WWE Money In The Bank 2018 Had 3 Major Surprises
By Josh Raibick
Credit: WWE.com
2. Asuka Wasn’t Ready For Ellsworth
The idea of Carmella beating Asuka clean was so far fetched that there needed to be a catch. Just as Asuka was assuming control of the match, a figure walked up the steps and stood on the apron wearing the Asuka entrance attire.
The masked figure had the Chicago crowd buzzing, and at the same time Asuka was frozen. For the first time in her career the WWE Universe witnessed Asuka lose focus as The Empress of Tomorrow continued to glance back and forth between her fallen opponent and the masked figure.
Eventually the masked figure would reveal himself as a returning James Ellsworth. The surprise of a newly added challenge was all it took for Carmella to take advantage and secure the win.
The return of Ellsworth was an unexpected one, but also a wise one. WWE has traditionally given heel superstars like The Miz, CM Punk, Jinder Mahal, and now Carmella (again) additional ringside help to make their victories over a superior babyface more believable.
With plenty of big name matches on the card, this match had the potential to get lost in the shuffle. Yet, a brilliantly executed surprise return and reveal has this match up there as one of the most talked about from the night.