Who was hiding in the box?! That was the burning question WWE left fans pondering for weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured a mysterious crate backstage that was instructed not to be opened until the Elimination Chamber date. Initially, many speculated that Chris Jericho would be the one inside, generating a wave of excitement. However, the revelation that Jericho remains under contract with AEW put an end to that theory. So, who was it? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous popularity and what should have been a warm reception from the Chicago crowd, he was met with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s fault; it’s WWE that dropped the ball significantly.
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 Hoped for a Different Reveal in the Enigmatic Box
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic crate
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make a return and be present in the box.
Seth Rollins achieved success as the masked figure, despite the outcome being foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the box was disappointing, leading to him being met with boos.
Fans of wrestling are always intrigued by a compelling mystery storyline, even if the resolution often disappoints. (We’re looking at you, Vince McMahon, as the enigmatic higher power.) Recently, WWE has introduced not one but two mystery plots. The first centered on the masked figure who has been assaulting the Vision for several weeks. During the men’s Elimination Chamber match, we finally saw the reveal of Seth Rollins 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 significant star, and his return has been highly awaited.
What about the enigmatic mystery box? Chris Jericho would have been a monumental addition. Although his final stint in AEW didn’t succeed, he was a major figure in WWE for many years, making it only logical for him to have one last opportunity in the organization that established his fame. Anything less would have inevitably felt disappointing. This is on WWE; they raised the bar so high that any wrestler emerging from that crate, 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 audience in Chicago seemed uninterested. He received a brief cheer, only to be met with boos once he entered the ring. For those who support Danhausen, it was painful to witness. This led to comparisons with the Gobbledy Gooker and the Shockmaster, and while it didn’t reach that level of disaster, WWE mishandled Danhausen’s introduction so severely that it’s challenging to envision a quick recovery for him.
Danhausen encountered CM Punk at a convention, presenting his longtime friend with a humorous gift that brought him joy.
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 out of nowhere, lacking 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 members of the Bloodline have simply shown up wearing masks?). Some of these individuals have sparked 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 mystery to the audience. He hasn’t been seen since. Just think how different it would have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had made his first appearance in the United States after a series of teasers instead?
The decision by WWE to introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup is perplexing. On one side, it’s commendable that they have faith 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. After all, comedic wrestlers have found success in WWE historically. However, the minimal response Danhausen received indicates they misjudged the situation. 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 either sidelined due to injuries or not utilized at all. Tony Khan’s lack of interest in him severely impacted the Danhausen character. He was no longer seen as cool; 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 is designed for the more intimate audiences 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, followed by a role backstage where he playfully curses at other wrestlers or spends time with R-Truth. There’s a chance WWE could rectify the situation, making the poor debut just a minor setback, but given the lackluster creativity under TKO, it’s best not to hold your breath.
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Danhausen should 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 even receiving name changes. Danhausen is suited for a more intimate setting. Placing him under 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 it around.
