James Ellsworth Enhanced a Classic Matchup Between AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose

Headed into WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, James Ellsworth was the subject of what can only be described as Ellsworth fatigue. WWE's restless fanbase celebrated this man as its ironic antihero after his unforgettable performance while getting squashed by Braun Strowman. 

As is common in the WWE Universe, familiarity breeds contempt, as the once-celebrated Ellsworth was the target of tweets like this: 

So it was only fitting that WWE's resident beat-up doll turned heel on Ambrose, just as the complaints were starting to come in. Not only was this move surprising—since Styles put Ellsworth in the hospital and then assaulted him during the climactic finish—but it also played into this long rivalry. 

The visual of Ambrose going through at least three tables was just another highlight of a match that was filled with them. What's more is that Ellsworth has plenty of logical explanations for an otherwise surprising turn. Though Ambrose repeatedly went to bat for Ellsworth, he was constantly putting him in harm's way.

In Ellsworth's first match against Styles, Ambrose officiated a match where he literally turned a blind eye as Ellsworth was getting pummeled and made to submit. In his second match, Ambrose taunted Styles, which enraged the WWE world champion to the point where he beat up Ellsworth with such intensity that it got him disqualified.

Ellsworth's association with Ambrose sent him to the hospital. After reading between the lines, it's hard to imagine why it took Ellsworth so long to turn on his former friend. 

Styles and Ambrose's match was filled with twists, turns and stunts that wowed a tough crowd in the American Airlines Center. It was only fitting that the finish of this match included one final shocker. 

Moving forward, heel Ellsworth has a lot of potential. He is a naturally entertaining performer whose hard-luck, dopey demeanor made him lovable. Ellsworth should just as easily turn a crowd against him, as his cowardly nature is more conducive to heel behavior. 

Run-and-hide Ellsworth can be especially useful if WWE decides to align him with Styles, who is rumored to take on The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble, per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc). Ellsworth's heightened fear of The Deadman will provide enough comedy to be entertaining while highlighting The Undertaker as a terrifying character. 

Ellsworth recently signed a full-time contract with WWE. His babyface gimmick was only going to take him so far. The next chapter in the feel-good story of James Ellsworth could potentially be his best. 

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report and Forbes. Like him on Facebook.