Robert Stone has made it clear that he is completely at peace with his transition away from in-ring competition as he continues his tenure as a prominent WWE personality. Currently serving as the interim General Manager of WWE NXT, Stone recently detailed how shifting into a character-driven role was a calculated strategy he adopted upon joining the company in 2019.

Speaking on Busted Open After Dark this week, Stone reflected on his early assessment of the WWE landscape. He recognized that the managerial path offered a unique lane to distinguish himself. “I’m in my mid-30s. I said there’s no other managers, no one to compete with. This is my chance to shine,” Stone remarked. He noted his confidence in his promo work and the physical demands of the brand as key factors. “I was confident speaking. I knew, ‘How much longer could I wrestle?’ Especially my style compared to how physical NXT is. So I said this is the right move for me, and I went all in.”

While Stone has competed in roughly ten matches during his WWE tenure, he views those rare in-ring appearances as moments to be savored rather than a sign of a full-time return. “I’ve still got to wrestle matches since, which is fun,” he explained. “But being a full-time wrestler is something that’s in my past and I have no problem with that.”

Stone stepped into the role of interim General Manager following the departure of Ava in early February 2026. A month into the position, he expressed immense pride in his performance, even grading his work with an “A” during the interview. He credited his two-year stint as Ava’s assistant for preparing him for this level of responsibility.

By prioritizing his strengths in communication and character development, Stone has successfully navigated a transition that ensures his longevity. His current position allows him to remain a fixture on WWE television while also contributing backstage, where he recently revealed he co-teaches a tag team class at the Performance Center alongside Oney Lorcan. For Stone, the trade-off of the physical toll for a steady on-screen authority role has proven to be a career-defining success.

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The arrival of Danhausen in WWE has already sparked significant conversation across the industry. Following his debut at the 2026 Elimination Chamber in Chicago, Hall of Famer Booker T shared his perspective on how the “Very Nice, Very Evil” star could become a major asset for the company.

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T highlighted that while the gimmick is unconventional, its marketing potential is undeniable.

“I’m not going to try to sit and speculate or anything like that,” Booker T noted during the show. “But we definitely know he could be used on AAA shows. Those guys have a lot of gimmicks over there, so he’ll fit right in with that mode.”

Beyond international appeal, the former World Heavyweight Champion focused on the financial upside of the character. While the main roster transition for comedic acts can be unpredictable, Booker T believes the aesthetic of the character is built for retail success.

“How far are you going to go on the main roster? Who are you going to match him up with? What are we really trying to get out of the Danhausen character?” he asked. “I know it definitely could become a merchandising machine.”

Booker T also defended the presence of eccentric personalities in professional wrestling, arguing that they provide a necessary balance to the product. In his view, the industry thrives when it embraces a variety of tones. “Wrestling is wrestling,” he explained.

“When you take the funny stuff out of professional wrestling, you kind of lose the real meaning of what wrestling truly is in my book. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s serious. There are so many different elements.”

Danhausen has wasted no time making an impact on the screen. During the March 2 episode of WWE RAW, he encountered Dominik Mysterio and placed a comical “curse” on the Judgment Day member. Later that night, Mysterio lost his Intercontinental Championship to Penta. The sequence went viral instantly, with fans pointing to the curse as the catalyst for the title change.

As WWE continues to integrate the character, Booker T remains curious to see how the “Merchhausen” phenomenon scales on the global stage.

Booker T Calls Danhausen a “Merchandising Machine”

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Possible Spoiler on Major WWE SmackDown Title Twist – The upcoming March 6 episode of WWE SmackDown is shaping up to be one of the most controversial broadcasts of the year, as a major title change appears imminent.

According to a report from PWInsider Elite, WWE is moving toward a significant pivot that would see Drew McIntyre lose the WWE Championship just weeks before the biggest show of the year. For fans of the “Scottish Warrior,” this news comes as a shocking blow, as McIntyre has been a dominant force and a cornerstone of the brand throughout the winter.

The current plan suggests that Cody Rhodes will defeat McIntyre this Friday to capture the title. This transition is reportedly being orchestrated to facilitate a specific marquee match for WrestleMania 42. While McIntyre has arguably performed at the highest level of his career as a heel champion, the company appears determined to move the gold to Rhodes to set up a clash with Randy Orton.

“The current direction is for Randy Orton to challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at the Showcase of the Immortals. Cody will likely win the match and then defend the title against Orton,” the report indicated.

The prospect of McIntyre dropping the title so close to the finish line has sparked immediate debate. To many, removing the belt from a performer who has delivered such consistent, top-tier work feels like a step backward. However, sources within the company insist the decision is not a slight against the champion’s recent output.

“Drew dropping the title is not a reflection on his current work, but the company wants to give fans Cody versus Randy this year,” the report clarified.

While this shift prioritizes the history between former Legacy members Rhodes and Orton, it leaves McIntyre’s WrestleMania status in flux. Creative options currently being discussed for him include a potential collision with Jacob Fatu or perhaps expanding the title match into a triple threat.

Regardless of the backup plan, the expected twist on Friday night marks a high-stakes gamble for the WWE Undisputed Championship picture as the roster heads toward Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19.

Possible Spoiler on Major WWE SmackDown Title Twist

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