4 ways Austin Theory can turn face on WWE SmackDown: An apology tour, defending a mentor & more

Things are tense between Austin Theory and tag team partner Grayson Waller on WWE SmackDown. The WWE Tag Team Champions have defeated all comers since WrestleMania 40, but miscommunication has started to cause problems.

Waller has pulled Theory in harm's way multiple times, including during the Grayson Waller Effect from Scotland. The former United States Champ was kneed in the face twice as Waller tried to escape harm.

Something big could be on the horizon between Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. If they drop the titles, the alliance may explode. Whenever it happens, Austin Theory could turn face on SmackDown in one of the next four ways.

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#4. Grayson Waller turns on him

With the current dynamics between Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, the former US Champ would be the one to turn face. He's been sacrificed by the Aussie multiple times and hasn't been happy about it.

The biggest catalyst for a turn would be if they lose the tag team titles. If Theory is pinned, the easiest way for a Theory face turn would be for Waller to attack him. He would be upset that they lost and take his frustrations out on his supposed friend.

Even if Waller eats the pin, he may still blame Theory. Another easy way for Waller to turn on him would be if Austin Theory shows respect for Johnny Gargano or shakes his hand.

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#3. Austin Theory starts to show remorse for his past behaviors

When Austin Theory joined the main roster, he was initially paired with Mr. McMahon. He was afforded unfair opportunities such as joining the Money in the Bank match after losing his US Title because he was the 'protege' of Mr. McMahon.

That arrogance has been part of his character since then and teaming with Waller only amplified it. An easy way for Austin Theory to turn face would be to show remorse or growth of character.

He could apologize for his past actions in an interview or backstage segment or admit he's been doing things the wrong way. Theory was still pretty young when he joined the WWE so it could be construed as emotional growth for the tag team champion.

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#2. He reunites with Johnny Gargano

Theory and Gargano had success in NXT as members of The Way (Credit: wwe.com)

Despite being heels in The Way in WWE NXT, the comedic dynamic between Gargano and Theory endeared them to some fans. The stable resembled a family, with Theory being the 'son' to Gargano's 'father.'

The two stars have crossed paths a few times on RAW and SmackDown since then. The most recent confrontation, however, is different as Waller has used Theory to avoid attacks and Gargano and Ciampa have pointed that out to the young star.

Gargano is so easy to like due to his underdog nature and never-say-die attitude. Reuniting with a face Gargano would easily turn Austin Theory face and give him a different path in WWE.

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#1. He saves Gargano from an attack from Waller

Grayson Waller punched Papa Gargano on the latest SmackDown (Credit: wwe.com)

Grayson Waller sent Johnny Gargano packing from NXT. The two battled in an unsanctioned match that could have ended Johnny Wrestling's WWE tenure. He took a few months off for the birth of his child but returned to WWE as Triple H gained some creative power.

The Aussie has never shied away from his feelings toward Gargano. Since DIY is coming for the titles, he may try to turn the knife in Johnny's back even more than ever.

Waller could attack Gargano in the ring or backstage. Theory could save his one-time mentor from the attack and turn face. It would lead to an interesting feud between former friends.