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 the Elimination Chamber date. Initially, many speculated that Chris Jericho would be inside, generating a buzz. However, the revelation that Jericho remains under contract with AEW dashed those hopes. So, who could it be? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous fame and what should have been a warm reception in Chicago, the crowd reacted with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s doing; it’s WWE that made a significant misstep.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; a debut at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable by the day.
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 an appearance 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 and led to him being jeered by the crowd.
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 audience erupted in cheers because Rollins is a prominent 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 significant 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 for setting 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 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 a tough sight to witness. This led to comparisons with the Gobbledy Gooker and the Shockmaster, and while it wasn’t quite that level of disaster, WWE mishandled Danhausen’s introduction so severely that it’s hard 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 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 after weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they just appear out of nowhere (how many new Bloodline members have simply shown up in masks?). Some of these individuals have garnered a decent response, while others have fallen flat due to poor debut management. Royce Keys made his WWE entrance at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where the audience had no idea who he was. He hasn’t been seen since. Just think if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had made his debut in the United States after a series of teasers instead?
It’s perplexing that WWE would introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup. On one side, it’s commendable that they have faith in him. They clearly believed he had a larger fanbase than he does and thought this would be an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong reaction. After all, comedic wrestlers have historically succeeded in WWE. However, the minimal response to Danhausen indicates they misjudged the situation. While he has 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 diminished the Danhausen character’s impact. 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 thrives in the intimate settings of NXT’s smaller audiences.
It’s odd that Danhausen jumped directly to the main roster while more prominent AEW names 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, making the poor debut just a minor setback, but given the lackluster creativity under TKO, it’s wise 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 spot on the main roster, while other AEW talents like Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Ethan Page were directed to NXT, with two of them receiving name alterations. 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 things around.