Elias isn't holding back.
In a new interview with Macklin Stern of Complex, Elias gave his thoughts on multiple WWE superstars. One superstar brought up during the conversation was Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey. The former UFC champion burst onto the professional wrestling scene at WrestleMania 34 and hasn't looked back. She's captured the Women's Title and earned praised from all of her peers for how quickly she's been able to come along. Including Elias.
"She hasn’t paid her dues in the traditional respect of a pro wrestler...[but] if you’re good, you’re good," said Elias. "And she’s really good. She’s a fighter, she’s athletic, she’s intense. If you have a problem with that, that’s a personal issue. Same goes for Brock Lesnar. The issue with him is he’s never there. But Ronda is super passionate about wrestling. She’s at all the shows. I don’t see what’s not to like about what she’s doing.”
Elias expanded on his feelings towards Lesnar and how he was never around despite being the Universal Champion.
“In the ring, he’s a total animal. If you’re gonna get in there with him, prepare to get beat up. You’re not walking away the same person," he said. "But company-wise and professionally, I hope he [goes away]. Monday Night Raw should have a champion. All the live events should have a champion. It’s not right for the fans. It’s not right for business. I don’t think business is any better when Brock Lesnar is around.”
Lesnar held the Universal Title for 504 days, but made just seven title defenses during that time. Roman Reigns, who has been champion for less than two months, already has three televised title defenses.
Elias isn't currently in the title picture, but he did draw the biggest reaction of the night this past Monday with his burial of Seattle and their lack of a basketball team. And while no title is on the line, he will share the ring with John Cena this Saturday at Super Show-Down in a tag team bout.
