"James Ellsworth hints at surprise WWE return after Oba Femi’s brutal open challenge buzz grows rapidly!"
The possibility of seeing James Ellsworth back inside a WWE ring suddenly feels less impossible after his latest comments about Oba Femi.
The former WWE personality, remembered for his unlikely victories over AJ Styles and his entertaining underdog run, recently joked that he would gladly answer Femi’s open challenge if the company offered him a major salary increase.
The remark instantly caught attention across wrestling circles because Ellsworth has been absent from WWE programming for years.
Oba Femi has quickly become one of WWE’s most dominant rising stars since stepping onto the main roster. After making noise with powerhouse performances in NXT, the Nigerian star has continued building momentum through weekly open challenges on RAW.
His recent destruction of Otis further strengthened the image WWE is creating around him as an unstoppable force. The company appears fully invested in positioning Femi as a future headline attraction heading deeper into 2026.
A surprise comeback fans never expected
Ellsworth’s reaction added an unexpected layer of fun to the ongoing storyline.
While his statement carried a humorous tone, longtime viewers immediately remembered his famous 2016 feud with AJ Styles, where he shocked audiences by stealing victories despite constantly being portrayed as physically outmatched.
That same unlikely spirit is exactly why fans became intrigued by the idea of him stepping into the ring with someone as intimidating as Femi.
The timing of the comment also matters. WWE has recently leaned heavily into nostalgia appearances and surprise returns, especially when they can create viral moments online or energize weekly television.
Even if Ellsworth never officially competes again, the public response proved there is still curiosity surrounding his name. Wrestling audiences have always enjoyed unpredictable personalities, and Ellsworth built an entire WWE run around that reputation.
For now, there is no official indication that WWE plans to bring him back. Still, the brief exchange managed to create discussion around Oba Femi’s challenge series while reminding fans about one of WWE’s strangest success stories.
Whether serious or playful, Ellsworth’s message achieved exactly what wrestling thrives on most getting people talking.
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About the Author
Muhammad Hassan
A BBA student at COMSATS University Islamabad with a strong interest in business, media, and communication. Passionate about writing and content creation, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. Eager to contribute to a news platform through clear, engaging, and well-researched editorial work.
