usos.}} In August, his name was reverted to Austin Theory.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=August 30, 2022 |title=WWE name change updates |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/162594/wwe-name-change-updates.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901090940/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/162594/wwe-name-change-updates.html |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |publisher=PWInsider}} At Clash at the Castle on September 3, he again attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank contract during the main event, only to be knocked out by Tyson Fury before he could officially do so.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=September 3, 2022 |title=Roman Reigns def. Drew McIntyre to retain Undisputed WWE Universal Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/clash-at-the-castle/2022/roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903220911/https://www.wwe.com/shows/clash-at-the-castle/2022/roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-results |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2023|publisher=WWE|quote=To the surprise of many, Theory's music hit as Mr. Money in the Bank attempted to cash in his contract. Tyson Fury, however, belted Theory to nullify the attempt.}} On the November 7 episode of Raw, Theory cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Rollins for the United States Championship, but was unsuccessful, partially due to interference from Lashley.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=November 7, 2022|title=11/07 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins holding an open challenge for the U.S. Championship, the fallout from WWE Crown Jewel, and the build to WWE Survivor Series begins|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/07/11-07-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-holding-an-open-challenge-for-the-u-s-championship-the-fallout-from-wwe-crown-jewel-and-the-build-to-wwe-survivor-series-begins/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228071112/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/07/11-07-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-holding-an-open-challenge-for-the-u-s-championship-the-fallout-from-wwe-crown-jewel-and-the-build-to-wwe-survivor-series-begins/|archive-date=February 28, 2023|access-date=November 8, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
== United States Champion (2022–2023) ==
File:Austin Theory WM39.jpg at WrestleMania 39]]
On November 26, at Survivor Series WarGames, Theory defeated Rollins and Lashley in a triple threat match to win his second United States Championship.{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=November 26, 2022 |title=Austin Theory def. Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley to win the United States Title |url=https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-austin-theory-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130170311/https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-austin-theory-results |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} He retained the title against Rollins and Lashley on the January 2 and 23 (in a No Disqualification match) episodes of Raw, respectively.{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 2, 2023|title=1/2 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Seth Rollins vs. Austin Theory, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss|work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/02/1-2-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-seth-rollins-vs-austin-theory-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss/ |access-date=January 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103164033/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/02/1-2-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-seth-rollins-vs-austin-theory-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss/ |archive-date=January 3, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Steve |date=January 23, 2023 |title=WWE Raw live results: 30th anniversary episode |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-raw-live-results-30th-anniversary-episode |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126214428/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-raw-live-results-30th-anniversary-episode |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} At the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2023, Theory entered at #25, but was eliminated by eventual winner Cody Rhodes.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Cody Rhodes won the 2023 Men's Royal Rumble Match to earn a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/mens-royal-rumble-match-resultshttps://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226011657/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/mens-royal-rumble-match-resultshttps://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} At Elimination Chamber on February 18, Theory successfully defended the title against Bronson Reed, Damian Priest, Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, and Rollins in an Elimination Chamber match, marking the first time the title was contested inside the namesake structure.{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2023 |title=United States Title Elimination Chamber Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/united-states-title-elimination-chamber-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131120219/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/united-states-title-elimination-chamber-match |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2023 |title=Austin Theory retained U.S. Title inside the Elimination Chamber with help from Logan Paul |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2023/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221045358/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2023/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} On the following episode of Raw, he retained the title against Edge in an open challenge after interference from Finn Bálor.{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Steve |date=February 20, 2023 |title=WWE Raw live results: Elimination Chamber fallout |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-raw-live-results-elimination-chamber-fallout-theory-edge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226011639/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-raw-live-results-elimination-chamber-fallout-theory-edge |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On the March 6 episode of Raw, Theory challenged the returning John Cena to a match for the title at WrestleMania 39, which Cena accepted.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=3/6 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on John Cena's return, Seth invites Logan Paul, Jey-Sami, Belair-Carmella|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/03/06/3-6-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-john-cenas-return-seth-invites-logan-paul-jey-sami-belair-carmella/|date=March 6, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307113207/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/03/06/3-6-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-john-cenas-return-seth-invites-logan-paul-jey-sami-belair-carmella/|archive-date=March 7, 2023|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2023 |title=United States Champion Austin Theory vs. John Cena |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/39/austin-theory-john-cena |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314072649/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/39/austin-theory-john-cena |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023|publisher=WWE}} At Night 1 of WrestleMania on April 1, Theory defeated Cena to retain the title.{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=April 1, 2023 |title=United States Champion Austin Theory def. John Cena |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/austin-theory-vs-john-cena-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403042633/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/austin-theory-vs-john-cena-results |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} At Backlash on May 6, Theory successfully defended the title against Bronson Reed and Lashley in a triple threat match.{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=May 6, 2023 |title=United States Champion Austin Theory def. Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2023/austin-theory-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-bronson-reed-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507105537/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2023/austin-theory-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-bronson-reed-results |archive-date=May 7, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}
As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Theory was drafted to the SmackDown brand.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Full 2023 WWE Draft Results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430031156/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-date=30 April 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=WWE}} On the May 12 episode of SmackDown, he lost to Lashley and Sheamus in a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE SmackDown Results 5/12: Keller's report on WWE World Title Tournament, Theory vs. Lashley vs. Sheamus, Styles vs. Edge vs. Mysterio|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/12/wwe-smackdown-results-5-5-kellers-report-on-wwe-world-title-tournament-theory-vs-lashley-vs-sheamus-styles-vs-edge-vs-mysterio/|date=May 12, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520020830/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/12/wwe-smackdown-results-5-5-kellers-report-on-wwe-world-title-tournament-theory-vs-lashley-vs-sheamus-styles-vs-edge-vs-mysterio/|archive-date=May 20, 2023|url-status=live}} Over the following months, Theory successfully defended the United States Championship against Sheamus and Jey Uso.{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=May 26, 2023 |title=WWE SmackDown Results (5/26): Keller's report on KO Show with Bloodline, Theory vs. Sheamus for U.S. Title, Styles vs. Kross |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/26/wwe-smackdown-results-5-26-kellers-report-on-ko-show-with-bloodline-theory-vs-sheamus-for-u-s-title-styles-vs-kross/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527035920/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/26/wwe-smackdown-results-5-26-kellers-report-on-ko-show-with-bloodline-theory-vs-sheamus-for-u-s-title-styles-vs-kross/ |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |access-date=May 26, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=June 10, 2023 |title=WWE Smackdown Results (6/9): Keller's report on Theory vs. Jey Uso for U.S. Title, will Jey decide between Jimmy and Bloodline, MITB qualifiers |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/06/10/wwe-smackdown-results-6-9-theory-vs-jey-uso-for-u-s-title-will-jey-decide-between-jimmy-and-bloodline-mitb-qualifiers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610174446/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/06/10/wwe-smackdown-results-6-9-theory-vs-jey-uso-for-u-s-title-will-jey-decide-between-jimmy-and-bloodline-mitb-qualifiers/ |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Alex |date=July 7, 2023 |title=7/7 WWE SMACKDOWN TV RESULTS: McDonald's "alt perspective" report on Trial in Tribal Court, Grayson Waller Effect with Edge, Theory vs. Sheamus US Title, Kross vs. Styles |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/07/7-7-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-trial-in-tribal-court-grayson-waller-effect-with-edge-theory-vs-sheamus-us-title-kross-vs-styles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708203924/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/07/7-7-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-trial-in-tribal-court-grayson-waller-effect-with-edge-theory-vs-sheamus-us-title-kross-vs-styles/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}} On the August 11 episode of SmackDown, Theory was scheduled to defend the title against Santos Escobar, who was rendered unable to compete after Theory attacked him backstage. Theory was subsequently defeated by Escobar's Latino World Order stablemate Rey Mysterio in an impromptu title match, ending his second reign at 258 days.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 11, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/11): Barnett's review of Jimmy Uso's "Hail to the Chief" segment, Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair, Austin Theory vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814125010/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=August 20, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The following week, he defeated LA Knight to become the number one contender to the United States Championship, but failed to regain the title from Mysterio on September 2 at Payback.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 18, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/18): Barnett's review of Edge's 25-year celebration and faces Sheamus, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair vs. Iyo Sky and Bayley, Grayson Waller Effect with Rey Mysterio |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/18/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-18-barnetts-review-of-edges-25-year-celebration-and-faces-sheamus-bianca-belair-and-charlotte-flair-vs-iyo-sky-and-bayley-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820022518/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/18/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-18-barnetts-review-of-edges-25-year-celebration-and-faces-sheamus-bianca-belair-and-charlotte-flair-vs-iyo-sky-and-bayley-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |access-date=August 20, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2023 |title=WWE Payback 2023 full recap, highlights, photos and exclusives |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 3, 2023 |publisher=WWE |language=en}}
== A-Town Down Under (2023–present) ==
{{Main article|A-Town Down Under}}
File:Montez Ford Austin Theory 080224.jpg in August 2024]]
Later that month, after a segment with Pat McAfee and The Rock, Theory began working with Grayson Waller as a tag team, known as A-Town Down Under.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 15, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/15): Barnett's review of John Cena on The Grayson Waller Effect talkshow, LA Knight vs. The Miz, Bayley vs. Asuka, Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-15-barnetts-review-of-john-cena-on-the-grayson-waller-effect-talkshow-la-knight-vs-the-miz-bayley-vs-asuka-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926121010/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-15-barnetts-review-of-john-cena-on-the-grayson-waller-effect-talkshow-la-knight-vs-the-miz-bayley-vs-asuka-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 22, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/22): Barnett's review of Iyo Sky vs. Asuka for the WWE Women's Title, John Cena's appearance, The Street Profits vs. Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-22-barnetts-review-of-iyo-sky-vs-asuka-for-the-wwe-womens-title-john-cenas-appearance-the-street-profits-vs-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926021011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-22-barnetts-review-of-iyo-sky-vs-asuka-for-the-wwe-womens-title-john-cenas-appearance-the-street-profits-vs-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the October 13 episode of SmackDown, Theory and Waller challenged Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a losing effort.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=October 13, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (10/13): Barnett's review of the season premiere with Roman Reigns, Triple H, and John Cena, Pretty Deadly vs. Ridge Holland and Butch |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/13/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-10-13-barnetts-review-of-the-season-premiere-with-roman-reigns-triple-h-and-john-cena-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025233641/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/13/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-10-13-barnetts-review-of-the-season-premiere-with-roman-reigns-triple-h-and-john-cena-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch/ |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the January 12, 2024 episode of SmackDown, Theory faced NXT's Carmelo Hayes, but their match ended in a shoot no-contest after both of them landed on their heads from the top rope.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=January 12, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/12): Barnett's review of Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight's appearances, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley, Grayson Waller vs. Cameron Grimes |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-12-barnetts-review-of-randy-orton-aj-styles-and-la-knights-appearances-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-grayson-waller-vs-cameron-grimes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113005224/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-12-barnetts-review-of-randy-orton-aj-styles-and-la-knights-appearances-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-grayson-waller-vs-cameron-grimes/ |archive-date=January 13, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} WWE later announced that they only suffered face contusions and Theory defeated Hayes in their rematch on the January 26 episode of SmackDown.{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Carmelo Hayes, Austin Theory Avoid Major Injuries After Scary Fall on WWE SmackDown |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10104920-carmelo-hayes-austin-theory-avoid-major-injuries-after-scary-fall-on-wwe-smackdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184440/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10104920-carmelo-hayes-austin-theory-avoid-major-injuries-after-scary-fall-on-wwe-smackdown |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=January 26, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/26): Barnett's review of the Royal Rumble go-home show, LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/26/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-26-barnetts-review-of-the-royal-rumble-go-home-show-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-kabuki-warriors-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127072906/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/26/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-26-barnetts-review-of-the-royal-rumble-go-home-show-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-kabuki-warriors-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The next night, at Royal Rumble, Theory helped Logan Paul retain the United States Championship against Kevin Owens after handing him brass knuckles. He then entered the Royal Rumble match at number 13, but was eliminated by eventual winner Cody Rhodes.{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes and Bayley win the Royal Rumble Matches to earn the right to headline WrestleMania |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129124547/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |publisher=WWE}}
On February 24, at Elimination Chamber: Perth, Theory co-hosted The Grayson Waller Effect with Waller featuring Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. After imitating The Rock, Cody and Seth attacked Theory while Waller did not get involved, teasing the dissolution of A-Town Down Under.{{Cite web |title=McIntyre and Lynch punch their ticket to WrestleMania inside the Elimination Chamber |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312002403/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2024 |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |publisher=WWE}} Nevertheless, Theory and Waller won a tag team tournament to qualify for the six-pack ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XL.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 22, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/22): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar, WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky vs. Naomi in a non-title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-22-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-wwe-womens-champion-iyo-sky-vs-naomi-in-a-non-title-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323033251/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-22-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-wwe-womens-champion-iyo-sky-vs-naomi-in-a-non-title-match/ |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 29, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/29): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill's appearance, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. Pretty Deadly, WMXL tag team title ladder match qualifiers |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-29-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargills-appearance-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-vs-pretty-deadly-wmxl-tag-team-title-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330113710/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-29-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargills-appearance-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-vs-pretty-deadly-wmxl-tag-team-title-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Night 1 of WrestleMania on April 6, Waller retrieved the SmackDown Tag Team Championship for A-Town Down Under to become the new champions.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 6, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night one with The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-the-rock-and-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-and-cody-rhodes-rhea-ripley-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407003451/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-the-rock-and-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-and-cody-rhodes-rhea-ripley-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the April 19 episode of SmackDown, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship was renamed as the WWE Tag Team Championship and the team was presented with new title belts by WWE's chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and the general manager of SmackDown Nick Aldis.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=April 19, 2024 |title=New WWE Tag Team Titles Given To Austin Theory And Grayson Waller On 4/19 WWE SmackDown |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/new-wwe-tag-team-titles-given-austin-theory-and-grayson-waller-419-wwe-smackdown?amp |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420004405/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/new-wwe-tag-team-titles-given-austin-theory-and-grayson-waller-419-wwe-smackdown?amp |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Fightful}} On the May 3 episode of SmackDown, they defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in their first title defense.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 3, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/3): Powell's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, A-Town Down Under vs. Street Profits for the WWE Tag Titles, AOP vs. New Catch Republic, RKO Show |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/03/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-3-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-a-town-down-under-vs-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-aop-vs-new-catch-republic-rko-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504000339/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/03/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-3-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-a-town-down-under-vs-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-aop-vs-new-catch-republic-rko-show/ |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |access-date=May 4, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Later that month, they began a feud with #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa),{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 31, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/31): Barnett's review of the Queen of the Ring coronation of Nia Jax, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa vs. The Street Profits, Andrade vs. Apollo Crews |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/31/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-31-barnetts-review-of-the-queen-of-the-ring-coronation-of-nia-jax-tama-tonga-and-tanga-loa-vs-the-street-profits-andrade-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601083403/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/31/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-31-barnetts-review-of-the-queen-of-the-ring-coronation-of-nia-jax-tama-tonga-and-tanga-loa-vs-the-street-profits-andrade-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 7, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/7): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, Jade Cargill vs. Indi Hartwell, Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller, Solo Sikoa anoints Tonga Loa |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/07/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-7-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-jade-cargill-vs-indi-hartwell-johnny-gargano-vs-grayson-waller-solo-sikoa-anoints-tonga-loa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608035219/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/07/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-7-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-jade-cargill-vs-indi-hartwell-johnny-gargano-vs-grayson-waller-solo-sikoa-anoints-tonga-loa/ |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 14, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/14): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Nia Jax vs. Michin, Naomi vs. Chelsea Green, Grayson Waller Effect with DIY |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/14/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-14-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-solo-sikoa-vs-kevin-owens-nia-jax-vs-michin-naomi-vs-chelsea-green-grayson-waller-effect-with-diy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615012434/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/14/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-14-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-solo-sikoa-vs-kevin-owens-nia-jax-vs-michin-naomi-vs-chelsea-green-grayson-waller-effect-with-diy/ |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} culminating in a title match on the July 5 episode of SmackDown, where Theory and Waller lost the titles to #DIY, ending their reign at 90 days.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 5, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (7/5): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens addressing The Bloodline, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory vs. DIY for the WWE Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-5-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-addressing-the-bloodline-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-vs-diy-for-the-wwe-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706041631/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-5-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-addressing-the-bloodline-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-vs-diy-for-the-wwe-tag-titles/ |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} They failed to regain the titles on the following episode of SmackDown, ending their feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 12, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (7/12): Powell's review of DIY vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory for the WWE Tag Titles, Tiffany Stratton celebrates her MITB win, Nia Jax vs. Michin |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-12-powells-review-of-diy-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-tiffany-stratton-celebrates-her-mitb-win-nia-jax-vs-michin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713222116/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-12-powells-review-of-diy-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-tiffany-stratton-celebrates-her-mitb-win-nia-jax-vs-michin/ |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
Theory and Waller returned to NXT in September, challenging Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championship,{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Fraxiom Accepts NXT Tag Team Title Challenge, Grayson Waller And Austin Theory To Appear Next Tuesday On NXT |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/fraxiom-accepts-nxt-tag-team-title-challenge-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-appear-next-tuesday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918030030/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/fraxiom-accepts-nxt-tag-team-title-challenge-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory-appear-next-tuesday |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Fightful}}{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 24, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (9/24): Moore's review of Kelani Jordan vs. Wren Sinclair for the NXT Women's North American Title, Grayson Waller Effect with guests Nathan Frazer and Axiom, Ridge Holland vs. Riley Osborne |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/24/nxt-tv-results-9-24-moores-review-of-kelani-jordan-vs-wren-sinclair-for-the-nxt-womens-north-american-title-grayson-waller-effect-with-guests-nathan-frazer-and-axiom-ridge-holland/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925164319/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/24/nxt-tv-results-9-24-moores-review-of-kelani-jordan-vs-wren-sinclair-for-the-nxt-womens-north-american-title-grayson-waller-effect-with-guests-nathan-frazer-and-axiom-ridge-holland/ |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} but lost their title match on the October 8 episode of NXT.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 8, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (10/8): Moore's review of Randy Orton vs. Je'Von Evans, Oba Femi vs. Tony D'Angelo for the NXT NA Title, Axiom and Nathan Frazer vs. A-Town Down Under for the NXT Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/08/nxt-tv-results-10-8-moores-review-of-randy-orton-vs-jevon-evans-oba-femi-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-na-title-axiom-and-nathan-frazer-vs-a-town-down-under-for-the-nxt-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009023905/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/08/nxt-tv-results-10-8-moores-review-of-randy-orton-vs-jevon-evans-oba-femi-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-na-title-axiom-and-nathan-frazer-vs-a-town-down-under-for-the-nxt-tag-titles/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the January 24, 2025 episode of SmackDown, it was announced that A-Town Down Under was transferred to the Raw brand.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 24, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (1/24): Moore's live review of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes' opening segment, LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga, Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/24/wwe-smackdown-results-1-24-moores-live-review-of-wwe-champion-cody-rhodes-opening-segment-la-knight-vs-tama-tonga-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-pretty-deadly/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125071324/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/24/wwe-smackdown-results-1-24-moores-live-review-of-wwe-champion-cody-rhodes-opening-segment-la-knight-vs-tama-tonga-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-pretty-deadly/ |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the January 28 episode of NXT, they hosted a special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect with the new NXT Champion Oba Femi to see if Femi was "worth the hype." Femi then offered to defend the NXT Championship in a triple threat match against A-Town Down Under at NXT Vengeance Day on February 15,{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 28, 2025 |title=NXT TV results (1/28): Moore's review of Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Trick Williams vs. Wes Lee, Fallon Henley vs. Shotzi for the NXT Women's NA Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/28/nxt-tv-results-1-28-moores-review-of-bianca-belair-and-naomi-vs-lash-legend-and-jakara-jackson-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-trick-williams-vs-wes-lee-fallon-henley-vs-shotzi-for-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129022049/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/01/28/nxt-tv-results-1-28-moores-review-of-bianca-belair-and-naomi-vs-lash-legend-and-jakara-jackson-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-trick-williams-vs-wes-lee-fallon-henley-vs-shotzi-for-the/ |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} where Femi retained the title after Waller cost Theory the win.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=February 15, 2025 |title=NXT Vengeance Day results: Moore's live review of Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory for the NXT Championship, Giulia vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/15/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-oba-femi-vs-grayson-waller-vs-austin-theory-for-the-nxt-championship-giulia-vs-bayley-vs-roxanne-perez-vs-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-t/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220084944/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/15/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-oba-femi-vs-grayson-waller-vs-austin-theory-for-the-nxt-championship-giulia-vs-bayley-vs-roxanne-perez-vs-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-t/ |archive-date=February 20, 2025 |access-date=February 16, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
Other media
= Movies =
White appeared as an extra in the 2016 comedy film Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and the 2017 Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: Homecoming.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Justin |date=October 6, 2023 |title=WWE superstar Austin Theory talks Sphere, and his Las Vegas Money in the Bank win |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/wwe-superstar-austin-theory-talks-sphere-and-his-las-vegas-money-in-the-bank-win/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011174204/https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/wwe-superstar-austin-theory-talks-sphere-and-his-las-vegas-money-in-the-bank-win/ |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |website=8NewsNow.com |publisher=KLAS |quote=Like The Rock before him, Theory embraces the idea of branching out to other mediums. He already boasts small roles in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” and “Fist Fight.”}}
= Video games =
As Austin Theory, White made his Video game debut on WWE 2K22.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com |title=Austin Theory |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k22/austin-theory |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com}} He is also featured on WWE 2K23,{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com |title=Austin Theory |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k23/austin-theory |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com}} WWE 2K24,{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com |title=Austin Theory |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k24/austin-theory |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com}} and WWE 2K25.
Personal life
White adheres to a straight edge lifestyle, in part due to his father's alcoholism. He has two younger half brothers from his mother's second marriage.
Championships and accomplishments
=Bodybuilding=
- National Physique Committee
- NPC Georgia Teen, Men's bodybuilding championship winner (1 time)
=Professional wrestling=
- The Crash Lucha Libre
- The Crash Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- ESPN
- Ranked No. 3 of the 30 best Pro Wrestlers Under 30 in 2023{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38118887/from-mjf-rhea-ripley-el-hijo-del-vikingo-wwe-aew-njpw-30-best-pro-wrestlers-30|title=From MJF and Rhea to...a Viking? Here are the 30 best pro wrestlers under 30|work=ESPN|first1=Brandon|last1=Caldwell|first2=Marc|last2=Raimondi|date=August 3, 2023|access-date=December 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117180627/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38118887/from-mjf-rhea-ripley-el-hijo-del-vikingo-wwe-aew-njpw-30-best-pro-wrestlers-30|archive-date=November 17, 2023|url-status=live}}
- Evolve
- Evolve Championship (1 time){{cite web |title=EVOLVE Title |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/evolve/evolve-s.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525014114/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/evolve/evolve-s.html |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}
- Full Impact Pro
- FIP World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Fire Star Pro Wrestling
- FSPW Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{cite web |title=Fire Star Pro Wrestling Championship |url=https://fspw.webs.com/firestar-title |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204125753/https://fspw.webs.com/firestar-title |archive-date=February 4, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=Fire Star Pro Wrestling}}
- Mucha Lucha Atlanta
- MLA Global Championship (1 time){{cite web |title=MLA Global Championship |url=https://www.muchaluchaatl.com/history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220114759/https://www.muchaluchaatl.com/history |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |publisher=Mucha Lucha Atlanta}}
- Peachstate Wrestling Alliance
- PWA Heritage Championship (1 time){{cite web |title=PWA Heritage Champion: Austin Theory |url=https://www.peachstatewrestlingalliance.com/peachstate-wrestling-alliance-current-champions.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119101108/https://www.peachstatewrestlingalliance.com/peachstate-wrestling-alliance-current-champions.html |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |publisher=Peachstate Wrestling Alliance}}
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 45 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2023{{Cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2019 |url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2019.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326024427/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2019.html |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
- World Wrestling Network
- WWN Championship (2 times){{cite web |title=WWN Title |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/wwn/wwn-h.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916080832/https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/wwn/wwn-h.html |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}
- WWA4
- WWA4 Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- WWE
- WWE United States Championship (2 times){{Cite web |title=United States Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/united-states-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401183115/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/united-states-championship |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}
- WWE Tag Team Championship{{Efn|Theory and Waller won the WWE Tag Team Championship as the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The title was renamed on April 19, 2024 during their reign.}} (1 time) – with Grayson Waller
- Men's Money in the Bank (2022){{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=July 2, 2022 |title=Theory def. Drew McIntyre, Madcap Moss, Omos, Riddle, Sami Zayn, Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Sheamus (Money in the Bank Ladder Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2022-mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108081122/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2022-mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |publisher=WWE |language=en}}
- WrestleMania XL Six-Pack Ladder Match SmackDown Qualifier Tournament (2024) – with Grayson Waller
- NXT Year-End Award (1 time)
- Future Star of NXT (2020){{cite web |date=December 30, 2020 |title=2020 NXT Year-End Awards Winners |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-year-end-award-winners-announced-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115084518/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-year-end-award-winners-announced-revealed |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |publisher=WWE}}
- National Championship Wrestling
- NCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Xtreme Wrestling Alliance
- XWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=XWA Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202704 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429160105/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202704 |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=Cagematch.net}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{wwe superstar|theory|Austin Theory}}
- {{twitter|_Theory1}}
- {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=18855|wrestlingdata=31897|iwd=austin-theory-12876|name=Austin Theory}}
- {{IMDb name|9629660|Austin White}}
{{Navboxes
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{{WWE personnel}}
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{{Money in the Bank winners}}
{{The Crash Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Evolve Championship}}
{{FIP World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWN Championship}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theory, Austin}}
Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers
Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers
Category:American male bodybuilders
Category:American male professional wrestlers
Category:People from McDonough, Georgia
Category:Professional wrestlers from Georgia (U.S. state)
Category:Sportspeople from the Atlanta metropolitan area
Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions
Category:The Crash Heavyweight Champions
Category:Money in the Bank winners
Category:WWE Tag Team Champions