Who was hidden in the box?! That was the mystery WWE left fans pondering for weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured an enigmatic crate backstage that was instructed not to be opened until the Elimination Chamber date. 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 fault; it’s WWE that dropped the ball significantly.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; an appearance at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Hoped for a Different Reveal in the Enigmatic Box
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic crate
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make an appearance 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 him being booed by the crowd.
Wrestling enthusiasts 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 has 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, we finally saw the reveal of Seth Rollins after he confronted Logan Paul. It was widely anticipated that Rollins would be the solution to the enigma. Nevertheless, fans erupted in cheers because Rollins is a prominent figure, 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 with 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 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 crowd 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 challenging to envision a quick recovery for him.
Danhausen encountered CM Punk at a convention, presenting 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 them
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 after weeks of promotional vignettes? Nowadays, they often just appear out of nowhere (how many new members of the Bloodline have simply shown up wearing masks?). Some of these debuts have sparked a reaction, while others have fallen flat due to poor execution. Royce Keys made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, where the audience had no idea who he was. He hasn’t been seen since. Just think how different it could have been if the former Powerhouse Hobbes had made his first appearance in the United States following a series of teasers 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 seemingly believed he had a larger fanbase than he does and thought this would be an entertaining storyline that would elicit a strong 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 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 backstage cursing at people 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, eventually transitioning to a role backstage 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.
Sign up for the newsletter to gain in-depth analysis of WWE storylines. Join us for insightful commentary on WWE’s creative decisions — exploring the reasons behind failed mystery box reveals, the essentials for successful debuts, and how Danhausen’s transition to the main roster could be improved. Subscribe for additional wrestling insights. By subscribing, you consent to receive newsletters and promotional emails, and you acknowledge our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can opt out at any time.
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 move 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 new names. Danhausen is suited for a more intimate setting. Placing him in 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.
