5 wrestlers recently released by the WWE: Where are they now? 

#2 James Ellsworth

James Ellsworth

James Ellsworth was hired by the WWE because Vince McMahon wanted to make fun of independent circuit wrestlers who could go in the ring but often lacked the superhuman physiques of their WWE contemporaries.

Ellsworth made the most of his time with the company, putting on five-star matches with AJ Styles and taking bumps that most wrestlers would blanch at. He also was willing to put over women in the ring, which is a deal breaker for many male wrestlers.

Many believe that the WWE made a mistake when they fired Ellsworth.

Why he was released: WWE CEO Vince McMahon wanted to have Ellsworth portray a transgender wrestler and face Charlotte at Wrestlemania 34. While Ellsworth did not baulk at doing what his boss told him, many other executives at WWE forced McMahon to change his mind about the insensitive angle. McMahon decided that since he couldn't use Ellsworth for his intended purpose they would release him from his contract.

What he's been up to: Wrestling on the independent scene has proven lucrative for Ellsworth, once his no-compete clause expired. He even wrestled Tenille Dashwood at a recent show, proving that he is still willing to do whatever it takes to sell a match (and tickets.)

Chances of going back to WWE: 70-30 for it. Ellsworth was well-liked and respected by his peers in the locker room, and his willingness to go along with any storyline or angle even if it made him look weak is a big plus in his chances to be re-hired in the future.