Report on what was originally planned for Austin Theory’s return to WWE television at Survivor Series

As seen during the men’s War Games match at WWE Survivor Series 2025, a mystery masked man climbed into the cage. The man delivered a curb stomp to CM Punk and then climbed back out without identifying himself. This led to Bron Breakker pinning Punk to win for his team.

The returning Austin Theory was reportedly under the mask at Survivor Series and Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com noted the following about creative plans…

“Paul Heyman had wanted to bring Theory into the Vision, largely to make him a star and to protect Breakker and Reed from having to take pins. He would have been in this match [War Games] had Jacob Fatu not gotten hurt, which sped up the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre feud since they were going to be on this show originally instead of the prior show which was to be Fatu vs. McIntyre to set up this show with McIntyre winning.”

The masked man’s identity may change before the reveal. Meltzer noted that it’s unlikely to be Rollins, and even if Theory is being teased, he may not be the final choice. Meltzer added that if WWE stretches the storyline into January, Chris Jericho could be unveiled instead, instantly placing him in a major spot.