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 Elimination Chamber day. 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 dashed those hopes. So, who was it? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous popularity and what should have been a warm reception in Chicago, the crowd reacted with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s fault; it’s WWE that made a significant misstep.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Needs Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; an appearance at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Desired a Different Name for the Enigmatic Box
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic crate
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make a return to the box.
Seth Rollins thrived as the masked figure, despite the outcome being somewhat foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the box was disappointing and led to him being booed by the crowd.
Fans of wrestling enjoy a captivating mystery storyline, even if the resolution often disappoints. (We’re looking at you, Vince McMahon, as the enigmatic higher power.) Recently, WWE introduced 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, Seth Rollins was unveiled 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 anticipated.
What about the enigmatic mystery box? Chris Jericho could 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 should have one last opportunity in the organization that established his fame. Anything less would inevitably feel 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 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.
Danhausen met with CM Punk at a convention to present his longtime friend with a 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 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 following weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they simply appear out of nowhere (how many new Bloodline members have just shown up wearing masks?). Some of these newcomers have sparked a reaction, while others have fallen flat due to poor debut execution. Royce Keys made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where he was a complete mystery to the audience. Since then, he has been absent. Just think how impactful it would have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had made his first appearance in the United States after a series of build-ups instead?
The decision by WWE to introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup is perplexing. On one side, it’s commendable that they placed their trust in him. They seemed to believe he had a larger fanbase than reality suggested and hoped this would create an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong reaction. Historically, comedic wrestlers have found success in WWE. However, Danhausen’s minimal response indicates a miscalculation on their part. 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 sidelined due to injuries or simply not being utilized. Tony Khan’s lack of interest in him severely impacted the Danhausen character. He transitioned from being seen as cool to merely 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 talents were sent to developmental.
What lies ahead for Danhausen? It’s likely he’ll have a match or two on Raw or SmackDown before transitioning to a backstage role where he might rib other wrestlers or spend 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 ought to have made his debut in NXT. He would have experienced much more enjoyment there. It’s quite strange that this former AEW star is considered fit 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 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.