Danhausen Was Fumbled By AEW, Then He Became WWE’s Most Bankable Star
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- Sports Money Danhausen Was Fumbled By AEW, Then He Became WWE’s Most Bankable Star By Alfred Konuwa,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- WWE's Danhausen being interviewed by ESPN reporter Christine Williamson at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals.Jesse D.
Sports Money Danhausen Was Fumbled By AEW, Then He Became WWE’s Most Bankable Star By Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about men in tights & the billions they make for men in suits.Follow Author Jun 21, 2026, 03:54pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary WWE star Danhausen has become the "King of New York" in 2026, just three months after joining the company. He's a top-2 merchandise seller and central to a WWE/Knicks licensing deal, celebrating the Knicks' first NBA Championship in 53 years. NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson credited Danhausen's "uncursing" for the team's success. This mainstream explosion follows years of merchandise dominance, even during his AEW tenure. AEW, however, mismanaged Danhausen, benching him from 2024-2025 after CM Punk's firing, despite his consistent top merchandise sales. WWE capitalized on this, amplifying his proven appeal. A documentary is now in production, detailing his role in the Knicks' historic championship run.
WWE's Danhausen being interviewed by ESPN reporter Christine Williamson at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals.Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBA via Getty ImagesIt’s 2026, and Danhausen is the King of New York. These are his words, and as superlative as they sound, WWE’s breakout star makes a compelling case.