WWE LFG is the promotion’s newest show seeking to hone new talent, but Mickie James has rejected comparisons to Tough Enough. Speaking to Going Ringside, James, one of the show’s legendary trainers, shared how WWE LFG differs from the promotion’s most iconic show about young talent trying to earn a contract.
“It’s so different and dynamic [from Tough Enough.] You’ve never seen Undertaker as a coach before. In fact, this show is the first time—he says it openly—that it’s the first time he’s actually coached young, hungry wrestlers.”
Tough Enough launched in 2001 with its most reason season taking place in 2015. Notable alum from the show include The Miz, John Morrison, Maven, Nidia, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, and Chelsea Green.
The introduction of WWE LFG (which premiered on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on A&E) marks the promotion’s latest effort to hone new talent. The new show comes as WWE prepares for the launch of its Evolve show, set to premiere next month. Not only that, but WWE NXT and the Next-In-Line program continues to generate new talent for WWE, keeping the company’s pool of potential stars filled to its brim.
James has been joined by The Undertaker, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley in mentoring the ‘future greats’ though in-ring battles and backstage challenges. With Triple H and Shawn Michaels also playing a role on the show, it remains to be seen which young wrestler earns a contract with WWE.