5 possible storylines for Elias' return to WWE

The former 24/7 Champion, Elias will make his return from injury soon as the officials have cleared him to wrestle. Elias had been a vital part of RAW during the first three years of the brand extension. However, Vince McMahon transferred him to SmackDown Live earlier this year.

The former NXT Superstar had joined forces with Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre to battle Roman Reigns. He subsequently took part in the King of the Ring event but an ankle injury forced him to pull out of his semifinal match and nobody he has not been seen since. Here are 5 ways he could return to SmackDown.

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#5 Pursue the 24/7 Championship

Will WWE keep him in the 24/7 title picture?

Elias had been after the 24/7 Championship before his injury therefore, it would not be a surprise if WWE books him in the same direction once again. At the moment, the 24/7 title is on RAW where the Singh Brothers are feuding with R-Truth.

While the skits have been entertaining, Elias can add more spice to this scene with his genius. Also, WWE can book this return to take place at Survivor Series where SmackDown’s Elias could steal the 24/7 title from the Red brand.

The 24/7 title has shown that it can produce some great feuds for comic relief. So, it would make sense to have Elias back in the title scene.

#4 Feud with Shorty G

Shorty G needs a new opponent

Over the past few weeks, WWE has pushed Shorty G (formerly known as Chad Gable) in the SmackDown mid-card. The former SmackDown Tag Team Champion has grown into an important part of the Blue brand and is now a part of Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Shorty G had even made it to the final of the King of the Ring tournament. He had a brief feud with King Corbin post that tournament.

WWE often books the return of an injured Superstar on the fallout episode of a big pay-per-view. Hence, they can restart the feud between Elias and Shorty G on the 29th November episode of SmackDown.

The former American Alpha member is a natural babyface while Elias knows how to play the role of a heel. Thus, this feud can help both the Superstars in the picture while it will also benefit the mid-card of the ‘B’ show.

To make matters more interesting, WWE could later involve some rewards in this feud like the winner of their PPV match would earn a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.

#3 Join forces with Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura

A new heel faction on SmackDown?

WWE raised a few eyebrows when they aligned Sami Zayn with the Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura and the Canadian Superstar has been performing the role of his mouthpiece ever since. While rumors cropped up that Nakamura may drop his title soon, the fans can expect this alliance to live on.

The Creative team had built a short storyline on SmackDown where Sami was trying to persuade Daniel Bryan to join him and Nakamura. However, 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt took Bryan out before the former WWE Champion could answer Zayn. With Bryan set to contend with Wyatt, Sami will have to extend his hunt for a new Superstar.

In this situation, Elias can prove to be a substantial addition to this faction. Just like Zayn, he can roast the audience with his mic skills and WWE can even shift them to the tag team division. The new SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The New Day will need new opponents after Survivor Series and this team can give them a run for their money.

If WWE books everything accurately, this heel faction could dominate Friday nights on SmackDown and the Creative team can also have a betrayal angle in the future.

#2 Costs Team SmackDown the match at Survivor Series

What if Triple H convinces Elias to come back to NXT?

It is no secret that Elias had been cleared to return at the end of October. The fans expected him to show up after Crown Jewel but it has not happened yet. Thus, the WWE Universe can assume that the company has some grand plans in place for Elias.

The hardcore fans know that the company had designed a betrayal angle for the last edition of Survivor Series where one member of SmackDown turned on his brand. Though WWE scrapped that idea, they can use it this year.

Team SmackDown looks very strong on paper with the likes of Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman present on it. It is unlikely that WWE will have them lose clean hence, they can book Elias to return on 24th November and interfere in the match.

Afterward, the writers can reveal that Triple H offered him a better position at NXT where he would receive better opportunities or the USA Network agents gave him a better contract than FOX, to turn on SmackDown.

This angle will put a lot of focus on Elias and if he capitalizes on the momentum, the former 24/7 champ can rise to new heights.

#1 Go after the Intercontinental Championship

He had played the role of a babyface for a short time

Elias has established himself as one of the top guns of WWE with his extraordinary charisma and talent. ‘The Drifter’ had accomplished scant fame in NXT. However, his gimmick got over with the crowd on the main roster and at the moment, he is one of the high profile stars of the company.

Having been in segments with the likes of John Cena and The Undertaker, Elias has proved that he can shine the brightest when he receives the freedom. However, he has never held a major title in WWE; he has fought for the mid-card championships but, has never won one.

Thus, it would be excellent if WWE propels him to the Intercontinental Championship picture and allows him to capture the title. Since the current champion, Shinsuke Nakamura is a heel, Elias can portray a face character for a short while and he can turn on the fans after he seizes the gold.

WWE can invite a lot of heel heat towards Elias by doing this. Also, he can have contests with the other face Superstars of SmackDown and reinforce the relevance of the Intercontinental Championship.