Scrapped Plans for Men’s WarGames Match Revealed

Austin Theory was originally slated to be part of the WWE Survivor Series: WarGames main event—but a backstage reshuffle changed everything.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Daily Update, Theory was removed from the planned heel team after Jacob Fatu suffered an injury that forced WWE to speed up another major storyline. With Fatu out, WWE pivoted quickly, accelerating the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre feud, which opened the door for both men to be added to WarGames.

“Originally he was supposed to be in WarGames before the Jacob Fatu injury forced them to move up the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre feud one month, and thus opened both of them up for WarGames, with Rhodes as Fatu’s replacement and the feeling was McIntyre would fit better in the match than Theory.”

In the final lineup, the heel side included Bron Breakker, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, Brock Lesnar, and Bronson Reed, while the babyface team featured CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos. Theory ended up off the official team—but he still had a part to play.

Theory was the masked attacker who interfered in the match, blindsiding CM Punk with a brutal kick and stomp. That interference allowed Bron Breakker to hit a spear and score the pinfall, handing the win to Team Heyman. The change not only gave Theory a key behind-the-scenes role but also contributed to the broader storyline direction heading toward WrestleMania 42.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE is now locking in Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship and CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker for the World Heavyweight Title on the grand stage in Las Vegas.

But at Survivor Series, Theory’s removal from the main lineup was simply a matter of timing and fit—with McIntyre slotting in more naturally for the story being told.

Should Austin Theory have remained part of the WarGames team—or did WWE make the right call? Let us know what you think about his role and how WWE handled the switch.