WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Predicting 12 Wrestlers Not Yet Announced

9. James Ellsworth

Tye Dillinger 10
WWE.com

James Ellsworth hasn't stepped into the ring since AJ Styles wiped the floor with him on December 20th, which is probably for the best. For all Ellsworth's charm, he's not exactly the most fluid in-ring performer, and he's never going to be able to convincingly step up to SmackDown's regular superstars.

Could Carmella's bae finally step back inside the squared circle on January 29th? There's a strong possibility. Ellsworth would make a perfect candidate for the Santino Marella/Warlord spot, and while it'll be tough to break Santino's shortest Rumble time record of 1.9 seconds, there's nobody better for the job than Jimmy the Chin.

Ellsworth signed a two-year WWE contract back in November, but he'll likely remain as a comedic sidekick for the rest of his run. His involvement in the WWE Championship scene dragged on several weeks too long, and only took more shine away from AJ Styles' reign the longer it progressed. The Carmella storyline is baffling, but it keeps Ellsworth away from meddling in more important matters, and entering the Royal Rumble thinking that he has a genuine chance of winning would fit his deluded personality.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.