In a major shake-up within World Wrestling Entertainment, Triple H has reshaped the company’s direction by backing Jacob Fatu’s explosive rise while sidelining Austin Theory, whose momentum peaked after John Cena’s defeat to the rising WWE star. This strategic move signals a shift in creative vision, redefining the hierarchy of talent and stirring unease among fans used to seeing Theory in the spotlight.
The outcome reflects a broader transition since Vince McMahon’s departure, leaving Theory, once considered a future Hall of Famer and WWE’s chosen winner, relegated to a supporting role. Meanwhile, Fatu’s dominant presence and impressive debut have validated Triple H’s decision, while generating strong reactions from those both inside and outside the ring.
Shifting Roster Dynamics After Vince McMahon’s Exit
For years, Austin Theory epitomized WWE’s next-generation ambition, having been personally groomed by then-chairman Vince McMahon for bigger things. His debut in 2020 brought immediate attention, and soon he became a 2-time United States Champion, even clinching the coveted Money in the Bank contract in 2022, solidifying his place in high-profile storylines and overcoming established legends such as John Cena. The moment John Cena’s defeat to a rising WWE star, Austin Theory, was widely seen as a major milestone in Theory’s career, hinting at main event status within the company.
McMahon’s backing made it clear Theory was earmarked to be the face of professional wrestling’s new era. Despite this early momentum and prestigious victories, including one in a high-pressure promo face-off with John Cena, the crowd response was lukewarm. Theory’s championship runs failed to captivate the WWE fanbase at large, and criticisms soon piled up regarding the perceived staleness of his reigns and booking.
Reflecting this critical reception, Mark Henry commented,
Not only is it feeling forgettable, it’s feeling like a level-down title. You don’t want people to associate that, ‘Oh, that’s the lower title.’ If it’s a title, you’re supposed to honor it, and I don’t feel like it’s being honored right now.
— Mark Henry, at the Busted Open podcast
This shift in perception led to Theory being pushed ever further down the card. Post-McMahon, Theory’s role diminished; he was paired with Grayson Waller in lackluster stints and repeatedly scripted to lose. The attempt to reignite his momentum through a heel turn and fresh character work failed to spark meaningful change, with audience indifference making the situation more distressing for both Theory and his fans.
Once projected to headline premium live events and shoulder the WWE’s future, Theory now finds himself at a career crossroads, his status as a long-term project called into question by ongoing booking choices. According to the narrative, a possible resurgence could come if Theory decisively breaks away from Waller in dramatic fashion, perhaps recapturing the support of the WWE Universe and returning to a position of prominence.
Jacob Fatu’s Explosive Arrival Reshapes WWE’s Main Event Scene
As Theory’s journey has been defined by disappointment and broken momentum, Jacob Fatu has emerged as the new star powering through WWE’s ranks. Backed by Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s creative vision, Fatu brought an intensity described as “werewolf” ferocity, fundamentally altering the men’s locker room dynamic. Long before his WWE debut, Fatu established himself as a feared competitor in MLW, NJPW, PCW, and other renowned wrestling promotions. Under the guidance of Rikishi, he honed his craft and developed a reputation for both athleticism and ruthlessness.
Fatu officially entered WWE in 2024 as part of The Bloodline faction, joining forces with Solo Sikoa, the self-styled Tribal Chief. The impact was immediate: fans were electrified by his performances, with notable feuds including a bruising encounter against Braun Strowman. Throughout the year, he soared, with his intensity and skill earning reactions of awe in live arenas and online. As highlighted in commentary,
FUN FACT: Jacob Fatu wasn’t even in WWE when those Theory/Waller split teases started.Dude showed up, teamed with Solo, won the US Title, turned on Solo… all before Theory even turned face 😭 pic.twitter.com/7vZXwyC1Nb
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B)
Within only a few months, Fatu bested LA Knight to seize the United States Championship at WrestleMania 41. His rapid ascent was so striking that his new rivalries—most notably his turn on Solo Sikoa and subsequent actions at the Money in the Bank event—became central talking points among both fans and analysts. At one crucial moment, Fatu loudly declared his animosity toward Sikoa, costing him the Money in the Bank briefcase, a move that shocked everyone watching the premium live event.
Fatu’s high-profile clashes and rapid championship success prove the calculated risk taken by the current WWE executives has paid off. His unrelenting aggression, notably during his alliances and betrayals, supplies the intensity that Triple H believes was missing from WWE’s narrative excitement and main event energy.
What These Changes Mean for WWE’s Future
The divergent paths of Austin Theory and Jacob Fatu underscore a dramatic evolution within World Wrestling Entertainment. While Theory’s defeat of John Cena once signified a bold new direction for the next wave of superstars, that momentum has vanished amid creative reshuffles and shifting priorities. Now, with Triple H at the helm and legends like Mark Henry offering public critique, the wrestling world watches to see if Theory can find reinvention or if his era in the main event scene has truly ended.
Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu continues to energize the product, giving the WWE Universe headline moments and restoring intrigue to its championship storylines. With Fatu’s dominant run likely far from over, and Theory’s struggles pressing for a breaking point, these developments point to a new age of competition and unpredictability for WWE. The fallout will shape not only individual careers but also the entertainment trajectory pursued by the company‘s leadership. Fans, executives, and wrestlers alike now wait to see how these high-stakes changes ultimately define the next chapter of professional wrestling’s biggest brand.
