Austin Theory
Austin White (born August 2, 1997) is an American professional wrestler and bodybuilder. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Austin Theory, as a member of The Way.
Prior to WWE, he wrestled on the independent circuit, including several promotions under the World Wrestling Network umbrella, such as Full Impact Pro (FIP) and Evolve – along the way winning the WWN Championship, FIP World Heavyweight Championship and the Evolve Championship.
Independent circuit (2016–2019)
On May 5, 2016, he made his professional wrestling debut under the ring name Austin Theory, defeating AR Fox at a WWA4 event to win the WWA4 Heavyweight Championship.[4] Theory made his Progress Wrestling debut on April 1, 2017 at a Progress and Evolve joint show, where he lost to Keith Lee in a four way match, that also involving Jason Kincaid and Blaster McMassive.[5] On August 12, Theory lost to Mark Haskins in a four way match, that also involving Mark Andrews and Keith Lee.[6] At Chapter 67, Theory teamed with Jinny to defeat Will Ospreay and Kay Lee Ray.[7]
World Wrestling Network affiliates (2016–2019)
On August 12, 2016, Theory made his World Wrestling Network debut at Full Impact Pro (FIP)’s Heatstroke, alongside AC Mack.[8] On January 7, 2017, at Style Battle, Theory was defeated by AR Fox.[9] At FIP Everything Burns, Theory defeated Anthony Henry.[10] Theory made his Evolve debut at Evolve 78, defeating Darby Allin.[11][12][13] At Evolve 79, Theory lost a four-way match to Chris Dickinson.[14] At Evolve 80, he lost to Ethan Page.[15] At Evolve 84, he was defeated by Lio Rush.[16] At Evolve 88, he defeated Ethan Case.[17] The next night at Evolve 89, he defeated Trent Beretta.[18]
At Evolve 97, Theory defeated Fred Yehi to win the FIP World Heavyweight Championship.[19] At FIP Everything Burns, Theory retained his title against Martin Stone.[20] At Evolve 100, Theory failed to win the Evolve Championship against Zack Sabre Jr.[21] At Evolve 103, Theory defeated Keith Lee to win the WWN Championship, ending Lee’s 175 day reign.[22][23][24] At Evolve 106, Theory lost the WWN Championship to Joey Janela.[25] On September 30 at Accelerate, he lost the FIP World Heavyweight Championship to Anthony Henry.[26] At Evolve 117, Theory defeated Fabian Aichner and Roderick Strong to win the Evolve Championship.[27] At Evolve 139 on November 9, 2019, he lost the Evolve Championship to Josh Briggs.[28]
The Crash and other Mexican promotions (2018–2019)
On June 16, 2018, Theory made his The Crash Lucha Libre debut by losing to Rey Horus.[29] On March 2, 2019, Theory defeated Willie Mack, Bárbaro Cavernario and Sansón to win The Crash Heavyweight Championship.[30] On June 14, Theory made his CMLL debut representing The Crash, teaming with Carístico and Volador Jr. to defeat Rush and La Peste Negra (Bárbaro Cavernario and Negro Casas).[31]
