The Judgment Day kicked off this week’s episode of WWE RAW and cut a promo on The OC ahead of their match at Crown Jewel next month.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson recently returned to the company after two years away. Finn Balor had been trying to recruit AJ Styles to The Judgment Day but The Phenomenal One declined.
The Judgment Day attacked Styles but Gallows and Anderson made the save. WWE has announced that The OC will battle The Judgment Day in a 6-man tag team match at WWE Crown Jewel.
James Ellsworth Reacts to AJ Styles Referencing Him on WWE RAW
During The Judgment Day’s promo, Dominik Mysterio claimed that he was this generation’s Eddie Guerrero. Dominik picked up a victory over AJ Styles last week after Rhea Ripley interfered.
After the comment by Dominik, The OC interrupted and made their way to the entrance ramp. AJ Styles joked that Dominik is more like this generation’s James Ellsworth. Styles and Ellsworth had a humorous rivalry along with Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) several years ago.
James Ellsworth took to Twitter to upload a video of him spitting out a beer after AJ referenced him on RAW. Ellsworth defeated AJ Styles multiple times on SmackDown in 2016 thanks to interference by Dean Ambrose. He was released from WWE in November 2017.
Karl Anderson went on to battle Finn Balor in a singles match to begin RAW. Balor picked up the victory after Rhea interfered in the match again. Rhea also hit Luke Gallows with a Body Slam during the match in an awesome moment.
Former WWE Superstar James Ellsworth recently appeared on the Chris Van Vliet podcast. The performer known for the ‘No Chin Music’ superkick and “any man with two hands” promo discussed a number of topics during his time on the show.
One of the topics discussed focused on Ellsworth’s two releases from WWE. When asked if he was shocked by his initial release, Ellsworth replied “yeah, because I felt like I got over as a baby face when I needed to, and I got over as a heel when I needed to.”
James Ellsworth on Getting Over in WWE
“The crowd was always making noise when I was out there” Ellsworth would continue. “Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be right? Like even the week before I got released, I wrestled Becky [Lynch] on SmackDown. I watch that back and all these chants were directed towards me, they were chanting ‘where’s your chin? Becky’s gonna kill you, Ellsworth sucks!’ These were big reactions, you know?”
James Ellsworth would then discuss how he felt being released from the company for the first time in 2017. Ellsworth was released from WWE following the aforementioned Becky Lynch match on the November 7th episode of SmackDown Live. “So when they released me? I was upset, I was crying” Ellsworth revealed. “I mean, you lose your dream job and I’m questioning why? But then I go ‘maybe it’s because Carmela has the [Money In The Bank] briefcase right now?’ That’s where heat is, the briefcase.”
“They [WWE] brought me back seven months later” James Ellsworth continued. “That’s all it was, seven months later they brought me back. I came back at Money In The Bank [2018] and helped Carmela beat Asuka. Then they used me for a couple of months there.”
Do you think that James Ellsworth will end up back in WWE at some point? Do you want to see him back on television? Let us know in the comments
Former WWE star James Ellsworth has provided an update on his friend and fellow former WWE star Gillberg after he suffered a heart attack earlier this week.
Ellsworth took on his Twitter on Thursday to provide an update on his Friend’s condition and he revealed that Gillberg, real name Duane Gill is out of ICU after suffering the heart attack on Wednesday:
“Hey everyone, Happy Thanksgiving. I just got off the phone with the wife of Duane Gill, also known as Gillberg; she wanted to let everyone know what’s going on with Duane. He had a heart attack yesterday. But he is doing good now and just got out of ICU.”
Ellsworth also said that the former Light Heavyweight Champion is expected to be back home soon and start the transition to return to his normal self:
“Please send your prayers to Gillberg and his family at this time. We hope he will be home soon and back to his normal, funny, goofy self. Take care, guys and God bless you all. Stay safe.”
James Ellsworth has released a statement regarding accusations he sent nude photos to an underage fan. Ellsworth and his legal team are stating the social media accounts which sent the photos are fake.
The statement also says Ellsworth and his legal team will take action against any party spreading the allegations against him.
“Recently, allegations of misconduct have been lodged against me which I categorically deny. I never have, nor will I ever engage in any activity that could be deemed as inappropriate or disrespectful. My delay in publicly commenting on this situation was based on the advice of my legal team, which has just completed a thorough investigation.”
Ellsworth then mentions in his statement that they have uncovered evidence he was being impersonated online by someone interested in ruining his reputation.
“My attorneys have pinpointed a trusted witness who is willing to testify on my behalf. In addition, they have uncovered concrete evidence that supports my innocence and proves that without a shadow of a doubt the social media accounts alleged to be mine are fake and the messages from the account were fraudulently created without my knowledge or consent.”
Ellsworth then said he hopes to restore his reputation.
“My only hope is to restore my reputation as I, along with my family, friends and supporters have suffered because of a social media stunt devised to end my professional wrestling career. My team and I are prepared to pursue legal action against any party that persists with the promotion of these lies.”
Former WWE Superstar James Ellsworth is denying that he recently sent nude images of himself to an underage fan.
Earlier this week, the 16-year-old female accuser went public on social media and began releasing screenshots of what Ellsworth allegedly sent her.
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Ellsworth vehemently denies the claims.
“My client, James Morris, known publicly and professionally as James Ellsworth has become aware of a number of baseless allegations. Mr. Morris has the utmost respect for women and categorically denies these inflammatory and despicable accusations.”
Ellsworth reportedly arrived at his scheduled booking for Big Time Pro Wrestling on Friday evening, but in the wake of the allegations, was asked to leave the event. He has also been fired from a YouTube show where he served as a host in light of the alleged events.
Ellsworth has also been removed from a planned Survivor Series event at Jimmy’s Seafood.
SmackDown Live featured the return of several stars to WWE TV. Those included Edge, Ric Flair, Batista, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, and more. One man who didn’t get to appear on the show, despite being backstage, was James Ellsworth. Ellsworth was interviewed by Mike Rome for WWE’s YouTube channel instead, complaining about having a “SmackDown legend” like himself snubbed.
As it turns out, Ellsworth was actually nixed from the show due to timing issues. According to a report from WrestlingNewsCo, “at least one” segment was canceled from SmackDown 1000 due to the Evolution reunion running long. In fact, this extended into the main event between Rey Mysterio and United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. Their match was rushed to allow The Undertaker to cut his promo on D-Generation X ahead of Crown Jewel.
WWE was also unable to make the show three hours. WWE has contractual obligations to Facebook to put on the Mixed Match Challenge live. The contract indicated the Mixed Match Challenge must be a live show aired at 10 P.M. ET. It was for that reason SDL couldn’t go over two hours.
What do you think about Ellsworth missing out on appearing on SmackDown 1000?
Former WWE Superstar James Ellsworth was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown 1000, but did not appear on the televised broadcast. He was interviewed by Mike Rome for WWE’s YouTube channel and explained why he didn’t appear on TV.
Ellsworth proclaimed, “I’m a SmackDown Legend, I should’ve been on this show.” He showed up to the arena with his gear and was ready to wrestle, just in case. Ellsworth says SmackDown General Manager Paige saw him behind the scenes and was confused why he was there. He recalls Paige questioning, “What are you doing here, James? I fired you on SmackDown episode 988.”
Ellsworth says he deserved to be part of SmackDown 1000 and it’s not fair that he was excluded. “As a matter of fact, I should be on SmackDown 1001, 1003, 1003, SmackDown 1004, SmackDown 1005, SmackDown 1006, SmackDown 1007, SmackDown 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015…”
As noted over the weekend,James Ellworth made a surprise appearance at Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view. Impact officials were hoping to lock him in to a contract, but Ellsworth politely declined the offer.
Watch James Ellsworth complain about not being featured on SmackDown 1000:
Here are several Impact Wrestling news items coming out of Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view and Monday’s Impact tapings from Queens, NY:
– Impact is looking to bring back Alberto El Patron. The company feels his personal issues have calmed down and the upside of his name recognition outweigh the risks. The hope is to have him work the November Las Vegas TV tapings (11/11-13). Alberto has been keeping busy lately with bookings in Mexico and his role with the Combate Americas MMA promotion.
– James Ellsworth, who made a surprise appearance at Bound For Glory as Eli Drake’s mystery opponent, has turned down an offer to join the Impact roster. Ellsworth was said to be very appreciative and gracious about the offer, but is still on WWE’s radar and will be working SmackDown 1000 tonight.
– There was heat on several wrestlers for arriving late for Bound For Glory at the Melrose Ballroom. Pentagon Jr., in particular, arrived very late.
– Impact is planning to run more “undead realm” vignettes and some sort of cosmic-themed stipulation match for TV in December.
Click here to read spoiler results from Monday night’s Impact Wrestling TV tapings from Queens, NY. Impact will be running another round of tapings tonight. Check back later for those results.
Another former WWE superstar has been confirmed to make an appearance on WWE SmackDown 1000. Pwinsider.com reports that James Ellsworth is set to make an appearance. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on his role.
Ellsworth just worked Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view event at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City, New York when he accepted Eli Drake’s open challenge for a match but lost.
After legitimately signing with the WWE last year, he was inserted into the main program for the WWE Title between AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose. After this program was over, WWE paired him with Carmella until he departed from the company in late 2017. He was brought back this past summer to be paired with Carmella starting at the Money in the Bank PPV but was later released on the July 24th episode of SmackDown Live. WWE holds SmackDown 1000 in Washington, DC at the Capital One Arena. WWE has already announced that Rey Mysterio is slated to work his first match on SmackDown in years when he battles Shinsuke Nakamura in a world cup qualifying match. In addition to an appearance by The Undertaker, WWE has confirmed that Batista and Ric Flair are returning for a reunion of the popular Evolution faction from the early 2000’s.
Yesterday (Tues. September 4, 2018) it was reported that James Ellsworth was backstage for SmackDown Live.
As we now know, he did not appear on the show in any capacity. So what was Ellsworth doing backstage? PWInsider is reporting that Ellsworth was backstage being interviewed for something pertaining to WWE female talent.
It’s unknown if it’s something for the upcoming Evolution pay-per-view (PPV) or a WWE Network special.
Ellsworth’s WWE Runs
Ellsworth last appeared on WWE TV back on July 24th. He was “fired” by SmackDown Live General Manager Paige. It’s believed Ellsworth was let go because he was done being used on WWE TV. He’s also not under full-time contract with the company as of this writing.
He returned to TV at the Money In The Bank (MITB) PPV, assisting Carmella in defeating Asuka. Ellsworth remained at Carmella’s side until being “fired” by Paige on the July 24th episode of SmackDown Live.
Former WWE star James Ellsworth is backstage at tonight’s SmackDown Live TV event, according to Pwinsider.com. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on if he’ll appear on the show or is just visiting.
Ellsworth was last seen on WWE television during the July 24th episode of SmackDown Live when SmackDown General Manager Paige “fired” Ellsworth from the WWE. The belief at the time was that the reasoning for this firing angle was due to WWE being done using him on television as he was not under a full-time contract with the company when he returned earlier this year and was only used on a per date basis.
Ellsworth’s second stint with the company started at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event where made his return to WWE by helping Carmella retain the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship against Asuka. They were paired together until his departure.
WWE holds tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live Detroit, MI at the Little Caesars Arena As noted, The Usos vs. Sanity vs. Rusev and Aiden English in a three-way match has been confirmed for the show.
The winners of this match will take on The Bar next week to find out who will challenge The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles at the upcoming Hell in a Cell pay-per-view event.
WWE’s second biggest night of the year Summerslam is now only a day away. Whilst ‘The Biggest Party of The Summer’ will likely live up to that moniker in more ways than one this year (5 hour show anyone?) there are three potential names that could make their presence known when the Network special airs on Sunday night. Here’s our look at the 3 Potential Returns for WWE Summerslam 2018:
James Ellsworth
The innovator of the ‘no chin music’ may well be back for one last hurrah on WWE’s main roster. Ellsworth has recently been trying to get a #RehireEllsworth hashtag trending and there is a very good chance that he returns to the company Sunday night. WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion Carmella has the odds stacked against her in a triple threat Championship match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, could Ellsworth make a return to help the ‘Princess of Staten Island?’ It’s certainly possible for Ellsworth to return and even cost Carmella the match. WWE are heading into their first ever all women’s PPV Evolution and the possibility of a champ vs champ match between the likes of Flair/Lynch and Bliss/Rousey is certainly not out of the question.
It has been a long time since we have seen ‘The Great One’ featured regularly on WWE programming. The Rock’s participation at Summerslam (if he appears) would most likely be in a segment with Elias.
Elias’ recent comments on RAW calling Miami “the same city that worships a low-life like The Rock” were not accidental. If the main roster rookie could somehow position himself into a segment alongside the biggest movie star in the world then that can only be seen as a positive, it worked wonders for Bray Wyatt…sort of.
The prospect of The Rock returning for a mere in ring ‘concert’ segment and nothing more isn’t exactly exhilarating, but it is extremely likely. Hopefully this will be a boost for Elias and not as detrimental as the aforementioned Wyatt.
John Cena
John Cena
The return of John Cena has certainly been a long time coming. Cena has not been seen in a match since his bout with Triple H at the Greatest Royal Rumble. The question here is how does Cena return, if he does in fact return Sunday?
The most likely scenario for this return is that Cena walks out with a microphone and challenges The Undertaker to one more match at Wrestlemania. Last year’s match between the two WWE legends surely can’t be the final bout between the two with Cena losing in decisive fashion to the Deadman.
The build to a potential career vs career match at Wrestlemania could have the same feel as the second Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels match. John Cena could demand a rematch with ‘Taker and the Phenom could demand that Cena prove that he is worthy of the marquee moment…perhaps a WWE Championship match could tempt ‘Taker?
Who do you think will return at Summerslam? Will anyone make a return? Let us know in the comments
“Just wrestled the most emotional match of my career Words can’t describe the amount of respect I have for @JerryLawler It’s a true honor and pleasure to share the ring with him always.”
Brian Christopher’s funeral was held Friday in Memphis. Friends and family made a custom-made Pittsburgh Steelers/Grand Master Sexay casket for him.
His grave was also decorated in Steelers logos and a wagon of championship belts also was present at his funeral.
“This is gotta be one of the toughest days of my life and if I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times,” Lawler said on Friday. “They say the toughest thing for anybody to do is have to bury a child and that’s what we’re going through today.”
“My fiance Lauren and I are standing next to the casket and I keep looking down almost expecting Brian to sit up and start laughing,” Lawler continued. “It’s just tough.”
James Ellsworth has been fired from WWE again. Smackdown General Manager, Paige, fired Ellsworth on Tuesday night.
It had previously been reported that Ellsworth was working on a per show agreement with WWE and had not signed a contract. Ellsworth took to Twitter last night to make a statement.
The 33-year-old first debuted on WWE programming in 2016 shortly after the brand split. At the time, WWE was going back to using squash matches on television. Ellsworth was brought in as a frequent enhancement talent, losing his first WWE match to Braun Strowman.
It is believed that Mick Foley was a big supporter of hiring Ellsworth and Steve Austin has also sung his praises on his podcast. As a result of his time in WWE, Ellsworth cracked the PWI top 500 ranking in 2017. He managed to hit #410 on the list.
James Ellsworth on Steve Austin’s Podcast
When Ellsworth was on Steve Austin’s podcast earlier this year, he spoke about always wanting to become a wrestler.
“I can’t remember ever not wanting to be a pro wrestler,” Ellsworth said. “I started watching it at a young age. In kindergarten and first grade, they would ask us what we wanted to be when we grew up. People would dress as doctors or police officers, nurses, but I would come dressed as a wrestler. My dad would try to dress me up as a baseball player, but I’m like, no, I want to dress up like the Ultimate Warrior because I want to be a professional wrestler when I grow up,” Ellsworth said. “I can’t remember not wanting to be a professional wrestler my whole life. I started watching wrestling at a young age; around 4 or 5 years old. Ricky Morton was the first pro wrestler that I noticed in the NWA around 1988, 1989 when I was 4 or 5 years old. Then I noticed ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior.”
– James Ellsworth’s future in WWE appears uncertain after Asuka annihilated the man himself to the tune of kicks, strikes and a smothering Asuka Lock following her loss to Carmella last Sunday at Extreme Rules. Then two days later on SmackDown LIVE, General Manager Paige asked Carmella how “her boyfriend” is doing. Carmella appeared disgusted, saying “eww” and that he’s not her boyfriend.
With Ellsworth seemingly out of the picture as Carmella’s associate, WWE Network personality Peter Rosenberg wants to give the SmackDown Women’s Champion “a real manager.”
On Friday, Rosenberg responded to Carmella’s latest Instagram post with the following: “I have so many ideas for when I supplant @jamesellsworthwrestling and give you a real manager!”
https://instagram.com/p/BldpeSEl6ql/
– Ahead of SummerSlam on August 19, WWE tweeted this 60-second highlight video looking back at SummerSlam 1989 from the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
In the main event, WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan enlisted Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake for a tag team match against “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Zeus.
Ultimate Warrior also struck gold for the second straight year at SummerSlam, defeating rival “Ravishing” Rick Rude for the Intercontinental Championship.
WWE personality James Ellsworth appeared on The Wrestling Perspective Podcast this week and revealed new information about Hulk Hogan’s backstage speech to the WWE roster before Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
According to Ellsworth, Triple H began the talent meeting by telling the roster that Hogan has been reinstated and warning everyone about the dangers of social media. He explained that when you’re a WWE Superstar, you need to be very careful about your conduct because everyone has a camera on them these days and a gaffe can spread around the world within minutes .
Hulk Hogan then delivered his speech and apologized for his racist comments. Hogan said that he did not know he was being recorded when he said vile, inexcusable things about black people (on multiple occasions), which is just mind-boggling on many levels.
The talent meeting ended with Mark Henry offering support to Hogan.
Ellsworth said most of the WWE Superstars appeared to be accepting of Hogan’s apology. He feels that Hogan is sincere in his apology and regrets saying things like “f*** n****rs” and “I’d rather if [my daughter Brooke] was going to f*** some n****r, I’d rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n****r worth a hundred million dollars. Like a basketball player.”
You can listen to James Ellsworth appearance on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast here:
James Ellsworth might not be sticking around WWE for much longer. At Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view from Pittsburgh, Ellsworth once again helped Carmella defeat Asuka. He did the same thing last month when he re-appeared in the promotion at Money in the Bank, distracted Asuka, and allowed Carmella to get the win.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer, Ellsworth’s latest run with the company could already be over. “I wonder if that’s it for him,” Meltzer questioend. “He’s working independent dates everywhere. They never signed him, they never offered him a contract this time out.”
With Ellsworth on only a per-show agreement, his future with the company may consist of occasional one-off appearances. The beating he took at the hands of Asuka last night could serve as a way for WWE to write him off television for the near future.
James Ellsworth in WWE
Ellsworth first debuted with the company as one of Adam Rose’s Rosebuds in 2014. He would frequently be in Rose’s entourage when the company was in Baltimore or the surrounding area.
His first match with WWE was shortly after the brand-split in 2016. The company was utilizing occasional squash matches at the time and Ellsworth was a frequently used enhancement talent. He wrestled Braun Strowman in Pittsburgh in his first match.
#Pittsburgh is where it all started 2 years ago for me when I stepped into the Ring with @BraunStrowman
Always good going back to the arena that will always have a special place in my heart
– Charlotte Flair resumed working out today after undergoing surgery on June 19 to repair a ruptured breast implant.
Flair posted a video clip of her workout this morning on Instagram Story and noted that it was her first day back after taking three weeks off. She adds that her workout was “lower body only.”
Flair also posted the video on her Twitter account and said the “countdown begins.”
There is no word yet on how long Flair will be out of action. She last wrestled on June 17 at WWE Money in the Bank, where she competed in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. WWE has not addressed her absence from television.
– Last Tuesday on SmackDown LIVE, a “battle of the sexes” match between Asuka and James Ellsworth ended in a double count-out. Immediately following the contest, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Paige announced that Ellsworth would face Asuka again on this week’s show, but in a Lumberjack Match with the “entire” SmackDown LIVE Women’s division surrounding the ring.
On the latest edition of This Week In WWE on the WWE Network, a graphic aired revealing the Lumberjacks in the match. They are Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, Becky Lynch, Naomi and SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella.
Ellsworth posted the graphic on Twitter, adding that Paige put him in an unfair situation.
#SDLive General Manager @RealPaigeWWE has put me in a very unfair situation for this Tuesday
– Stephanie McMahon spoke this morning at the 2018 Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington D.C., a global movement for gender equality. She talked about her experience in this Instagram post.
Last night’s WWE Money In The Bank (MITB) pay-per-view (PPV) was closed out by the Men’s MITB Ladder match. That bout was eventually won by Braun Strowman.
PWInsider is reporting that the RAW Women’s Championship match between Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey was originally scheduled to close out the show. This includes the subsequent MITB cash in by Alexa Bliss to win the title and walk out of Chicago RAW Women’s Champion.
As for the return of James Ellsworth, which occurred during the SmackDown Live Women’s Title match between Carmella and Asuka, it seems that has been discussed as far back as the Greatest Royal Rumble. There were reportedly talks of having him re-appear as early as during the Greatest Royal Rumble match.
Carmella was ready for Asuka. She defeated her last night at Money in the Bank thanks to a returning James Ellsworth. In the closing moments of the match, Ellsworth appeared in disguise at ringside. As the challenger was distracted by Ellsworth in an Asuka mask, Carmella hit a super-kick and pinned her for the win.
The victory is Carmella’s second successful title defense on WWE programming, her first coming against former champion, Charlotte Flair. Carmella has defended it 20x when you include house shows, however.
WWE.com caught up with Ellsworth and Carmella following the match.
James Ellsworth Cancels Booking in China Days Before Money in the Bank
In the days and weeks leading to Money in the Bank, rumors began to circulate Ellsworth could be at the event. Ellsworth countered by stating he was booked for Middle Kingdom Wrestling in China that day.
Last week, Middle Kingdom Wrestling announced that Ellsworth had informed them at the last minute that he would not be attending the event. The company released the following statement regarding his canceled booking:
“James Ellsworth was scheduled to appear this weekend (June 16/17, 2018) in Harbin, China as part of Middle Kingdom Wrestling presents Eyes on the Prize and an MKW Meet N Greet party. This booking has been in place since February.
James Ellsworth informed us last night that he will not be traveling to China. This news came after repeated attempts by MKW management to contact Ellsworth over the last six days to confirm travel arrangements.”
Ellsworth also played a major role in last year’s Money in the Bank PPV as well. On that night, he helped Carmella win the first-ever women’s Money in the Bank match.
Earlier this month, James Ellsworth denied reports he was possibly due to return to WWE. According to Ellsworth, he had a booking in China that day which confirmed he would not be at Money in the Bank.
There are now reports that Ellsworth has cancelled his booking in China for this weekend.
As recently as June 11th @realellsworth was promoting his appearance in China on Twitter, this morning I wake up to this posted to the English-language @MKWwrestling fan group chat by MKW's owner. V. Uncool. pic.twitter.com/LsznC3Bdmx
“James Ellsworth was scheduled to appear this weekend (June 16/17, 2018) in Harbin, China as part of Middle Kingdom Wresting presents Eyes on the Prize and an MKW Meet N Greet party. This booking has been in place since February.
James Ellsworth informed us last night that he will not be travelling to China. This news came after repeated attempts by MKW management to contact Ellsworth over the last six days to confirm travel arrangements.”
After speculation was running that Ellsworth would be at the event in Chicago this weekend, Ellsworth denied the claim. He played a major role in the event last year, however, helping Carmella win the first-ever female Money in the Bank match.
Ellsworth was officially released from his WWE contract in November of last year. He had been with the company full-time for 14 months at that point. Before then, he had been used as enhancement talent in the summer of 2016 shortly after the brand extension.
Ellsworth is said to have been popular and well-liked backstage. His Inter-gender championship act on the independent circuit has also received positive reviews.
We previously noted that PWInsider reported that James Ellsworth is pencilled in to return to the company at this weekend’s Money In The Bank (MITB) pay-per-view (PPV). Ellsworth was released from the company back in November.
It was speculated he could return during the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship match between Carmella, who he as affiliated with on-screen before making his WWE exit, and Asuka. The report did note that Ellsworth was “definitely” planned for MITB.
Ellsworth recently took to Twitter and seemingly killed that rumor. He revealed he’ll be in China over the weekend on Sunday for the Middle Kingdom Wrestling promotion. Ellsworth is scheduled to defend his Intergender Championship against Ferguson, Tyra Russamee and a mystery opponent in a Fatal Four-Way match.
He’s also scheduled for an MLW meet and greet on Saturday. If all this proves to be true, it looks like Ellsworth won’t be in Chicago for MITB:
Next weekend is going to be action packed in #Harbin China. Everything from Coszone Convention, to an #MKW Meet & Greet on Saturday June 16th, followed by the must see event "Eyes On The Prize" Sunday June 17th!! These events you don't want to miss!! pic.twitter.com/oVCeZ8rqbV
This past November, James Ellsworth was released from his deal with the WWE. He has since been keeping very busy on the independent circuit. PWInsider is reporting that Ellsworth could be gearing up for a WWE return at the Money In The Bank (MITB) pay-per-view (PPV) in Chicago.
The report also suggests there are a ton of creative suggestions for Ellsworth’s return, but he is definitely slated for the PPV. It’s possible he could interfere in the SmackDown Live Women’s Title match between Carmella and Asuka.
Weak Ticket Sales For RAW Tonight
According to a report from WrestleVotes, no tickets have been sold on the second level for tonight’s episode of RAW in Arkansas. As a result, WWE may tarp off some sections of the arena so it doesn’t look so empty:
Not the best sign for tonight’s RAW, 0 second level tickets sold for the show, no tickets on the hard cam side sold either. Pic is from Stubhub, showing resale options. Resale options only available on sections that are sold initially. Don’t expect a hot crowd unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/RNbINhiGlN
In my personal experience, security officials often times move fans down to better seats in view of the camera shot so it looks more full on TV. Perhaps WWE will have to do something like that tonight.
Impact Wrestling and Big Time Wrestling held Cali Combat 2018 on Sunday from Salinas, California. The show was filmed for an Impact One Night Only special.
The following are results from the event, including the Impact debut of former WWE Superstar James Ellsworth:
– Luster The Legend defeated Scott Wringer via pinfall.
– Trevor Lee defeated Kimo via pinfall.
– Winter defeated Taya Valkyrie via pinfall.
– James Ellsworth defeated Kal Jack via pinfall.
– Impact Tag Team Champions LAX (Ortiz & Santana) defeated The Ballard Brothers (Shane Ballard & Shannon Ballard) via pinfall.
– Impact Knockouts Champion Allie defeated Samara via pinfall.
– Impact X-Division Champion Matt Sydal defeated Eddie Edwards via pinfall.
– Austin Aries defeated Eli Drake via pinfall.
Below, you can see clips of Ellsworth’s entrance and his “No Chin Music” Superkick finisher.
Welcome back to the UK Match of the Week. Now granted this isn’t quite the technical masterpiece that some of our other highlighted bouts have been but it certainly was a spectacle…we present James Ellsworth vs CZW Tournament of Death winner and arguably the best Deathmatch performer in the world: Jimmy Havoc.
Ever since his departure from WWE Ellsworth has been sporadically appearing on cards across the United States, including in a bout against Matt Riddle for Joey Janela’s Spring Break 2 during WrestleMania weekend this year.
This bout between Havoc and Ellsworth took place at IPW:UK’s ingeniously named ‘Chin Up Son’ event on May 2nd and was the first time that Ellsworth had appeared in the UK outside of WWE. Fans of the rising UK promotion instantly demanded that Havoc take on Ellsworth ever since the master of the ‘No Chin Music’ was announced. Havoc jokingly tweeted that he would “remove one of his hands” playing up Ellsworth’s “any man with two hands has a chance” catchphrase and the resulting bout has to be seen to be believed.
Check out the tweet below to find the match and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
