WWE Superstars often announce retirement following their exit from the Stamford-based promotion or at the end of their run as active performers in the industry. Recently, James Ellsworth ''officially'' announced his retirement from the business, but with a shocking twist.
A few years ago, James Ellsworth became a household name after his appearance on SmackDown Live. The enhancement talent became a notable name and gained fame in WWE for a while. In 2018, he made his final appearance for the promotion. James has since plied his trade on the independent circuit.
Today, the star uploaded a post on X on his 40th birthday and shocked fans. He ''officially'' announced retirement, but there was a twist. Ellsworth stated he will retire from the wrestling business when he hits 80. It's a bold claim, and the star may be joking on the auspicious occasion.
"40 today, brother. I’m officially announcing that I will retire from the wrestling business when I’m 80. Here’s to 40 more years of making towns. Now Cash app me $40 to $JamesEllsworth1984 for my birthday, Mizarks," Ellsworth wrote.
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James Ellsworth has competed for the WWE World Championship
In 2016, James Ellsworth appeared on Monday Night RAW as an enhancement talent for a match against Braun Strowman. The star gained immense popularity, and the management wrote him into a storyline involving AJ Styles and Jon Moxley (FKA Dean Ambrose) on SmackDown.
Most stars dream of a title match in the Stamford-based promotion, and some spend years before they receive one. However, James Ellsworth quickly climbed the ladder of success and earned a match against then-WWE World Champion AJ Styles in October 2016. He emerged victorious via DQ. The 40-year-old continued to offer assistance to The Purveyor of Violence in the former Shield member's feud with The Phenomenal One.
However, in December 2016, Ellsworth turned on the erstwhile Dean Ambrose, helping AJ Styles retain the WWE World Title. Later, James became Carmella's manager and assisted her in becoming the first-ever Ms. Money in the Bank.
In 2018, Ellsworth was released by the company following his final appearance on the blue brand. During his time with the promotion, he worked with several notable names and got a famous catchphrase as well.