10 Things We Learned From WWE Raw (May 29)
8. Drifting
Whilst it's virtually impossible to give a balanced appraisal on the the company's hit-rate with NXT call-ups since the developmental brand began adjusting the landscape of the industry in mid-2014, Elias Samson may end up a surprise package on the main roster.
Hanging in there to score a cheap victory over Dean Ambrose in debut proper last week, he was subject to the more traditional tact on this week's broadcast.
Brushing past jobber Zac Evans in a couple of minutes, Samson remained unremarkable in the ring, and his rolling/swinging/whatever neckbreaker finisher is a frightening callback to the tepid debuts of about 30 midcarders in the lukewarm mid-2000's.
Fortunately for 'The Drifter', his entrance surpasses his exit. Singing (badly) as he irritatingly strums his acoustic guitar like every gap year student determined to ruin the morning after a house party, Samson has transferred his knack for irritating the Full Sail NXT crowd onto the Monday Night stage.
Aided with strong production, it's an infuriating section of the show, but in a good way. It's a shame for Elias that the heat dissolves somewhat when the bell rings, but he's surrounded by teachers and peers that can elevate that side of his game. He may quietly have the hardest part already down.