Ellsworth became involved in a storyline with AJ Styles in 2016. He even defeated the then-WWE Champion in a title match on the October 18, 2016, episode of SmackDown. However, due to a disqualification, the title did not change hands.
Speaking on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Ellsworth said talks took place in McMahon’s production meetings about him possibly capturing the gold from Styles:
Ellsworth added that anything can happen in the world of wrestling. However, at five-foot-eight and 165 pounds, he knew he did not fit the mold of a typical WWE Champion.
James Ellsworth never thought Vince McMahon would make him WWE Champion
Only 54 men have held the WWE Championship during its 59-year existence, including icons such as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin.
Given the history of the prestigious title, James Ellsworth did not seriously think McMahon viewed him as world championship material:
Ellsworth appeared in WWE between July 2016 and November 2017 before returning for another short run in June-July 2018. The 37-year-old added that McMahon said he could potentially return in the future to revive his storyline with Carmella.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
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