Austin Theory delivered an introspective promo during the December 29 episode of
When I really sit back, like I did, and think about it, I had a lot of big moments so quick in my career. I think I kind of lost myself, I did, I got comfortable," Theory revealed during the broadcast.
The former United States Champion acknowledged he fell into a pattern of waiting for opportunities rather than creating them.
Like I said before, (I was) waiting for somebody to give me a handout, give me something because of me feeling like I deserved it," Theory admitted.
Theory reflected on his rapid rise in WWE and how it affected his mentality.
I feel like my whole life I've worked for everything that I had, and at a young age getting to the WWE, accomplishing the things that I've done, I just got to a point...
He explained that watching The Vision from home sparked a realization about taking control of his career.
The Vision just takes, and they're not waiting for anything. Back at home when I'm watching, it was like, I can sit here and I can wait, point the finger and blame whoever I want, but I can also point it at myself.
Theory made it clear he's done relying on past accomplishments, specifically his victory over John Cena.
I'm not waiting for opportunities, I'm not looking at my past and saying 'Hey, I beat John Cena, give me something. Somebody hand me another opportunity.'
Instead, Theory has embraced The Vision's aggressive philosophy.
I know at the end of the day, if there's anything I truly want, I can have, but I've got to take it. I've got to put in that effort. I know exactly what to do, The Vision was the perfect opportunity for that," he stated.
Theory concluded by emphasizing the faction's forward-thinking approach:
To me it's about the future, and that's exactly what The Vision is about. It's about taking, that's what I'm all about now. Nah, we just take, and that's how it feels now, being in The Vision, we're just gonna take everything.