10 Wrestlers Who Improved At Something They Were Terrible At

6. Elias - Strumming

Roman Reigns
WWE.com

NXT, black and gold era: A superb, straight-laced, state-of-the-art, coherent pro wrestling brand in which wins and losses dictate character arcs, audience reaction dictates the product, and performers are booked to their strengths.

WWE main roster, before Vince's departure: A dismal, broadly comedic, regressive, incoherent "sports entertainment" brand in which wins and losses are exchanged arbitrarily, audience reaction means nothing and is often toxic, and performers are booked to look weak at best, moronic at worst.

Elias, NXT: A man without a country; patently absurd within NXT's largely competition-focused framework, but also too humourless to fit adequately within its sillier Blue Pants/No Way Jose fringe, his humming and moaning choral singing, combined with minor key strumming, was akin to Godsmack playing an MTV Unplugged set. It was just drab and tedious; out of key in every conceivable way.

Elias, main roster: A just wonderful rule-proving exception of a heel act boasting the polish of a seasoned touring band. Everything about it was calibrated brilliantly. With a metronomic assurance, we know exactly when and how to react, guided by his pompous rhythm. He has us in the palm of his hands for the big hits, but has developed the confidence and creativity to freestyle hysterical insults, playing dreaded new material live in such a way that everything resonates.

And now he is an Ultimate Warrior cosplayer.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.