How well he threw a punch got James Ellsworth his first WWE match.
James Ellsworth recently returned to WWE since Money in the Bank but his original run with WWE started when he was one of many wrestlers who were fodder for Braun Strowman's singles career. That match between Ellsworth and Strowman can be seen at the top of this page. In an interview with Title Match Wrestling, Ellsworth talked about the day of his first WWE match.
"Arn Anderson says 'I'm going to see everyone throw a punch and whoever throws the best punch gets the match with Braun.' He picked me first to throw a punch. I threw it and he's like 'oh I don't need to see anybody else,'" said Ellsworth.
After the match, Ellsworth said the referee told him he was being praised in his ear piece from those backstage. When he got backstage, he was met by Arn Anderson who told him Vince McMahon wanted to speak with him.
"I get to the back and Arn Anderson comes up to me and says 'son, you made my job so easy tonight. Thank you, Vince wants to see you,'"said Ellsworth. "I see (McMahon) walking to Gorilla and he says 'kid come here. you did a hell of a job, great job' and extends his hand," he continued.
Ellsworth said Triple H also shook his hand and told him he did well in the match.
After the match, Ellsworth ended up staying with WWE for a while as he feuded with WWE Champion AJ Styles including a few victories and then he was the valet for Carmella and even got involved in her Money in the Bank win. In other interviews, Ellsworth has told stories about more positive interactions with McMahon. He was released from WWE last November but recently came back.
Next week, Ellsworth will face a WWE female wrestler for the second time as he takes on Asuka on Smackdown for which Fightful Wrestling will have live coverage and a recapping podcast.
The full interview is available at TitleMatchNetwork.com and Ellsworth comments can be heard on the Title Match Wrestling YouTube channel.
