WWE chairman Vince McMahon is said to be viewing Austin Theory as the next John Cena.
Theory will be taking on Pat McAfee during the second night of WrestleMania 38, on Sunday, and is favored to win.
The upcoming match was discussed on Wrestling Observer Live, during which Bryan Alvarez claimed the WWE boss has likened Theory to Cena.
“Whether you all see it or not, Vince sees this guy as like a John Cena – this Austin Theory. There’s a reason he’s grooming him, and he’s always there in his segments," Alvarez was quoted as saying by WrestlingNews.co. That’s what he sees in this guy. Maybe he wants to teach this guy that you also have to be able to lose, so Pat McAfee will get the win [but] I would presume Austin Theory is winning.”
Theory happens to be a fan of Cena himself and, last December, revealed having idolized the 16-time World Champion, as well as his desire to be the one who fights Cena in his retirement match, whenever that is.
“John Cena has always been my inspiration not just in wrestling but in life. I modeled my life at a very young age on what I seen him present on TV. Watching him was always my escape when things weren’t going so good in my life. He is without a doubt a true role model," Theory said.
“That’s a tough one, man, they both sound amazing. I think for Austin Theory, you’d have to really not “see” Cena anymore because I’d have to retire him. I’d have to do it man.”
According to WrestlingNews.co, Theory’s segments have been doing well when it comes to WWE’s ratings, which is why he’s being given more time on screen. The 24-year-old has been tipped for stardom since his NXT days, and it is expected that he will become a big name on the main roster.
The Next Big Star?
Cena, meanwhile, no longer wrestles full time while the current face of WWE, Roman Reigns, is understood to be hoping to transition to Hollywood in the next few years too. As a result, WWE has been trying to push someone to become the next big star who can headline shows for the next several years to come.
Theory and Bron Breakker are understood to be two performers WWE wants to give that push.