Triple H may have canceled 3-time WWE champion's babyface turn despite heavy teases
Ever since Triple H took over as WWE's creative head, he has managed to highlight several WWE Superstars, putting them in major positions in the company. However, there has also been a long list of talents who have been left out as The Game failed to harness their full potential despite having opportunities to do so. One such star is SmackDown's own Austin Theory.
He is a two-time United States Champion and one-time WWE Tag Team Champion. WWE teased his babyface turn on various occasions this year. Over the last few months, his storyline has largely focused on his growing rift with Grayson Waller. The Stamford-based promotion portrayed him as a sympathetic character who is repeatedly deprived of opportunities due to his partner.
Despite laying the groundwork, Triple H did not pull the trigger on what seemed obvious to happen. Theory's much-waited character change remained a huge question mark for the fans who were clamoring for it to happen. Several reasons indicate that the Chief Content Officer may have dropped the balls on the potential plans.
WWE abruptly halted the babyface teases on SmackDown
A few months ago WWE was dropping several hints regarding Austin Theory's potential character change whether it be on SmackDown or NXT. Tensions were simmering between him and Waller which further fueled the rumors and speculation. However, things took an abrupt halt as WWE noticeably refrained from dropping any teases of Theory's babyface turn lately.
A-Town Down Under has been shown as a more unified duo in recent times which is quite shocking. Surprisingly, the storyline of their growing rift has seemingly been scrapped by the higher-ups. This sudden shift suggests that Triple H may have revoked the plans of giving Theory a fresh character which could have served as the catalyst for a new beginning.
Austin Theory is barely getting featured on television
While Austin Theory was in the midst of a potential character transition, he was prominently featured on Friday nights alongside Grayson Waller. Whether it be backstage segments or in-ring appearances, the company made sure to keep the duo in the limelight in the progression of their storylines.
However, neither of the two stars is getting regularly featured on the show of late now which is indeed a huge matter of concern. It looks like the Triple H-led creative no longer has any plans for Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. This also suggests that whatever creative pitches the company had related to the former United States Champion may have been postponed or canceled.
Triple H seemingly shifted his focus to other storylines
Triple H currently has his hands full with several major things prevailing on SmackDown. The ongoing Bloodline saga, the heel turn of Kevin Owens, and the return of Shinsuke Nakamura have all been significant events. As a result, there seems to be little to no room left for The Game to shift his focus to yet another major angle featuring Austin Theory.
Additionally, the introduction of the Women's United States Championship and the debut of Motor City Machine Guns have seemingly become more integral to SmackDown than the babyface turn of The Unproven One. As a result, it appears that the Stamford-based promotion had to put a halt to the buildup of Theory's storyline and character change, which was seemingly in the works.