WWE: Elias circling the top level and it's great


Money in the Bank 2018 promises to be a solid pay-per-view, with Seth Rollins vs Elias as one of the matches many are looking forward to.

Don't ever mess with a man's guitar, even in the WWE. Especially if the owner of said guitar is Elias.

Last Monday night on RAW, Seth Rollins -- owner of the Intercontinental Championship and best run of 2018 -- took a stomping to Elias' guitar. The very guitar recently given to the Drifter by John Mayer.

Sure, Elias goes through his fair share of guitars in destroying the instruments on the backs of other wrestlers. But that's his choice and one that usually pays dividends.
Elias has been steadily rising on the WWE's flagship program over the past year. His efforts are being rewarded with a title fight for the IC belt on Sunday night in Chicago.

Having not seen a whole lot of NXT over the years, I didn't know what to expect when Elias showed up on RAW. He wandered around backstage, into interviews and generally drifted from place to place.

In all appearances, it looked to me like his run wouldn't be all too successful.

Consider my words eaten.

Creative has taken their time with Elias, giving him his own time in the ring to become one of the top heals working on RAW. The character is one we've seen before, but Elias is embracing what is given to him and giving max effort.

And the fans love to hate it.

It helps he's been placed in the ring with experienced workers who have helped him along. Too often, chemistry in the ring between wrestlers can make things stale, forced, and just not that entertaining. Elias has found not only good chemistry, but his mic work has continually improved since his arrival on RAW.

Plus, this story with the Rollins has helped. Rollins has owned 2018 so far and Elias has done nothing to hamper the kingslayer's momentum.

This match is near the top of what I'm looking for at Money in the Bank. I doubt Elias will win and I'm not sure if the story with Seth will move forward after Sunday. Whatever Elias does next, however, I will be right there walking with him.

In spirit, of course, from the comfort of my couch.

Money in the Bank predictions, thoughts

Elias and Seth will have a chance to steal the show on Sunday, but my guess is the ladder matches will have their say as well.

The men's match has some of the top stars in the company competing for the coveted briefcase. Names like Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe, Rusev, Bobby Roode, and whoever The New Day entrant will be are all deserving of the title. I can see anyone of these eight winning, but my money is leaning towards one of the following: KO, The Miz, Samoa Joe

On the women's side, you have a nice collection of talent competing for the briefcase. Charlotte, Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, Nattie, Ember Moon, Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Lana all -- for the most part -- have their strong suits and should make for an interesting match. Rumors are flying James Ellsworth might be returning. Does Becky Lynch does find redemption for last year's close loss? Will Rusev and Lana be married champions, each carrying a case? I'm leaning towards Nattie, Charlotte, or Sasha grabbing the case.

Ellsworth might also have a say in the women's Smackdown championship bout as Carmella takes on Asuka. Tough call, but I'm saying Carmella retains.

Going the same route as well with the men's title match, giving AJ the edge over Nakamura in their Last Man Standing match.

The best of the rest:
  • Bludgeon Brothers retain over the Gallows/Anderson
  • Jinder Mahal will fall to Roman Reigns
  • Sami Zayn is doing some fine work as of late, even if the storyline has taken some missteps. Still I see him losing to Bobby Lashley.
  • Nia Jax defeats Ronda Rousey
  • Daniel Bryan will defeat Big Cass and I can't help but wonder if Shelton Benjamin makes an appearance.
What are your thoughts about Money in the Bank? Is Elias a star? Do you agree with the predictions? Share your thoughts below.

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Be sure to follow Jason on Twitter for random thoughts on sports, wrestling, movies, pop culture and more @jasonrh_78 

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