Austin Theory reveals which Elimination Chamber incident nearly ended his WWE career

The WWE Elimination Chamber matches stand out as among the most brutal and intense contests in WWE history. Over the years, WWE has showcased 23 Elimination Chamber matches across various pay-per-views since 2002. Unfortunately, for many WWE superstars, the match has also served as a career-defining ordeal.

However, one such incident was revealed by the former Unites States Champion, Austin Theory, who was a part of the 2022 Elimination Chamber match in Saudi Arabia. While Theory didn’t emerge victorious in the Chamber match, he disclosed a particular moment during the match that could have marked the end of his WWE career.

WWE moment that nearly ended Austin Theory’s career

The 2022 Men’s Elimination Chamber match featured Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, Riddle, Austin Theory and the WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, who defended the title in the Chamber match. In a recent interview with The West Sport, Austin Theory opened up about his experience of his first Chamber match in 2022.

Theory said, “To be honest, there’s nothing more dangerous in the WWE than the Elimination Chamber. And, I think I’m the perfect man to answer that question. If you take it back to my first Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship, I was one of the last competitors left in there. But, I was with Brock Lesnar and I got F5’d off the top of the chamber. And, I could’ve nearly ended my career there.”

In the match, The Beast Incarnate delivered a brutal F5 to Austin Theory from the top of the Chamber cage. He disclosed that Lesnar’s F5 could have potentially terminated his WWE career, but fortunately, Theory landed in the right position, averting a severe injury.

Theory couldn’t get his hands at the WWE title, as Brock Lesnar pinned Theory to win the match and the WWE Championship, shocking the world and ending Lashley’s reign. However, the interview didn’t end well, as Theory was involved in a heated conversation with chief editor, Anthony De Ceglie.

Austin Theory officially retires his seated Spanish Fly move

Austin Theory possesses an impressive physique compared to other WWE superstars on the current roster. His agility and athleticism have notably improved in recent times. However, since his debut in the WWE, Theory has consistently employed ‘The Spanish Fly’ as his finishing move. During the interview, Theory officially confirmed that fans won’t be able to see ‘The Spanish Fly’ again in WWE.

Theory said, “In this scenario with Carmelo Hayes, I’m going for a move I’ve did plenty of times, it just so happens as we’re going through the rotation, the back of his foot hits the top rope. So, all of the momentum of us rotating, when his foot hits, it takes us straight down. Just based off of the video, it looks insane. To be honest, after that, I seriously could’ve been paralyzed or my career could’ve been done. Seeing the video footage back of myself upside down literally on the top of my head, wow. Very grateful for that and that move is retired for Austin Theory.”

Theory announced that he will no longer use the Spanish Fly move in his matches, following the injury of Carmelo Hayes. On the January 12, 2024 episode of WWE Smackdown, Theory attempted the Spanish Fly against Carmelo Hayes from the top rope, but Hayes’ foot hit the rope, causing them to lose momentum.

The match was promptly halted, and both wrestlers were examined by the medical staff. Fortunately, Theory and Hayes emerged with minor injuries. His choice to retire the Spanish Fly move reflects his maturity, showing respect for his fellow wrestlers.