Who could possibly be inside the box?! That’s the mystery WWE had fans pondering over the past few weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured an enigmatic crate backstage that was instructed not to be opened until Elimination Chamber day. 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 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 in 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 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 a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Fans of wrestling are always intrigued by 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 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 prominent star, and his return has been highly anticipated.
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 figure 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 felt disappointing. This is on WWE for setting the bar so high that any wrestler emerging from that crate, apart from Jericho, was destined to be seen as a letdown.
When the moment arrived at Elimination Chamber, it was difficult not to feel disappointed by Danhausen’s debut. Even the audience in Chicago seemed indifferent. 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 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 introduction to such an extent that it’s hard to envision a quick recovery for him.
Danhausen encountered CM Punk at a convention, presenting his longtime friend with a 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 suddenly without any prior 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 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 made his debut in the United States after a series of build-ups 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 create an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong crowd reaction. Historically, comedic wrestlers have found success in WWE. However, the minimal response Danhausen received indicates a miscalculation on their part. While he possesses an entertaining persona, much of that recognition was built during his time in Ring of Honor years ago. In AEW, his stint was brief, and he largely spent time sidelined due to injuries or being underutilized. Tony Khan’s lack of interest in him significantly 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 thrives in the intimate settings of NXT’s smaller audiences.
It’s peculiar that Danhausen immediately joined the main roster while more prominent AEW figures were sent to developmental.
What lies ahead for Danhausen? It’s likely that he’ll 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. There’s a chance WWE could rectify the situation, making the poor debut just a minor setback, but given the current lack of creativity under TKO, it’s wise not to hold your breath.
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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 ex-AEW performer 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 new names. 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.
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