WWE Gives an Explanation for Why James Ellsworth Wasn’t on SmackDown 1000

James Ellsworth was reportedly scheduled to be at tonight’s SmackDown 1000 show, but he did not end up being on TV. However, he was in the arena.

WWE posted this video on their Twitter account where Ellsworth interrupts Mike Rome backstage and explains that he came there ready to appear on the show, but Paige reminded him that she fired him. It’s not known if this was all WWE had planned for him or if there was another legit reason why he wasn’t on the show (maybe time constraints?).

EXCLUSIVE: Here's the answer to the question that was on everyone's minds tonight; WHERE was #SDLive legend @realellsworth during #SD1000?! pic.twitter.com/7PWqEDCDSY

— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2018

Ok so not #Smackdown1000 but maybe Smackdown 2000? https://t.co/eS3gimEijh

— James Ellsworth (@realellsworth) October 17, 2018

Ellsworth: “You just said the word ‘legend’ and I’m a SmackDown Live legend. I should have been on the show! I showed up, ready to go, I brought my gear bag, and Paige said, ‘What are you doing here, James? I fired you on SmackDown episode 988.’ That’s not fair. I should have been on SmackDown 1000. As a matter of fact, I should be on SmackDown 1001, 1002, 1003, SmackDown 1004, SmackDown 1005, SmackDown 1006, SmackDown 1007, SmackDown 1008, SmackDown 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015…”