Who was hidden in the box?! That was the mystery WWE posed to fans over the past few weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured an enigmatic crate backstage that was instructed not to be opened until the Elimination Chamber event. Initially, many speculated that Chris Jericho might be 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 fame and what should have been a warm reception in Chicago, the crowd reacted with boos. This isn’t on Danhausen; it’s WWE that dropped the ball significantly.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; a debut at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Hoped for a Different Name in the Enigmatic Box
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic crate
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make a comeback in the box.
Seth Rollins thrived as the masked figure, despite the outcome being somewhat foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the box was disappointing, leading to 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 presented 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, 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 significant star, and his return has been highly awaited.
What about the enigmatic mystery box? Chris Jericho would have made a significant impact. Although his final stint in AEW didn’t succeed, he was a major star in WWE for many years, and it seems only fitting that he receives one last opportunity in the organization that established his fame. Anything less would have inevitably been 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 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 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 a t-shirt to CM Punk 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 after weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they simply appear out of nowhere (just look at how many new Bloodline members have emerged wearing masks). Some of these newcomers have sparked a reaction, 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 how impactful it would have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had debuted 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 confidence in him. They seemingly believed he had a larger fanbase 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 Danhausen received indicates a miscalculation on their part. While his gimmick is entertaining, much of its 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 persona. He was no longer seen as trendy; instead, he became a relic of the past, a humorous character with a limited lifespan.
Danhausen at ringside for AEW
How long until Danhausen is just cursing at people behind the scenes and spending time with R-Truth?
Danhausen is designed for the more intimate audiences of NXT.
It’s peculiar 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 that he will have a match or two on Raw or SmackDown, eventually transitioning into a backstage role where he playfully curses at other wrestlers or spends time with R-Truth. While there’s a chance WWE could rectify the situation and the disappointing debut could be just a minor setback, given the current lack of 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 main roster spot, while other AEW talents like Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Ethan Page were sent 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 things around.