It was announced yesterday by WWE that Smackdown’s James Ellsworth had been released by the company. James worked for WWE for over a year after he was eventually signed by the company due to the extreme popularity that he garnered from fans when he lost to Braun Strowman on Raw last year. Fortunately for James, he appears to be a hot commodity at the moment as plenty of independent promotions are already eager to book him for future shows. Ellsworth must adhere to a mandatory 90-day no-compete clause now that he is no longer working for WWE, but he revealed on Twitter that he can start taking bookings again on February 12th, 2018.
Thank you to the numerous people inquiring to book me, I can start taking bookings February 12th, email me at [email protected]
— James Ellsworth (@realellsworth) November 16, 2017
James Ellsworth’s release was apparently not something that WWE had been planning on for a while. Pro Wrestling Sheet’s James McKenna revealed that WWE had been planning to feature James Ellsworth at Wrestlemania 34 for the past few months. It looks as though the company decided to let him go just recently. He made one final appearance on a recent Smackdown show when he lost to Becky Lynch in an intergender match before Carmella laid him out, confirming the end of their partnership. This could mean that WWE is currently in cost-cutting mode, which would explain some of the other departures from the company recently.
wowww they really are cutting side costs. heard for months there had been plans in place for ellsworth at mania.
tune into wrestling sheet radio tomorrow on @dash_radio at 8 PM EST (5 PM PST) to hear us discuss what may have been planned for our favorite chinless wonder. https://t.co/0UTBfh0R3I
— james mckenna (@chillhartman) November 15, 2017
By all accounts, it appears as though James Ellsworth’s release saddened some of the talent currently in WWE. James Ellsworth was believed to be liked by most of the WWE staff, and members of Raw and Smackdown reacted to Ellsworth’s release on Twitter yesterday. Several fans have also expressed admiration towards Ellsworth for managing to successfully live out his dream on WWE’s main roster for over a year. James Ellsworth impressed wrestlers and fans alike and seems to be respected by most of his colleagues. The response would seem to indicate that Ellsworth will have no trouble finding work in the wrestling business in February.
Thanks for being a great traveling partner! You’re an inspiration my friend ???? https://t.co/O3iYUGPWWn
— Mike Kanellis (@RealMikeBennett) November 15, 2017
Classy statement. Be very proud of what you accomplished, Pretty Jimmy. Very few performers get to live the WWE dream. Chin up (figuratively), strong, keep moving forward.. Seeya down the road, pal. https://t.co/1IGPVSZVJN
— REBORN by FATE (@MATTHARDYBRAND) November 16, 2017
everyones favorite underdog, quietly & humbly lived his dream on tv, gave others hope, did what was asked, made friends along the way & almost became WORLD CHAMP? Gross! You are what is wrong with pro wrestling @realellsworth
Good riddance!
ps I’m taking back MY finisher #Duh
— Dolph Ziggler (@HEELZiggler) November 15, 2017
Sad to see @realellsworth leave @WWE…but happy i got to see him live his dream. T-shirt…walk out at WrestleMania…Action figure…etc.
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) November 15, 2017
Really proud of you buddy. You overcame alllllll the odds to live the dream. A true inspiration for all of the underdogs out there. @realellsworth https://t.co/Jfab27Sxf9
— Mojo Rawley (@MojoRawleyWWE) November 15, 2017
The world would be a much better place with more people like @realellsworth! Undeniable work ethic and a great attitude. Thanks for letting millions of people live vicariously through you! https://t.co/2NAjnn2YIp
— Scott Dawson (@ScottDawsonWWE) November 15, 2017
?? https://t.co/UYLQBUagKl
— MS Money in the BANK (@CarmellaWWE) November 15, 2017