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WWE News: Elias Signs Contract Extension, Kane Appearing on Smackdown, WWE Backstage Clips

TJR Wrestling

Congratulations go out to WWE superstar Elias for signing a new multi-year extension with WWE. It was reported on the WWE Backstage show on Fox Sports 1 last night.

Here’s what WWE wrote about it:

Elias has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with WWE, as first reported on WWE Backstage.

WWE’s resident songbird, Elias has multiple 24/7 Title reigns to his credit, as well as victories over the likes of John Cena and Finn Bálor. He recently declared his entry in the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, pointedly calling out WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

According to Elias, it’s a three year deal.

Elias is 32 years old, he’s on the Smackdown brand and after missing a few months of action, he is back in a babyface role. Elias is competing in the 2020 Royal Rumble as well. Elias signed a contract with WWE in 2014 and debuted on the main roster on Raw in April 2017.

TJR Thoughts: I think Elias is one of those guys that’s better as a heel, yet they have him in a babyface role where he’s singing about the heels. The odd thing about his run on the main roster after nearly three years is he hasn’t had a memorable rivalry yet. Yes, he’s had matches with some wrestlers repeatedly, but there’s not a single rivalry that really stands out for him. I think his matches are okay, but he doesn’t stand out that much.

KANE APPEARING ON SMACKDOWN

It was also announced that WWE legend Kane is going to appear on Smackdown this Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina. Here’s more from WWE.com about it:

Former WWE Champion and current Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, Kane makes his return to SmackDown this Friday for a special appearance.

The Big Red Machine has competed in more Royal Rumble matches and has more eliminations than any Superstar in WWE history, and with the match on the horizon, could Kane be ready to make history once again?

It sounds like Kane is going to be there to announce that he will be a part of the Royal Rumble match on January 26. While Kane is semi-retired since he’s the mayor of Knox County (Knoxville), he’s also still in shape and probably ready enough to be in another Royal Rumble match.

Kane also recently appeared on the Broken Skull Sessions show with Steve Austin on WWE Network. It’s available on demand now and it’s a great show, so check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.

VIDEOS FROM WWE BACKSTAGE

Here are videos from WWE Backstage last night on Fox Sports 1. The clips were uploaded to the WWE on FOX Youtube channel. They feature The Usos, Xavier Woods taking Freddie Prinze Jr. to Promo School, a news update from Ryan Satin and some therapy session with Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.

It was also announced that CM Punk will be on WWE Backstage on FS1 next week. It will be good to see him back in the mix.