Former WWE United States Champion Austin Theory had a heated, infamous promo battle with John Cena in 2023. At WrestleMania 39, Austin Theory faced John Cena for the United States Championship.
While Austin Theory defeated John Cena in the match, fans still remember their intense face-off leading up to their showdown at WrestleMania 39. The two stars only came face-to-face once ahead of their match. However, WWE planted the seeds for their matchup in 2022 during John Cena’s 20th anniversary celebration, where Theory confronted him backstage.
Following this, they had their infamous promo on WWE RAW on March 6, 2023. During the heated battle, Cena verbally demolished Theory, setting the stage for their match. Last year, during an interview, Cena credited Austin Theory for playing a significant role in crafting their promo together. He mentioned that Theory was involved in every step of the creative process.
John Cena also discussed the importance of authenticity in wrestling. He noted that fans can tell when a wrestler is not fully invested. Cena had told Theory he did not believed in him before the promo. To this day, fans remain surprised by the promo battle between the two. Recently, Austin Theory opened up about his perspective regarding the promo.
WWE Superstar Austin Theory recently appeared on the INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet interview, where he addressed whether he took anything personally. He explained that after reviewing the promo, he understood it was all part of the character.
Theory stated, “I think he just wants to see me and it’s hard for me to just say exactly what he means. I kind of see where it is and if people can, kind of pick up on what I’m trying to say, but I think he just sees more of who I really am being displayed in a different way.”
Following his major victory over John Cena at WrestleMania 39. Austin Theory has been placed into the tag team division alongside Grayson Waller.