WWE Raw Live Review: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for September 11

Elias ready to perform. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Elias vs. Kalisto

Result: Elias defeated Kalisto via pinfall

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

First things first: Did anyone else get confused and think Asuka was coming down to kick Elias in the face? I totally forgot that Kalisto’s music started with a similar synth sound. I also forgot Kalisto was a thing since he hasn’t  been around in a million years.

As far as the world premiere performance, I loved it. It still boggles my mind just how far Elias has come since joining the Raw roster. A mere two years ago, he was the “merch line” match at an NXT Live Event in Albany. You know, the guy who you hated so much you’d rather stand in the merch line for 15 minutes than watch him work. Now, you can’t miss him.

The match against Kalisto was a perfect match for what it needed to be. Kalisto was able to put up some form of offense for a little bit. But Elias dominated – he’s bigger, stronger, hits harder. A Drift Away sealed the victory for the Drifter.

Hopefully, Elias will get some bigger storyline after No Mercy. He’s been a heat magnet for the past several months. And he’s proven he’s capable in the ring. Aside from a prolonged feud with Finn Balor some months back, Elias hasn’t had much opportunity. That should change heading into the next pay per view cycle.