WWE United States Champion Austin Theory has had an impressive year since being promoted from NXT to the main roster in the 2021 Draft. The star soon became Vince McMahon’s handpicked protege and received main event matches against the likes of Big E and Finn Balor as well as taking part in the 2022 Men’s Elimination Chamber match where he was the last man eliminated.
He went on to capture the United States Championship for the first time by defeating Finn Balor, only to lose it to Bobby Lashley at Money In The Bank. Despite the loss, he went on to enter and win the eponymous Ladder Match the same night. He made several failed attempts to cash in and capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship before setting his sights on Seth Rollins, who had become the US Champion.
Unfortunately for Theory, when he cashed in the briefcase for that title, Bobby Lashley interfered, allowing Rollins to retain the title. However, at Survivor Series on November 26th, he regained the championship by defeating both Seth Rollins and Lashley in a Triple Threat Match.
Ric Flair doesn’t think Austin Theory is on the same level as Seth Rollins
Despite Austin Theory’s victory over Seth Rollins, WWE Hall of Famer Ric flair doesn’t think he is in the same league as The Visionary, at least not yet.
Speaking on his ‘To Be The Man’ podcast, Flair said he thinks Theory’s work is “pretty good” and is in a good position right now.
“I have [seen his work] I think it’s pretty good. Yeah, I think he has a ways to go. I don’t think he’s in the same league as Seth Rollins yet, but to be up there in that position is all good.”
“I mean, and he’s young, and the only way to find out what’s up with the guy is to give him the opportunity. So he’s got it now and we’ll see if we’re talking about him a year from now. That’s kind of the way I look at it.”
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