NXT Star Elias Samson Returning To Action

"The Drifter" Elias Samson has been out of action since early June after suffering a fractured left ankle at an NXT live event, but he's ready to get back in the ring. According to NXT's Twitter account, he'll be returning at the brand's Thursday house show in Lakeland, Florida.

Samson, who debuted in 2008, was signed to a WWE developmental deal in early 2014. After spending several months as an enhancement worker, he was given the gimmick of "The Drifter," a guitar-playing vagrant who cut promos on opponents in the form of songs. He was reintroduced to television in late 2015, scoring several wins before falling to Johnny Gargano.

That marked the beginning of a run of bad luck for Samson, who was defeated by Apollo Crews at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. In subsequent weeks, he suffered decisive losses to Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor. Still, his pre-match performances ensured that he was booed heavily by crowds both at Full Sail University and on the road, giving his (usually sub-par) ring work an added measure of crowd heat.

Samson's return to NXT television should follow shortly.