Who could possibly be in the box?! That was the burning question WWE left fans pondering for weeks as both Raw and SmackDown featured a mysterious crate backstage, marked with a request not to be opened until the Elimination Chamber event. Initially, many speculated that Chris Jericho would make an appearance, 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 a reflection on Danhausen; it’s WWE that dropped the ball significantly.
Why Danhausen Could Be Exactly What WWE Requires Following AEW’s ‘Liberation’; a debut at the Elimination Chamber seems more probable than ever.
WWE Supporters Desired a Different Individual in the Enigmatic Container
Adam Pearce beside an enigmatic container
Supporters were anticipating that Chris Jericho would make an appearance in the box.
Seth Rollins thrived as the masked figure, despite the outcome being foreseeable.
Danhausen’s presence in the penalty box was disappointing, leading to a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Fans of wrestling are always intrigued by a compelling mystery storyline, even if the resolution often disappoints. (We’re looking at you, Vince McMahon, as the enigmatic higher power.) Recently, WWE has presented 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. While it was widely anticipated that Rollins would be the solution to the enigma, 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 would 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 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 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 challenging to envision a smooth 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 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 just showed 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 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 made his first appearance in the United States after a series of build-ups instead?
It’s perplexing that WWE chose to introduce Danhausen without any prior buildup. On one side, it’s commendable that they have confidence 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. Historically, comedic wrestlers have found success in WWE. However, Danhausen receiving such a muted 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 was no longer seen as relevant, reduced to a humorous gimmick 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 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 we’ll see him compete in a match or two on Raw or SmackDown, eventually transitioning into 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 ought to 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 names 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 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.
