After weeks of speculation surrounding the mysterious box at WWE Elimination Chamber, the contents were finally revealed in dramatic fashion. When WWE officials Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis opened the oversized prop during the premium live event, fans were greeted with a coffin tucked inside. Moments later, the lid swung open, dancers poured out, and Danhausen made his long-awaited WWE debut in signature “very nice, very evil” style.
Now, new backstage details suggest this wasn’t a one-off appearance.
According to BodySlam+, Danhausen has signed a multi-year contract with WWE, solidifying his place with the company for the foreseeable future. Interestingly, WWE reportedly had its sights set on bringing him in as early as July 2025. However, All Elite Wrestling exercised an extension on his previous contract, preventing him from entering free agency until 2026.
That delay didn’t stop WWE from making his eventual debut feel like a major spectacle. PWI Elite reports that the company went to significant lengths to keep Danhausen hidden prior to Elimination Chamber, particularly given the event’s location in Chicago — a city known for its passionate wrestling fanbase and tendency to sniff out surprises early. The secrecy paid off, as his reveal caught many in attendance off guard.
Staying true to his established persona, Danhausen emerged wearing his trademark face paint and cape, fully leaning into the eerie-yet-comedic presentation that made him a cult favorite. He even made his way to the commentary desk to interact with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, adding another layer of unpredictability to the segment.
As for what’s next, Danhausen is reportedly scheduled to be backstage at tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Whether that means he’ll officially land on the Raw roster remains to be seen, but WWE clearly appears to have immediate plans in mind.
Danhausen’s final run under the AEW/ROH umbrella was largely quiet, with injuries and inconsistent booking limiting his on-screen presence. His last in-ring appearance came in February 2024, when he picked up a win over Brandon Cutler on ROH on HonorClub. Since then, fans have wondered when — and where — he would resurface.
Now, the answer is clear: WWE.
With a multi-year deal in place and a memorable debut already in the books, the “very nice, very evil” star has a fresh opportunity to reinvent himself on wrestling’s biggest stage. The only question left is how WWE plans to integrate one of the industry’s most unique characters into its current landscape.
Rhea Ripley Survives the Women’s Elimination Chamber
Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender’s Elimination Chamber Match Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton
Tiffany Stratton and Kiana James kicked things off, starting at a furious pace. James tried to overpower Stratton early, but Tiffany’s athleticism kept her in control—until a miscalculation sent her crashing into Raquel Rodriguez’s pod.
Asuka entered third and immediately changed the tone of the match, smashing both James and Stratton into the Chamber’s unforgiving steel and Lexan walls. Alexa Bliss followed, adding speed and creativity to the chaos, including a Twisted Bliss off the top of a pod.
Bliss looked poised to eliminate Kiana James with Sister Abigail, but Asuka sprayed mist into Bliss’ face, allowing James to steal the pinfall and score the first elimination.
Raquel Rodriguez entered last and bulldozed the field. In one of the night’s most brutal sequences, she powerslammed James through a pod and then flattened both James and Asuka to score back-to-back eliminations. Rodriguez looked unstoppable until Rhea Ripley launched herself off a pod with a cannonball that shifted the momentum.
Stratton capitalized soon after, stunning Rodriguez with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to eliminate the powerhouse.
The final two came down to Ripley and Stratton in a hard-hitting showdown. Tiffany threw everything she had at “Mami,” but Ripley absorbed the punishment and countered a moonsault attempt by launching Stratton into a pod. Moments later, Ripley delivered Riptide to secure the victory.
Winner: Rhea Ripley Ripley is now the No. 1 contender to the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
AJ Lee Returns to Glory, Defeats Becky Lynch
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Becky Lynch (c) vs. AJ Lee
AJ Lee stepped back into a high-stakes singles spotlight against Becky Lynch, and while ring rust showed at times, Lee’s veteran instincts kept her alive.
The match was technical early, with Becky grounding AJ and targeting her arm. Lee fired back with a tornado DDT and a Shining Wizard, but couldn’t put the champion away. Frustration set in for Lynch, who removed a turnbuckle pad and later used a steel chair when the referee was down.
Becky even appeared to tap out to the Black Widow while the official was incapacitated, buying herself time. After a chaotic stretch that included outside brawling and multiple near-falls, Lee countered the Manhandle Slam and reapplied the Black Widow in the center of the ring.
This time there was no escape.
Winner and NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion: AJ Lee
In a feel-good moment, Lee forced Lynch to submit and captured championship gold in her return run.
CM Punk Retains After War with Finn Bálor
WWE Men’s World Heavyweight Championship CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Bálor
CM Punk and Finn Bálor delivered a clinic in counter-wrestling and resilience. The early going was tightly contested, with both men trading holds and reversals in a chess match that slowly escalated into a striking war.
Bálor targeted Punk’s ribs and nearly secured the win with 1916 and a Coup de Grace, but the champion refused to stay down. Punk answered with the Anaconda Vise and multiple Go to Sleep attempts, including one that sent Bálor tumbling to the floor.
The fight spilled outside, where Bálor blasted Punk through the timekeeper’s barricade. Back inside, Bálor connected with another Coup de Grace, but Punk shockingly countered a follow-up attempt into a Sharpshooter.
After surviving that submission, Bálor fell victim to one final Go to Sleep.
Winner: CM Punk (retains)
Post-match, Bálor offered a respectful handshake, which Punk eventually accepted. AJ Lee then joined Punk in the ring to celebrate a massive night for the couple.
Danhausen Arrives… With a Coffin
In one of the more surreal moments of the night, Raw GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis opened a mysterious crate at ringside to reveal a coffin. After eerie laughter filled the arena, Danhausen emerged, declared the audience cursed, gifted Michael Cole a jar of teeth, and disappeared just as quickly.
Yes, really.
Randy Orton Wins Chaotic Men’s Elimination Chamber
Undisputed WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Elimination Chamber Match Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. LA Knight vs. Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams
Cody Rhodes and Je’Von Evans started the match with a fast-paced exchange that showcased Evans’ explosiveness. Trick Williams entered next and nearly scored a double elimination with a Book End variation, but both opponents survived.
Logan Paul entered fourth and was immediately attacked by the field, even being thrown through a pod. LA Knight followed and brought the fight directly to Paul, eventually planting him with a BFT on top of a pod in a jaw-dropping spot.
Randy Orton entered last and methodically dismantled the competition with powerslams and a hanging DDT.
Evans was the first eliminated after Logan Paul connected with the Paulverizer. Paul then stole another elimination by low-blowing LA Knight and rolling him up. Trick Williams fell next after eating Cross Rhodes from Cody, with Paul stealing the pin.
Midway through the chaos, masked men attempted to interfere. One was removed by security, but another slipped in and dropped Logan Paul with a superkick and Blackout.
The attacker revealed himself as Seth Rollins, making his shocking return. Rollins and Rhodes shared a tense stare-down before Rollins exited through the crowd.
Cody eliminated Paul, setting up a final showdown with Orton—until Drew McIntyre stormed in and blasted Rhodes with the title belt. Despite sidestepping a Claymore attempt, Cody couldn’t withstand Orton’s sudden RKO.
Winner: Randy Orton
“The Viper” pinned Rhodes with the RKO and is now the No. 1 contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
After the broadcast ended, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced that Drew McIntyre will now challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship on this Friday’s SmackDown.
As several AEW contracts near their expiration dates, WWE appears to be circling with growing interest—especially in a few standout names from the roster.
According to a new report from BodySlam.net, WWE has its sights set on Danhausen and the high-flying tag team Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen), whose AEW deals are reportedly coming to an end soon. The report suggests that things could move quickly, with one source noting that “movement could happen sooner rather than later.”
This lines up with earlier whispers that WWE had “preliminary interest” in Private Party, a team that has long been seen as having untapped potential in a larger spotlight. Danhausen, known for his bizarre charisma and cult following, could also bring a fresh flavor to WWE’s character-driven programming.
Beyond those three names, a handful of other AEW contracts are also approaching their expiration dates. Chris Jericho’s current deal is set to run out at the end of 2025, while Renee Paquette, Matt Menard, and Angelo Parker will reportedly be free agents come August.
Notably locked in, however, is Jon Moxley. The former WWE Champion—still one of AEW’s top stars—remains under contract through 2027 and is said to be among the company’s highest earners.
As free agency looms, the wrestling landscape could be in for another shake-up. AEW will be looking to retain key talent, while WWE seems poised to make strategic plays in a continually evolving talent war.
Danhausen, AEW’s “Very Nice, Very Evil” sensation, has been notably absent from television since Worlds End 2023, and a new report reveals that his status with the company remains uncertain. According to Fightful Select, Danhausen is not currently part of AEW’s creative plans, and discussions about his return have been minimal at best.
Communication Breakdown
Sources indicate that communication between AEW and Danhausen has been sporadic, limited primarily to securing approvals for his independent wrestling bookings. While this practice is standard for talent under AEW contracts, it highlights the lack of ongoing dialogue about his role within the company.
Plans for Danhausen’s return from injury were reportedly in the works last year but were later shelved. Frustrated by the situation, Danhausen directly approached Tony Khan to express his concerns. Earlier this year, there were attempts to integrate him back into AEW programming, with Bryan Danielson championing his return. Despite this support, no concrete plans materialized.
Creative Challenges and Personal Priorities
One potential sticking point was scheduling. AEW insiders reportedly believe Danhausen prioritized independent bookings over AEW’s Collision, which airs on Saturdays. However, Danhausen has maintained that his availability was dictated by family commitments, which fluctuated throughout the year.
Contract Status
Danhausen’s AEW contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, leaving the door open for a potential return or departure from the company. For now, no active creative plans are in place, and it seems his focus remains on independent wrestling, where his eccentric persona continues to thrive.
What’s Next for Danhausen?
Fans of Danhausen, known for his unique mix of humor and supernatural antics, are left wondering what the future holds. Whether he finds a path back to AEW or explores opportunities elsewhere, his charismatic presence remains in high demand on the indie circuit.
Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on Danhausen’s status and all the latest AEW news!
Things are once again about to become “Very Nice, Very Evil” in All Elite Wrestling, as a vignette teasing the return of Danhausen aired on this week’s episode of AEW Rampage.
Danhausen hasn’t been featured on AEW television since suffering a torn pectoral muscle at the Revolution pay-per-view event.
On Thursday, the “very nice, very evil” one took to Twitter to announce that he suffered a torn pectoral muscle at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view event.
Danhausen teamed with Orange Cassidy to face off against The Gunns, The Acclaimed, and Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal for the AEW Tag Team Championships at the show.
Danhausen wrote,
“Hello, Danhausen tore his pec at AEW Revolution.
~When Armageddons been locked and loaded, Danhausen will come back for you~”
There might be a very nice, very evil, and very new tag team entering the AEW tag team picture.
Over the weekend as part of Chris Jericho’s “Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea” cruise, AEW’s resident ghoul Danhausen teamed up to become a unit for a pair of matches on the voyage. “Danhausen and Jerichohausen… the most hausen tag team of all hausen!!” one traveler tweeted, posting a photo of Danhausen and Jericho in matching facepaint and red capes. Another attendee shared a look at Danhausen and Jericho both using “The Walls of Jericho” against Austin and Colten Gunn.
Jericho’s annual cruise event typically features wrestlers — mostly from AEW’s roster at this point — in addition to a few other stars from ROH, GCW, and NJPW. Musical artists like Jericho’s rock group Fozzy, Quiet Riot, and “Platinum Max” (AEW World Tag Team Champion Max Caster) performed this year as well. Danhausen was advertised as the cruise’s “guest host” for the weekend.
Even before his AEW debut in early 2022, Danhausen had grown into a beloved figure among wrestling fans, making a name for himself on the independent scene and on social media. Known for casting “spells” on his adversaries, he has racked up an 8-5 record in his first year with AEW. Although with the recent attention he’s been garnering, it’s not out of the question to see bigger things on the horizon for him in his second year with the promotion — especially considering his association with the All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy and the Best Friends.
Former Ring Of Honor star Danhausen is officially ALL ELITE!
After months of teases, Danhausen is officially ALL ELITE! The former Ring Of Honor star made his AEW debut last night at Dynamite Beach Break and was confirmed as an official member of the roster shortly afterward by Tony Khan.
It all went down at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, January 26 for AEW’s third annual Beach Break-themed edition of its weekly flagship show on TBS. During the Lights Out main event between Adam Cole and Orange Cassidy, Cole tried to pull a steel chair out from underneath the ring … but there was no chair, only a very evil man by the name of Danhausen. Danhausen emerged from under the ring and pointed at Cole, who was visibly baffled. AEW’s newest acquisition then hobbled up the ramp and disappeared.
If you’re unfamiliar with his work, Danhausen is a spooky-looking guy with demonic face paint and an extravagant cape who walks around carrying either a cartoonish sack of “human money” or a regular jar filled with human teeth — or both! Danhausen speaks in an exaggerated high-pitched voice which sounds like a cross between Mark Hammil’s Joker and Conan O’Brien, from whom the artist behind Danhausen admits to drawing inspiration.
Danhausen’s addition means that CM Punk is no longer the only man on the AEW roster who uses the GTS as a finisher. Danhausen adopted the move for himself, but not before asking both Punk (and KENTA’s) permission.
“So as Danhausen saw it, CM Punk, wonderful fellow, gave Danhausen the GTS as his finisher. Then Kenta got a little angry at him, but then said he doesn’t care who uses it besides CM Punk,” Danhausen said on an episode of Renee Paquette’s Oral Session’s Podcast. “So Danhausen got two blessings as far as he can see it, CM Punk and Kentahausen… Even named it Very Nice, Very Kneevil.”
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