When Randy Orton listed Austin Theory and his tag team partner, Grayson Waller, among the hottest young stars in the WWE, it turned heads from all around, including that of “A-Town's finest.”

Asked how it feels to be a favorite of Orton in an appearance on the Battleground podcast, Theory called the situation surreal, noting that he hopes he can live up to the “Viper's” praises long-term, even if he has to do so at his expense in the future.

“Well, I know a thing about killing legends myself. It's Randy Orton. I mean, what has Randy Orton not done in WWE? A 14-time WWE Champion, a man with just a crazy resume, and somebody that everyone in the locker room well respects. Anytime you get words like that from Randy Orton, you better make sure you're working, and you're pushing yourself because he ain't wrong about anything he said. He's speaking the truth, and it is on my end to hold up that end. I appreciate what Randy said, and this is just where my mentality is,” Austin Theory told the Battleground podcast via Fightful.

“Coming down the road, if Randy's there, I won't have any sympathy, though. Because, these Tag Team Championships — I know he likes running around with Kevin Owens, if they decide to come our way, Just remember Randy what you said. Remember all those things you said. Because you said you weren't where you were at when you were my age. So just remember that.”

Sure, there are still Theory truthers in the WWE Universe, with fans pointing to his age, experience, accolades, and big wins as a reason to believe he could be a future main eventer, but when you consider the ill will – but not usual heel ill will – that he's generated for his gimmick, attitude, and overall presentation, his status as the next big thing is very much up in the air, especially as new performers like Bron Breakker rise up the ranks. Then again, if Orton likes Theory, maybe his opinion should be given more weight than some fans online, as the 14-time World Champion knows a thing or two about what makes one a star in the WWE Universe.

Austin Theory is down to mix it up with Conor McGregor.

Elsewhere during his appearance on the Battleground podcast, Austin Theory was asked about Conor McGregor, the UFC legend who has long been linked to WWE due to his charismatic persona and interest in expanding his career outside of mixed martial arts via his recent partial purchase of Bareknuckle Fighting and appearance in the Roadhouse movie with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Would Theory like to mix it up with the “Notorious” grappler? If the opportunity presents itself and the timing is right, then sure, why not?

“Wow, man. Is it Conor McGregor? Is that who we want? Is that who wants to step up to Austin Theory, the Undefeated Tag Team Champion?” Austin Theory asked. “I mean, maybe Conor is so tough. Maybe he just wants to fight both the Tag Team Champions. So maybe he has a handicap match because, his ego, because me and Grayson Waller, We don't have egos. We're very set straight. We work hard. We're champions. We show up to work, only if we're not busy. So, Conor McGregor, maybe that's the crossover, but really any of the UFC guys, I mean, that'd be pretty cool to see. Watching those punches go from that to up on my shoulders into an A-Town Down. You're not ready for that, but I'm down. I'm excited. Why not?”

Considering UFC and WWE now both fall under the TKO banner, there has never been a time since McGregor's rise to prominence where a crossover to the squared circle feels more likely, as he wouldn't have to worry about contract situations or the like, and could instead just walk into the ring on RAW or SmackDown to talk some trash, strike some poses, and maybe knock someone out to prove to fans just how bad a man he is. Will it ultimately happen? I mean, probably not, but then again, who thought Ronda Rousey would leave UFC to become a multi-time champion or that Logan Paul would become one of the promotion's top stars capable of actually wrestling very good matches, even if they are incredibly well planned out beforehand? If McGregor is down to do an appearance, an angle, or legitimately leave UFC behind to become a full-time WWE Superstar long-term, it's safe to say Theory will happily get in line for a match.