More Backstage Details on Danhausen Signing With WWE, Plans For Him

As reported earlier, Danhausen has reportedly signed a multi-year deal with WWE following the expiration of his AEW contract at the end of February. He made his WWE debut at the Elimination Chamber event on Saturday night in Chicago. WWE reportedly had interest in him last year, but AEW opted to extend his existing deal despite Danhausen requesting that they let his deal expire if they had no plans for him.

According to Fightful Select, internally within WWE, he was always planned to be the person inside the mystery crate from the outset, with no major contract complications delaying his debut. His first official WWE appearance is expected to be on RAW this week.

The plan from the start was for Danhausen to continue to use his ring name and gimmick in WWE, despite possible pitches for a new name and/or gimmick. In contrast, WWE opted to change the name of another recent signing from AEW, Royce Keys, who went as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW.

The report also notes that they spoke to some people within WWE who said they expect Danhausen to be utilized across a number of brands, including AAA.

There was some discussion backstage about the decision to debut him in the mystery crate angle, with some sources noting the “if it comes out of a box” joke that has been made on Bruce Prichard podcasts for years. Others backstage feel the way he was debuted fits his character.

Another report noted that signing Danhausen was not a unanimous decision backstage, though Fightful notes that signings are often not unanimous decisions.

Fightful also notes that Danhausen is expected to be pulled from his independent dates and conventions.

We're obsessed with whatever is wrong with you, @DanhausenAD 🧛‍♂️ 🦷 pic.twitter.com/rcpKlDNVBK

— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2026