Ellsworth Defended 2017 Money in the Bank Finish
The controversial 2017 briefcase retrieval sparked a rematch that drew millions of viewers on television.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Wrestling
Live Poll
Do controversial match outcomes ultimately hurt the development of women's sports divisions?
James Ellsworth defended his actions during the 2017 women's Money in the Bank match, where he climbed the ladder to drop the briefcase to Carmella. The controversial finish led to a second ladder match being held on SmackDown to determine a legitimate winner.
Why it matters
The 2017 incident remains a notable moment in professional wrestling history, highlighting how creative finishes can lead to immediate follow-up programming. This dynamic remains relevant as WWE prepares for its upcoming premium live event.
The 2017 SmackDown rematch drew 2.6 million viewers after five original competitors competed in the first match. The 2026 event will feature six participants in the upcoming women's ladder match.
The players
James Ellsworth
He is a former professional wrestler who gained notoriety for his association with Carmella in WWE.
Carmella
She is a professional wrestler who became the first winner of the women's Money in the Bank briefcase.
The details
In 2017, James Ellsworth interfered by unhooking the briefcase for Carmella during a match that featured Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Natalya, and Tamina. WWE subsequently held a second ladder match on SmackDown to address the outcome, which was part of the original event plans.
Timeline
The first women's Money in the Bank match occurred in 2017.
The Money in the Bank premium live event occurs on October 10, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The incident established a precedent for using high-stakes ladder match controversies to boost television ratings during the following week. This strategy continues to influence how WWE builds momentum for its premium live event cycles leading into 2026.
The 2026 ladder match will feature six participants, increasing the complexity of the match compared to the original five-person field in 2017. Viewers should track these six competitors as the main roster prepares for the October 10 premium event in New Orleans.
The takeaway
Professional wrestling often utilizes controversial finishes to bridge the gap between premium live events and weekly television broadcasts. Fans should expect similar high-stakes maneuvering as WWE prepares for the upcoming 2026 event in New Orleans.
What happens next
The 2026 Money in the Bank premium live event is scheduled to take place on October 10 in New Orleans, featuring six participants including Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Jacy Jayne, Roxanne Perez, Lash Legend, and Tiffany Stratton.
Further reading
For more historical context on professional wrestling, visit the Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NDTVSports.
Live Poll
Do controversial match outcomes ultimately hurt the development of women's sports divisions?
