“Who is this person?” Former WWE Champion couldn’t recognize himself after Vince McMahon made him shave his facial hair

Elias was released from WWE last year in September.

“Who is this person?” Former WWE Champion couldn’t recognize himself after Vince McMahon made him shave his facial hair

Vince McMahon (via SEScoops)

Former WWE Superstar Elias was one of those heels who garnered natural heat from fans around the world. At one point, he even experienced a surge in popularity when people began chanting his name and catchphrases. However, when he changed his gimmick at the behest of Vince McMahon, he found himself unrecognizable after a significant alteration in his appearance.

While speaking in an interview with Whatculture Wrestling, Elias talked about changing his look completely from what he was before. He stated that he couldn’t even recognize himself in the mirror when he shaved his beard for his Ezekiel gimmick. The former WWE champion said that it was Vince McMahon‘s idea to give him a whole new presentation. He admitted that, although it came as a big shock, he went along with it in the end. 

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The 36-year-old star underwent a gimmick change after WrestleMania 38, adopting a completely new look. He introduced himself as Ezekiel, Elias’ younger brother. Initially, fans were skeptical about it, but later they embraced the storyline when Kevin Owens hilariously made it his mission to prove that Ezekiel was actually Elias.

I didn't even recognize myself when you look in the mirror. I'm like, 'Who is this person?' And all of a sudden nobody recognizes you from everybody, you know what I mean. It's a wild shock but uh, yeah, nonetheless man, I mean… Hey, you just got to do it at some point.
Elias via the Whatculture Wrestling

Their feud came to a climax when the two wrestled each other at Hell in a Cell PLE, with Owens emerging victorious. After their feud ended, the idea was eventually dropped, and he was released from the Stamford-based company. He is currently active in the independent wrestling scene and goes by the name Elijah.

Elias felt that his character work and personality overshadowed his wrestling skills

Elias was known for his arrogant nature; he always threw insults at the audience wherever he traveled. He felt that he could have been a big, muscular guy who could just throw people around, but it was his character work that resonated with the fans. The 36-year-old star expressed his honest opinion in an interview about why WWE didn’t book him that way.

Elias
Elias (via WWE)

Speaking in the same interview, he was asked why WWE didn’t book him as a big, muscular wrestler. Elias stated that although he would have loved that kind of character for himself, the decisions weren’t always in his hands. The former 24/7 Champion further added that, ultimately, his character work was what got him over with fans.

Well, here's the thing. It's almost like the character may have amplified on top of the other things, and that's just decision that are out of my hands. I would love to throw people around you know what I'm saying? but again, you're not the one who is calling the shots.
Elias via WhatCulture Wrestling

Some of his best work came when he joined forces with The Prizefighter and insulted the crowd on every show. One of the most memorable moments involving the duo was when they trolled the Seattle team for losing the SuperSonics in front of their home crowd. 

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