For several weeks, AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose have been brawling for the top prize of the blue brand, the WWE Championship. However, there is another member of the Smackdown Live roster who has been involved in the Championship feud and has even picked up 3 victories over the current Champion AJ Styles. He is James Ellsworth.
Arguably, Ellsworth has become one of the top-tier superstars of the brand, it is, therefore surprising to see that the WWE has allowed him to participate in independent wrestling promotions.
James Ellsworth is booked for an appearance at the December 17th House of Hardcore event in Joppa, Maryland, and it seems that WWE has permitted him to participate in that show.
Also read: WWE News: Booker T says he's tired of watching James Ellsworth in the WWE
It is one of the rare incidents when a superstar with a full-time WWE contract is allowed to work for a non-WWE promotion. Moreover, Ellsworth not only enjoys a full-time contract with WWE but also has a guaranteed WWE Championship match in his bag.
There are speculations that Ellsworth got the pass to work this event due to the fact he had signed for this match before earning a full-time offer from WWE.
He is booked to team up with the former ECW World Champion Tommy Dreamer to take on the former WWE Tag Team Champions, The Spirit Squad. Interestingly, the Spirit Squad were recently involved in the build-up of the Intercontinental Championship feud between the Miz and Dolph Ziggler, but that was a temporary deal with WWE.
The match card for the 17th December show, produced by House of Hardcore has been provided below:
- James Ellsworth and Tommy Dreamer vs The Spirit Squad- Brian Cage vs TNA Grand Champion Moose- Fenix vs Joh Hennigan (aka John Morrison)- Jessicka Havok vs Taya Valkyrie.
Additionally, Eddie Kingston, Sonjay Dutt, the Brooklyn Brawler, Brandon Scott and The Double Duprees will be making appearances in this star-studded event.
This show will apparently mark the last indie appearance of James Ellsworth due to his WWE contract. It was two weeks ago in an episode of Smackdown Live, where Ellsworth defeated the WWE Champion in a Ladder match to confirm his spot on the main roster.
The last time they battled for the title, Ellsworth won the match via disqualification. It will interesting to find out, how their next match turns out to be.
For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at fightclub (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
