Why Austin Theory Was Removed from the Original WarGames Plans – New details have emerged regarding why Austin Theory was taken out of the early version of the Men’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series 2025. Back in October, internal lineups for the premium live event looked very different from what fans ultimately witnessed at Petco Park. The first draft of the match featured CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Jimmy Uso, and either LA Knight or Jey Uso taking on Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, Brock Lesnar, and Austin Theory.
Those plans shifted quickly once injuries disrupted the original direction. Both Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu were sidelined, forcing WWE to overhaul the entire presentation of the match. The final version placed Breakker, Reed, Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul against CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos. The revised lineup pushed the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre feud forward by an extra month, which made both available for WarGames.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that Theory was indeed part of the initial creative plan. Meltzer said that the Jacob Fatu injury altered the timeline, opening the door for Rhodes to replace Fatu in the match and making McIntyre a better fit for the heel team than Theory. With those adjustments in place, Theory’s position on the squad was removed.
Meltzer also noted that Bron Breakker’s pin on CM Punk inside WarGames was designed to set up a future title match. According to the report, Theory was originally slotted into that direction as well. He stated that Theory was supposed to be involved with The Vision and would have been the person tied to the planned interference.
Even though he did not officially participate as a member of the WarGames team, Theory still made a major impact. He appeared under a mask, entered the cage, and attacked CM Punk, setting up the decisive moment that secured the win for the heel team. His involvement appears to be leading toward an on-screen alignment with The Vision, and it now looks likely that WWE will formally confirm his membership soon.
Why Austin Theory Was Removed from the Original WarGames Plans
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