Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has been announced as NXT Women’s Champion Asuka’s next contender. The title match is scheduled for 11/19 at NXT TakeOver: Toronto. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE originally had big plans for another legendary women’s performer – Trish Stratus.
WWE was working on different storyline ideas for the Hall of Famer, but those got knocked off course when Trish announced she and her husband are expecting their second child. Obviously, that rules out her returning to the ring over the next several months.
As of this writing, it’s believed Mickie has only signed on for the match against Asuka. There have been rumors James could be joining the Performance Center as a trainer and her upcoming WWE return makes that even more likely.
