Austin Theory has revealed that his viral SummerSlam 2024 moment with Jelly Roll was part of his own idea.
The former US Champion recently had an interview with Battleground podcast. He talked about things such as his partnership with Greyson Waller, how the creative approach has changed in Triple H regime, and more.
During the interview, Theory was asked about the company trusting him with celebrity moments such as the segment with The Rock or his SummerSlam encounter with Jelly Roll. Talking about the latter, Austin Theory revealed that it was actually his idea for the rap star to give him a chokeslam during their interaction:
“Speaking of the Jelly Roll situation, it wasn’t going to be a choke slam. I heard little ideas of—maybe a choke slam or this—but I think a scoop slam was actually gonna be what it was. I remember being in the ring with everybody and going to Triple H, being like, ‘Hey, just trust me on this. Let him give me a choke slam; I’ll make it look amazing. All he has to do is put his arm up.’ Sure enough man, we went out there, and it looked amazing. It trended like crazy; it was all over the place.”
Not One Other Place I’d Ever Go: Austin Theory
While some other people would take being booked in spots like these negatively, Austin Theory keeps a positive mindset. According to him, his focus is always on what the company needs from him because it’s the place he’s always wanted to be in:
“But it’s just understanding that job, of what you need to do that night. I think always understanding why I’m doing something—ok is this gonna help this. Is this what we’re trying to do for the company right now and the position they’re putting me in—And I’m just, I’m all in. I’m never like, ‘Ah,’ or disappointed in stuff like that.
I have a huge opportunity; I got a moment. It’s the WWE— it’s the place I’ve wanted to be my entire life. There’s not one other place I’d ever go. This is it. So, I’m locked in, man. So whatever the opportunity is at the moment, or whoever the guy is—it doesn’t matter if it’s The Rock or Jelly Roll—it doesn’t matter. I’m all in.”
Austin Theory and Greyson Waller are scheduled to compete at the upcoming October 8 episode of NXT. They will challenge Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.