Who was hidden in the box?! That was the question WWE had 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 inside, generating a buzz. However, the revelation that Jericho remains under contract with AEW put an end to that theory. So, who was it? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous popularity and what should have been a warm reception from the Chicago crowd, he was met with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s fault; it’s WWE that dropped the ball significantly.
Why Danhausen is Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’ An appearance 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 an appearance in the box once again.
Seth Rollins achieved success as the masked figure, despite the outcome being somewhat foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the box was disappointing, leading to him being booed by the crowd.
Fans of wrestling are always intrigued by a good 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 around a masked figure who has been targeting the Vision for several weeks. During the men’s Elimination Chamber match, Seth Rollins was finally unveiled after he attacked Logan Paul. While everyone anticipated Rollins would be the solution to the enigma, fans erupted in cheers because Rollins is a significant 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 prominent figure in WWE for many years, making it only logical for him to have one last opportunity in the organization that elevated his fame. Anything less would have inevitably felt 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 as disastrous, WWE botched Danhausen’s introduction to such an extent that it’s hard to envision a swift recovery for him.
At a convention, Danhausen reunited with CM Punk 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 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 flopped due to poor handling of their debuts. Royce Keys made his WWE entrance at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where he was a complete unknown to the audience. He hasn’t been seen since. 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-up instead?
The decision by WWE to introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup is perplexing. On one side, it’s commendable that they have faith in him. They clearly believed he had a larger following than he actually does and thought this would be an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong reaction. Historically, comedic wrestlers have been successful in WWE. However, the minimal response Danhausen received 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 either sidelined due to injuries or not utilized at all. Tony Khan’s lack of interest in him severely impacted the Danhausen character. He was no longer seen as cool; 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 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 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 changes. Danhausen is suited for a more intimate setting. Placing him under such a glaring spotlight before he was prepared only diminishes his potential. WWE made a mistake. Let’s hope Danhausen possesses the skill and support to turn it around.
