WWE Reports Elias Is Injured, Possibly Hinting at a Gimmick Change

Elias was on the receiving end of a surprise attack backstage on last week’s Friday Night […]

April 22, 2020, 1:14pm

Elias was on the receiving end of a surprise attack backstage on last week’s Friday Night SmackDown, and on Wednesday the company provided an update saying he had injured his larynx and a few of his fingers. WWE‘s announcement read, “Elias suffered a bruised larynx and broken middle and pinky fingers following the latest attack by King Corbin. The injuries have put Elias‘ musical performances on hold, as they’ve hampered his ability to sing and play guitar.”

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By all indications the injuries are purely for storyline. But given that they directly affect his singing voice and his ability to play the guitar, it’s possible WWE is using this storyline to pull Elias away from his “Drifter” persona.

As first reported on #WWETheBump, @IAmEliasWWE suffered a bruised larynx and broken middle and pinky fingers following the latest attack by #King @BaronCorbinWWE. https://t.co/DNGY5JXM9Q
— WWE (@WWE) April 22, 2020

“King Corbin has targeted the songbird multiple times in the last few weeks, as the most recent attack on Friday Night SmackDown followed his assault ahead of WrestleMania that sent his rival flying from the WWE Performance Center perch,” the report continued. “Elias had drawn the ire of Corbin with repeated songs mocking the regal competitor through song.”

The rivalry between Corbin and Elias kicked off back in March, resulting in Corbin tossing Elias off the announcer’s platform just before WrestleMania 36. Elias was able to overcome the injuries from that attack and beat Corbin cleanly at Mania, but now it looks like their feud isn’t over.

Both Elias and Corbin dodged the massive wave of firings and furloughs WWE handed out last week. From Wednesday to Saturday more than 30 active wrestlers were released.