Danhausen, the eccentric and beloved wrestler, made his debut in AEW in 2022, creating a buzz among fans due to his popularity on the independent circuit. Despite sharing the ring with top talent like Tony Nese, Hook, FTR, and more, Danhausen’s push in AEW was short-lived. He formed a tag team with Orange Cassidy but suffered an injury at Revolution 2023, which led to a lengthy hiatus.
After requesting his release from AEW last year, Danhausen finally parted ways with the company and made his WWE debut at Elimination Chamber 2026. This move raised questions about missed opportunities for AEW with a talent like Danhausen. Here are three reasons why AEW may have missed out on a promising star:
1. AEW will no longer benefit from Danhausen’s merch sales: Danhausen’s unique character and design made him a top merch mover, ranking alongside big names like CM Punk and MJF. WWE is likely to capitalize on his merchandising potential, depriving AEW of a valuable revenue stream.
2. AEW could have used Danhausen as a unique mid-card act: While some believe Danhausen’s character is better suited for WWE’s style of programming, he could have added a unique flair to AEW’s mid-card scene. His quirky personality and in-ring skills could have made for entertaining matches against the promotion’s top stars.
3. Danhausen’s exit may encourage more WWE jumps: Danhausen is just one of several former AEW wrestlers who have crossed over to WWE in search of better opportunities. AEW must ensure that its talent is utilized and featured on TV regularly to prevent more departures to rival promotions.
In conclusion, Danhausen’s move to WWE highlights potential missed opportunities for AEW in utilizing his talent. While WWE may benefit from his merchandising appeal and character, AEW could have leveraged his unique persona in the mid-card and prevented further talent exits to rival promotions. Time will tell how Danhausen’s WWE run unfolds and if AEW will regret not making the most of his potential.
