A WWE star has admitted there was a mixed reaction backstage when Danhausen made his surprise WWE debut earlier this year, revealing some talent felt the former AEW star had taken a coveted Premium Live Event spot.
Danhausen made his WWE debut at Elimination Chamber 2026 before quickly becoming one of the company’s most popular acts, enjoying strong merchandise sales and recently picking up a victory at SummerSlam. Speaking on Busted Open, WWE SmackDown star Kit Wilson admitted he never expected the former AEW star’s rapid rise and recalled the uncertainty surrounding his arrival.
“Absolutely not. I was there in Chicago for his debut, and I think that gave us a lot of question marks. It was a lot of people that enjoyed it. There was a lot of people that didn’t.”
Wilson explained that some members of the WWE locker room were frustrated by the 35-year-old debuting on a Premium Live Event, believing the appearance came at the expense of wrestlers already on the roster.
“There was a lot of us backstage that didn’t feel too fond about him coming in on a pay-per-view, on a P.L.E… maybe taking our spots.”
Kit Wilson Said He Wanted To Work With Danhausen Despite His Initial Reservations About His Debut At Elimination Chamber
Despite those initial feelings, Kit Wilson embraced the opportunity to work with Danhausen and jokingly claimed responsibility for helping establish the popular star in WWE.
“So of course, I wanted to be the guy to take on Danhausen. Who had his debut match? Me. Who put him on the map? Me, and now Danhausen is more popular than ever. So, I guess you’re welcome?”
Wilson and The Miz feuded with Danhausen following his WWE debut before the former AEW star shifted his focus to The Judgment Day, with his popularity continuing to grow in the months since arriving in WWE.
