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James Ellsworth Morris was an unusual choice for the WWE from the start; he lacked a herculean physique, and his look can be described as unconventional at best. There are even some who speculate that the WWE hired Morris because they wanted to poke fun at independent wrestlers who were skinny but could still wrestle -- like the Young Bucks.
Did the WWE misuse his talent, or should Morris be grateful for the time in the spotlight? Let's look at some reasons the WWE may have made a mistake.
#5 The WWE just gifted their rivals a star
There's no doubt that talent has always moved about to different promotions; this is as old as wrestling itself. When a wrestler seemed 'stale' in the mid-south, he might be sent to the Texas territories, for example.
Lending out a talent was a huge risk, because you were essentially lining your opponent's coffers. When the WWE released Ellsworth, they gave the independent circuit and other major feds like RIng of Honor a gift -- a wrestler whose name is known to virtually all wrestling fans who they can pick up for a lot less than say, Randy Orton.
The WWE stands to lose out if Ellsworth becomes a major draw in another promotion.
#4 He's willing to take sick bumps
James Ellsworth Morris is no stranger to pain. You don't last for fifteen years in pro wrestling if you can't handle a lot of physical torment, and Morris is more than up to the task.
Creating memorable moments by risking his own body; We can think of another WWE superstar known for that!
Because Morris can and will take punishment like the video below, the WWE just missed an opportunity to make an unlikely star.
#3 He went along with any storyline, no matter how absurd
Many times, wrestling stars have refused to perform certain storylines or stunts. Ric Flair, for example, refused to participate in any match where his hair was on the line for almost thirty years.
John Cena has vetoed several programs the WWE creative team sent his way, because he didn't believe they fit the yay-boo aspect of his character.
Morris never refused any storyline or angle, no matter how ridiculous it made him look or act. It's almost as if he realises he is a performer, and there's nothing wrong with taking a few pratfalls if it makes you cash.
#2 Veteran presence in the locker room
There's no doubt that in an industry filled with massive bodies and even more massive egos a calming, authoritative presence in the locker room helps immensely. For a long time, this role was filled by Undertaker, and upon his retirement, John Cena has tried to fill the void.
The only problem is Cena holds himself apart and aloof from his peers, and just doesn't have the influence Taker had. Ellsworth is a working man, and has lots of respect from the 'boys in the back.' He would make a fine locker room leader.
#1 Willingness to put over women
Many male wrestlers refuse to work with women, let alone 'put them over,' i. e. lose to them in a scripted match.
Despite the fact that you can see David/Goliath contests all over the world, the idea of a man vs woman match seems antithetical to western audiences, though it happens quite frequently in Japan.
Ellsworth is more than willing to let women beat him, and doesn't fret over whether or not it harms his image.
The WWE Universe and wrestling fans in general are already behind James Ellsworth. The WWE may have missed out on the next Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart. Undersized doesn't have to mean underused! We wish Morris nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
