Elias has been away from WWE programming since this past August due to creative-related issues. Prior to dropping their plans for him, WWE had aired vignettes teasing of a new persona for Elias for his return.
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that WWE’s original plan for his return included Elias wearing new gear but this plan was dropped by Vince McMahon who felt that his new gear made him look too similar to Macho Man Randy Savage. It was reported that after McMahon’s decision to nix his new gear, no new creative plans were put in place for Elias’ return.
It was also reported that new vignettes for Elias were recently filmed and WWE officials currently are planning for him to return to the RAW brand within the near future.
In an interesting note, it was also reported that WWE officials are also considering the idea of giving Elias a new ring name as part of their plans for his return.