Who was hidden in the box?! That was the mystery WWE left fans pondering over the past few weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured an enigmatic crate backstage that was marked 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 could it actually be? Ultimately, it turned out to be Danhausen, but despite his previous acclaim and what should have been a warm reception in Chicago, the crowd reacted with boos. This isn’t Danhausen’s fault; it’s WWE who made a significant misstep.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; an appearance in the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Hoped for a Different Name in the Enigmatic Box
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic container
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 turned out to be disappointing, leading to him being met with boos.
Fans of wrestling are always intrigued by a compelling mystery storyline, even if the conclusion 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 on the masked figure who has been assaulting the Vision for several weeks. During the men’s Elimination Chamber match, Seth Rollins was finally unveiled after he attacked Logan Paul. While it was widely anticipated that Rollins would be the solution to the enigma, the crowd erupted in cheers because Rollins is a significant 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 prominent 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 have inevitably felt disappointing. This is on WWE. They raised the bar so high that any wrestler emerging from that box, apart from Jericho, was destined to fall short of expectations.
When the moment arrived at Elimination Chamber, it was difficult not to feel let down 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 fans of 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 mishandled Danhausen’s introduction to such an extent that it’s hard 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 Appearance
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 following weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they simply appear out of nowhere (how many new Bloodline members have just shown up in masks?). Some of these newcomers have sparked a reaction, while others have fallen flat due to poor debut management. Royce Keys made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where he was a complete mystery to the audience. He hasn’t been seen since. Just think how impactful it would have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had first arrived in the United States after a series of teases 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 a larger fanbase than he actually does and thought this would be an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong reaction. After all, comedic wrestlers have historically found success 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 relevant, merely 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 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 turn things around, making his rough debut just a minor setback, but given the lackluster creativity under TKO, it’s hard to be optimistic.
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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 suitable for an immediate jump to the main roster, while other AEW talents like Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Ethan Page were directed to NXT, with two of them even receiving name alterations. Danhausen is suited for a more intimate setting. Placing him under a glaring spotlight he isn’t prepared for only diminishes his potential. WWE made a mistake. Let’s hope Danhausen possesses the skill and support to turn things around.
