WWE NXT Live Philadelphia: 11 Interesting Observations

6. Elias Samson Is Not Ready For His Current Push

"The Drifter" Elias Samson's exposure on NXT has been, to this point, reserved for squash matches in which he systematically picks his opponents apart with a generic array of knee strikes, then finishes them off with a neckbreaker. At first, I was willing to attribute the lack of inspiring action to the format of his squash matches and the fact that he was probably directed by management to take a slower, more methodical approach while tearing apart the enhancement talent. After watching him work against Apollo Crews Thursday night, it was apparent that was not the case. Samson has presence, seems to be enjoying The Drifter character, but he is nowhere near ready from an in-ring perspective to be working with someone like the dynamic Crews. He employs the most generic moveset imaginable, relying on rest holds, punches, kicks and those stupid knee strikes that take so long to set up that his opponent could either roll out of the way or dodge before he has the chance to connect. He has charisma, he carries himself like a star, but Samson needs to develop more as an in-ring performer before enjoying any sort of significant push. Otherwise, he risks being exposed in a high-profile match.