Who is hiding in the box?! That’s the mystery WWE had fans pondering for weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured an enigmatic crate backstage that was instructed not to be opened until Elimination Chamber. Initially, many speculated that Chris Jericho would be the one inside, generating a buzz. However, the revelation that Jericho remains under contract with AEW put that theory to rest. So, who was it? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous acclaim and what should have been a supportive Chicago audience, he was met with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s fault; it’s WWE that made a significant misstep.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; an appearance at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Desired a Different Individual in the Enigmatic Container
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic crate
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make a return in the box.
Seth Rollins thrived as the masked figure, despite the outcome being somewhat foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the penalty box was disappointing, leading to a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Fans of wrestling enjoy a captivating mystery storyline, even if the conclusion often disappoints. (We’re looking at you, Vince McMahon, as the enigmatic higher power.) Recently, WWE has introduced not one but two intriguing mystery plots. The first centered on the masked figure who has been targeting the Vision for several weeks. During the men’s Elimination Chamber match, Seth Rollins was finally unveiled after he attacked Logan Paul. It was widely anticipated that Rollins would be the solution to the enigma. Nevertheless, the crowd erupted in cheers because Rollins is a prominent figure, and his return has been highly anticipated.
What about the enigmatic mystery box? Chris Jericho could have made a significant impact. Although his final stint in AEW didn’t succeed, he was a major figure in WWE for many years, and it seems only fitting that he would have one last opportunity in the organization that elevated him to fame. Anything less would have been disappointing. This is on WWE. They raised the bar so high that any wrestler emerging from that box, apart from Jericho, was destined to fall short of expectations.
When the moment arrived at Elimination Chamber, it was difficult not to feel disappointed by Danhausen’s debut. Even the crowd in Chicago seemed indifferent. He received a brief cheer, only to be met with boos once he entered the ring. For fans of Danhausen, it was a tough experience to witness. This led to comparisons with the Gobbledy Gooker and the Shockmaster; while it wasn’t quite that level of disaster, WWE mishandled Danhausen’s debut so severely that it’s challenging to envision a quick recovery for him.
At a convention, Danhausen surprised his longtime friend CM Punk with a humorous gift that brought a smile to his face.
Danhausen Lacks Sufficient Popularity for a Significant WWE PLE Introduction
Danhausen presenting CM Punk with a t-shirt that brings joy to both of their faces
Nowadays, new WWE talents appear without any buildup or weeks of promotional vignettes.
Danhausen was a lesser-known figure in AEW who hadn’t been seen on television for quite some time.
WWE provided Danhausen with a significant debut that he had not yet deserved.
Do you recall the days when new WWE talents would make their entrance following weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they often just appear out of nowhere (how many new Bloodline members have simply shown up wearing masks?). Some of these newcomers have elicited a decent response, while others have fallen flat due to poor debut management. Royce Keys made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where he was a complete unknown to the audience. He hasn’t been seen since. Just think how different it could have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had arrived in the United States after a series of build-up teasers instead?
It’s perplexing that WWE chose to introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup. On one side, it’s commendable that they placed their trust in him. They clearly believed he had more popularity than he actually does and thought this would be an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong reaction. Historically, comedic wrestlers have found success in WWE. However, the minimal response to Danhausen indicates a miscalculation on their part. While he possesses an entertaining persona, much of his appeal was established during his time in Ring of Honor years ago. In AEW, his stint was brief, and he spent a significant amount of time sidelined due to injuries or simply not being utilized. Tony Khan’s lack of interest in him severely impacted the Danhausen character. He was no longer seen as trendy; instead, he became a relic of the past, a humorous gimmick with a limited lifespan.
Danhausen at ringside for AEW
How long until Danhausen is just cursing at people backstage and spending time with R-Truth?
Danhausen thrives in the more intimate settings of NXT.
It’s odd that Danhausen jumped directly to the main roster while more prominent AEW talents were sent to developmental.
What lies ahead for Danhausen? It’s likely he’ll have a match or two on Raw or SmackDown, eventually transitioning to a backstage role where he playfully curses at other wrestlers or spends time with R-Truth. There’s a chance WWE could rectify the situation and the disappointing debut might just be a minor setback, but given the lackluster creativity under TKO, it’s hard to be optimistic.
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Danhausen ought to have made his debut in NXT. He would have had a lot more enjoyment there. It’s quite strange that this former AEW star is considered suitable for an immediate main roster spot, while other AEW talents like Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Ethan Page were directed to NXT, with two of them receiving new names. Danhausen is suited for a more intimate setting. Placing him in a glaring spotlight he wasn’t prepared for only diminishes his potential. WWE made a mistake. Let’s hope Danhausen possesses the skill and support to turn things around.