WWE News: James Ellsworth reflects on his year in WWE

What's the story?

What a year it has been for the Chinless Wonder. WWE SmackDown Live star James Ellsworth took to Facebook recently to talk about all that he has accomplished over the last year, including wins over AJ Styles, Royal Rumble and WrestleMania appearances and his on-screen partnership with Carmella.

In case you didn't know...

Has there been a more surprising success story in WWE over the last 12 months than James Ellsworth? Prior to the return of the brand split in 2016, Ellsworth was a journeyman professional wrestler and did very little on the independent scene.

After being thoroughly squashed by Braun Strowman on RAW following the draft, the support of the WWE Universe saw him brought back full-time. Ellsworth eventually moved to SmackDown Live, where he turned heel by costing Dean Ambrose the WWE Championship.

Ellsworth began accompanying Carmella to the ring at the beginning of 2017, and their partnership continues to this day.

The heart of the matter

In the Facebook post, Ellsworth showed fans the importance of following your dreams, because every now and then they do come true.

"In less than a years time, I've pinned AJ Styles who was WWE Champion at the time, won a match at MSG, entered in the Royal Rumble, had a WM moment, grabbed the MITB briefcase and kissed Carmella. Follow your dreams people."

The post has since been deleted, but that doesn't change the facts. Since arriving on SmackDown Live full-time in September 2013, Ellsworth has not one but three victories over 'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles, and whilst his Royal Rumble appearance didn't lead to a WrestleMania main event it was still a memorable part of last year's match.

Ellsworth went on to become the first individual to grab the Women's Money in the Bank briefcase, controversially handing the win to Carmella.

The two have been at odds over the last couple of weeks, but it seems as though they will continue to be an on-screen duo for the time being.

What's next?

Ellsworth was unceremoniously fired by Carmella this past week on SmackDown Live, before seemingly being rehired later in the show via a kiss and a slap. Carmella still holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, which guarantees her a shot at the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at a time and place of her choosing.

Author's take

Turning Ellsworth heel towards the end of 2016 extended his life expectancy in WWE, and using him in a managerial role has also been for the best. Ellsworth has shown excellent aptitude as an annoying heel, and will hopefully continue in that role for the time being.

Here's to many more years of success for The Big Hog.