14 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown Superstar Shake-Up

10. Elias Serves The Swerve

Elias Vince McMahon
WWE.com

Fans should have known Vince McMahon was going to pull an epic troll move the minute he promised "the biggest acquisition in SmackDown Live history" ahead of last night's show, and that's exactly what he did, unveiling Elias as the supposed game-changing pick.

The Chairman put the newcomer over huge. He said although he rarely puts his seal of approval on a wrestler, he was happy to introduce the future of SmackDown and WWE, claiming his subject was a talented performer who exudes charisma. Vince then asked for a drumroll, and out came 'The Drifter.' Cue: "I quit" - Corey Graves.

Elias worked his usual heel magic by sh*tting on Montreal, claiming SD would become "the Temple of Elias" in AJ Styles' absence, then telling the crowd to hold their applause and shut their mouths. The real "biggest acquisition in SmackDown Live history" interrupted him before he could more than a single guitar chord out, but we look forward to Elias pulling more antics like this.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.