Was James Ellsworth's Firing A Work?

James Ellsworth was fired on this past Tuesday’s SmackDown, but is it all just a storyline? Dave Meltzer offered the following take on Twitter:

He wasn't under contract so was only meant for limited appearances. The TV version was a work. He's so good at his role I'd be surprised at some point he's not back. https://t.co/tvB2YxThfU

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 27, 2018

AJ Styles Carmella

AJ Styles & Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles pose for photos at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles show their football skills at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
AJ Styles & Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles arrive ahead of a media opportunity at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
AJ Styles & Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: WWE'S world champion AJ Styles and Smackdown women's champion Carmella speak at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
AJ Styles & Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles pose for photos at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles show their football skills at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
AJ Styles & Carmella

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Smackdown women's champion Carmella and WWE'S world champion AJ Styles arrive ahead of a media opportunity at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)