Elias returned to WWE programming in April 2022 as his own younger brother, Ezekiel, who was presented as his own person despite having a clean-shaven look like Elias, something that was put into the storyline. Elias was later brought back before he was released in September 2023.
During a recent Q&A at “For The Love Of Wrestling,” Elijah, aka Elias, revealed that it was a Vince McMahon idea. He said,
“Yeah, that was a complete Vince McMahon idea. What had happened was, there was a period of time here where ‘The Boss’ really got into Elias and he said, ‘I want to make you the next guy.’ So he took the guitar away for a little while, and we said alright, we’re coming back, we’re gonna get a new look, new gear. As I did that, he was like, ‘Hey, let’s just go the whole way with it. Let’s clean up the hair, let’s shave the beard. We’ll give a whole new presentation.’ When I did that, it was like, oh, this is a whole different person. So you’re gonna be a different lesson. It’s like, ‘Okay, gotcha boss. What are you thinking.’ ‘Your own younger brother.’ You can imagine how I’m taking this as I’m hearing it. So it was his idea, he was very excited about it. When ‘The Boss’ is excited, you’re gonna be excited, you’re gonna be excited because it seems like some fun things could go down. My whole thing with wrestling and WWE is like, I’m always going to make the best of whatever situation I’m put in and hope the opportunities come and flow from that. So once ‘The Boss’ says okay, we’re gonna be Zeke, you’re gonna be that, you got it, boss. Now as soon as I get out there and show you what I can do with this, I want more opportunities to come. But that’s just kind of the attitude I took. Whatever you throw at me, I’m gonna try and make the best of it.”
In April 2022, WWE fans were surprised to see Elias make his return to the wrestling organization. However, this time he appeared as his own younger brother, Ezekiel. Despite having a clean-shaven look, which was a departure from his previous persona, Elias embraced the new character and made it his own. This unique storyline was the brainchild of none other than Vince McMahon himself.
During a recent Q&A session at “For The Love Of Wrestling,” Elias, whose real name is Elijah, shed some light on the origins of the Ezekiel character. He revealed that it was entirely Vince McMahon’s idea and that the WWE Chairman was particularly invested in Elias’s success. McMahon saw potential in Elias and wanted to elevate him to the next level.
To achieve this, McMahon suggested a complete transformation for Elias. The guitar-playing wrestler temporarily put aside his musical instrument and underwent a makeover that included a new look and new gear. McMahon went even further by proposing that Elias portray his own younger brother, Ezekiel. This surprising twist added an extra layer of intrigue to the character and storyline.
Elias admitted that he was initially taken aback by McMahon’s idea. However, being a professional, he embraced the challenge and decided to make the best of the situation. He understood that when McMahon is excited about something, it usually leads to exciting opportunities. With this mindset, Elias fully committed to portraying Ezekiel and hoped that his performance would open doors for more opportunities in the future.
The video of the Q&A session provides fans with a deeper understanding of Elias’s perspective on the Ezekiel character and his relationship with McMahon. It showcases his dedication to his craft and his willingness to adapt to any situation thrown at him. Despite the initial surprise and uncertainty, Elias approached the role with enthusiasm and determination to make it a success.
This behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process within WWE sheds light on the collaborative nature of professional wrestling. It highlights the trust and confidence that McMahon places in his talent and their ability to bring his ideas to life. Elias’s story serves as a reminder that success in the wrestling industry often requires adaptability and a willingness to take on new challenges.
As fans continue to follow Elias’s journey in WWE, they can appreciate the effort and dedication he puts into each character he portrays. Whether it’s as Elias or Ezekiel, he strives to make the best of every opportunity and hopes to create memorable moments for the audience. With the support of Vince McMahon and his own determination, Elias’s future in WWE looks promising.
Overall, the introduction of the Ezekiel character adds an exciting twist to Elias’s career and showcases his versatility as a performer. It demonstrates the collaborative nature of WWE and the trust placed in its talent by Vince McMahon. As fans, we can look forward to witnessing the evolution of Elias’s character and the potential for even more exciting storylines in the future.