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.
Veteran wrestler Mickie James has responded to NXT star Roxanne Perez naming her as a dream WrestleMania opponent, hinting that she may step back into the ring.
While James hasn’t competed in WWE since the 2022 Royal Rumble, she has made multiple backstage appearances at recent shows. Speaking with No Contest Wrestling, Perez listed several wrestling legends—AJ Lee, Lita, Trish Stratus, Chyna, and Mickie James—as her dream opponents. She specifically noted that matches against Stratus and James could be possible in 2025.
James acknowledged the mention on Twitter, playfully responding:
“You gonna make me dust off my working boots @roxanne_wwe ?”
The six-time WWE Women’s Champion last wrestled in September 2024, appearing for IWR on September 12. Meanwhile, Trish Stratus recently made her in-ring return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where Perez delivered an impressive iron-woman performance.
With both Stratus and James potentially available for a future match, a high-profile showdown with Perez could be on the horizon.
The wrestling world has been abuzz with excitement following the announcement of a groundbreaking collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling. Wrestling stars took to social media to share their thoughts on the unexpected partnership.
WWE Superstar Bayley joked, “Finally, my TNA Gut Check tryout has paid off!!!” referencing TNA’s developmental program from years past.
Santino Marella, known for his comedic persona, chimed in with, “This feels so right!!” hinting at the potential nostalgia and excitement surrounding the deal.
Mickie James, who has deep ties to both WWE and TNA, expressed her enthusiasm with, “Ooooh… I like this,” adding fuel to the growing speculation about what this collaboration might entail.
Zachary Wentz, currently a part of WWE NXT, delivered a series of humorous tweets. In one, he asked, “Yo, so when y’all gonna let me tag with @gigidolin_wwe at TNA? We do mixed tags over here! Pleasseeeeee!” In another, he quipped about his history with TNA, saying, “I do believe @TheTreyMiguel and I are still the number one contenders for the NXT Tag Titles right?”
Former WWE Champion John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield (JBL) also reacted in his signature style, tweeting, “I guess I should pack an extra clothesline for Dallas next week,” likely hinting at potential cross-promotional appearances.
Meanwhile, A.J. Francis joked about the unpredictability of the wrestling world, saying, “When you walk in the back door after they kicked you out the front…”
Xia Brookside, a former NXT UK star, raised eyebrows with her cryptic tweet, “Am I going to @WWENXT?!”
The possibility of talent swaps between WWE and TNA has fans speculating about dream matches and new opportunities for wrestlers across both rosters.
Nathan Frazer kept it simple yet intriguing with, “The possibilities…”
What the Deal Means for Wrestling Fans
The WWE-TNA deal represents a significant shift in the wrestling landscape, creating opportunities for cross-promotional events, dream matchups, and shared storytelling. Both WWE and TNA have rich histories and passionate fanbases, and this partnership could bridge the gap between the two companies in unprecedented ways.
Mickie James is an undisputed legend of the ring, and the former Women’s Champion is ready for one more match in either WWE or TNA Wrestling. When a fan on X shared their hope to see James back in either promotion, the 45-year-old wrestler teased that this could happen down the line.
James has a successful history in both promotions with several championship reigns to her name. James’ most recent match for WWE was as part of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match, though she entered as a representative for TNA (then Impact Wrestling.) James’ most recent match for TNA came at October 2023’s Bound for Glory event, where she challenged Knockouts Champion Trinity (now Naomi.)
As a legend of women’s wrestling, a return to either company would be huge for James and allow her to work with familiar opponents as well as talent she’s never stepped in the ring with. A return to WWE could also see James reunite with real-life husband Nick Aldis who joined WWE this year as SmackDown’s General Manager.
With WWE and TNA partnering in 2024, fans can’t count out James appearing in both promotions as part of this teased return to the ring. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Mickie James and the next steps in her pro-wrestling journey.
WWE had a huge list of legends in attendance for Bad Blood and the likes of such had its fair share of ties to Atlanta, GA.
The company started off the PLE by showing that Goldberg was in attendance with his son Gage who nearly got physical with GUNTHER after the WWE World Heavyweight Champion called ‘Da Man’ out later on in the show.
However, there was a quite the plethora of names taking in the action. In addition to Goldberg, Bad Blood also featured several WCW luminaries including Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Diamond Dallas Page, Booker T, Scott Steiner and Syxx aka Sean Waltman.
Arn Anderson may have gotten the biggest pop out of all the legends and for good reason. ‘The Enforcer’ shocked the fans at WWE SummerSlam in Cleveland when he so happened to share a few words of wisdom for Cody Rhodes before he went out for his WWE Undisputed Title defense against Solo Sikoa. Arn’s attendance at Bad Blood constitutes as a full circle moment as Cody Rhodes will be tagging up with Roman Reigns to face Solo once again. However, this time Sikoa has Jacob Fatu as his tag team partner.
WWE legends weren’t the only dignitaries in town. Hip-hop artists Killer Mike, Metro Boomin’ and Lil Baby were also seen sitting at ringside. Killer Mike was sitting beside Goldberg to start off the show who seems to be good friends with the WWE Hall of Famer.
Former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky proved that the years haven’t dulled his punting skills with a surprise appearance at The Last Match musical experience.
The 54-year-old Snitsky appeared at the show associated with The Last Match stage show. Snitsky confronted ‘Mother’ (played by fellow WWE alum Mickie James) a character in the show that is never far apart from her baby. After taking hold of the (thankfully plastic) child, Snitsky showed that he could still punt a baby with the best of them.
The spot in question was a follow-up from an infamous segment from a late 2004 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. After Lita suffered a (kayfabe) miscarriage due to a collision with Kane that Snitsky caused, Gene confronted the future WWE Hall of Famer. Snitsky, who constantly reminded fans “IT WASN’T MY FAULT” would arrive with a doll of a baby that he would punt into the crowd.
This time, it WAS his fault.
The Last Match
Mickie James is just one of several big names on the cast of The Last Match. TNA Wrestling broadcaster Matthew ‘Aiden English’ Rehwoldt plays ‘The Boss’ while recent-NXT departure McKenzie Mitchell plays broadcaster Scarlett Sublime. Bull ‘Dempsey’ James plays Sam The Barbarian while Afa Anoa’i Jr. portrays The Surgeon/Son of Stalin. Popular YouTube personality plays the show’s main antagonist Alexander Swagger.
The Last Match tells the story of Ben Vengeance, a journeyman wrestler who prepares to step in the ring for what will be his titular last match. Vengeance’s final match sees the veteran face BTD Heavyweight Champion Alexander Swagger. The show has proven to be a hit with audiences and you can check out the official SE Scoops review below.
Set against the backdrop of the squared circle, “The Last Match” seamlessly blends the larger-than-life spectacle of professional wrestling with the electric energy of rock ‘n’ roll and the cinematic storytelling of musical theater – making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that musical theater isn’t a niche that I generally gravitate toward, but after attending the production’s opening night in Rochester, I emerged with a newfound appreciation for it. Likewise, upon speaking with some non-wrestling fans afterwards, I learned that “The Last Match” opened their eyes to the world of professional wrestling.
Created and directed by Jeremiah James, “The Last Match” follows the story of 30-year veteran Ben Vengeance (played by the singer of 80s tribute band The Reagan Years, Anthony Nuccio), who is preparing to step into the ring for his final match at BTD Wrestling Alliance’s World War V event (set in the year 1989).
Anthony Nuccio as Ben Vengeance in The Last Match
Vengeance’s final match isn’t just a normal retirement match; it’s a title match for the coveted BTD Heavyweight Championship – a title that Vengeance has held a record-setting 12 times. For this occasion, Vengeance is slated to defend his title against the ever-conceited and crude Alexander Swagger (played by British professional wrestler – and in my opinion, the bloody brilliant – Simon Miller), who is looking to position himself as the next top star in BTD.
Fueled by his pure respect and passion for the wrestling business, Vengeance seems inclined to put over (or in layman’s terms – lose to) Swagger on his way out. His girlfriend and fellow professional wrestler, “The Fabulous” Miss Jenny (played by Mikayla Agrella), however, wants to see BTD honor Vengeance’s legacy with a departing title retention.
Ultimately, the outcome of Vengeance’s final match will be decided by The Boss (portrayed by TNA Wrestling commentator Matthew Rehwoldt), who, with his Vince McMahon-inspired strut, reiterates that “nothing in the ring is personal, it’s just business.” With multiple different agendas circulating, the finish to this title match is far from predictable, leading to a rather captivating sequence of events.
Simon Miller (as Alexander Swagger) and Anthony Nuccio (as Ben Vengeance), with McKenzie Mitchell (as Scarlett Sublime) and Jeff Seal (as Jimmy Sutton) on commentary in the background.
Outside of the main event storyline between Vengeance and Swagger, viewers are also introduced to a diverse cast of supporting characters who carry forth terrific talent in in-ring, vocal, narration, and theatrical performance. The Ref (played by Trinity Colvin), specifically, covers all four of those departments with enthralling ease. In addition to her duties as the in-ring official and on-stage singer, Colvin provides valuable narration that not only ties several scenes together, but also effectively explains wrestling jargon for the non-wrestling members of the audience.
Mickie James (as The Mother) and Mikayla Agrella (as Miss Jenny), with Trinity Colvin (as The Ref) preparing to officiate their match.
Another stand-out performance stems from that of former TNA Knockouts Mickie James, who plays the over-the-top character of The Mother. Alongside being a multi-decade veteran in the ring, The Mother is known for being exactly that – a mother (of 15 kids, to be specific). James, of course, fits both of these categories in real life, making her a natural fit for the role of The Mother. (James’ vocal abilities also come to the forefront as The Mother delivers a raspy and highly entertaining singing promo ahead of her match against Miss Jenny).
Professional wrestling fans will be treated to some more familiar faces, as the likes of Bull James (slotted as Sam the Barbarian), Afa Anoa’i Jr. (The Surgeon/Son of Stalin), and McKenzie Mitchell (commentator Scarlett Sublime) unleash their own unique personalities in the show.
Aside from the magnificent cast, I also have to give props to Sylvana Joyce and The Moment, the band of “The Last Match,” whose exhilarating performance greatly complements the 80s-themed production. Jason Huza is credited for the musical’s book and lyrics, while Sylvana Joyce and guitarist C. Robert Smith additionally serve as composers and lyricists.
Trinity Colvin (as The Ref) rocking out with the band’s guitarist C. Robert Smith while a mixed tag team match plays out in the background.
Overall, with its gripping narrative, compelling in-ring action, and soul-stirring music, “The Last Match” engages the audience from the beginning to the end, or in this case, the first bell to the final chord. So whether you’re a wrestling enthusiast, a music aficionado, a theater kid, or simply someone looking for a night of entertainment, “The Last Match” promises to be an absolute must-see. 10/10, would (and will) see it again.
“The Last Match” will continue its tour with a few more dates in Winston-Salem, Columbia, and Atlanta.
For more information about “The Last Match” and how to purchase tickets, click here.
Rock & Roll wrestling musical The Last Match is set to go on tour next month with an all-star cast of actors and wrestlers attached to the show.
News of the tour was shared on Twitter by Simon Miller of WhatCulture fame. The tour will begin on May 7 in Burlington, Vermont, and conclude on May 18 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Last Match wrestling musical rock and roll theatre experience opens TONIGHT!
We start in Rochester for a mini run and then:
5/7: Burlington, VT 5/8: Albany 5/10: NYC 5/11: Philadelphia 5/12: Baltimore 5/14: Norfolk 5/15: Winston-Salem 5/17: Columbia, SC 5/18: Atlanta
The Last Match tells the story of Ben Vengeance, a journeyman wrestler who prepares to step in the ring for what will be his titular last match. Vengeance’s final match sees the veteran face BTD Heavyweight Champion Alexander Swagger (as played by Miller.)
Wrestling productions out of the ring have grown increasingly more popular in recent years. NBC’s Young Rock told the story of Dwayne Johnson’s rise to superstardom and his life growing up in a wrestling dynasty. Starz’s Heels received rave reviews for its portrayal of a small-time wrestling promotion’s efforts to survive and included an impressive cast featuring Stephen Amell and CM Punk.
2008’s The Wrestler received critical acclaim for its telling of Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson (Mickey Rourke) and his journey as his wrestling career reached its end. The film scored Rourke a BAFTA award, a Golden Globe award, and a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars.
An All-Star Cast
Miller, who also competed for TNA Wrestling at their Turning Point 2023 event, isn’t the only notable name involved. Former WWE personality McKenzie Mitchell has been cast as BTD interviewer Scarlett Sublime. Matthew Rehwoldt (aka Aiden English in WWE) has been cast as ‘The Boss.’
Wrestling legend Mickie James brings her experience to the show as ‘The Mother.’ Bull James (WWE NXT’s Bull Dempsey) portrays Sam the Barbarian while Afa Anoa’i Jr. is ‘The Surgeon/Son of Stalin.’
For more information about The Last Match and how to purchase tickets, click here.
Vix Crow, better known to fans as WWE’s Alicia Fox, proved she’s still got ‘it’ with an impressive victory in her first wrestling match in a very long time.
Crow competed against fellow WWE alum Mickie James at the all-female Starrcast: Down Under ‘HER’ event. As seen in the match highlights below, Crow hadn’t lost a step when she defeated the former WWE & TNA Women’s Champion.
Alicia Fox made her return to wrestling as “Vix Crow” for Mickie James’ HER show
This match was Crow’s first official match in wrestling since January 2022 when she was a surprise entrant in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble match won by Ronda Rousey (which also featured James.) The match at ‘HER’ was Crow’s first singles match since the April 22, 2019, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, where she lost to Becky Lynch. Her previous singles victory was back on the July 30, 2018, episode of Raw where she defeated Natalya.
Vix Crow is Back
Crow was with WWE for over a decade but confirmed in May 2023 that she was a free agent. Crow later admitted that she felt bad about how things ended with WWE as there was a lack of communication by the promotion over her status on the roster.
Whether Vix Crow wrestles again or if her role at Starrcast was a one-off remains to be seen. In the past, the former WWE Divas & 24/7 Champion has shown interest in facing off with Deonna Purrazzo and Ruby Soho, both of whom are with AEW. Whatever the future holds, Crow remains in great ring condition which certainly bodes well for her future.
Ohio Valley Wrestling will benefit from the expertise of Mickie James now that the veteran has signed with the company.
In a press release, OVW confirmed that James will serve as Creative Director and Head of Female Talent, as well as Executive Producer for all OVW wrestling shows. Lead OVW Commentator and Producer Bryan Kennison said the following:
“Mickie James is a name synonymous with excellence in the wrestling industry, and we are incredibly excited to be working with her. Her experience, talent, and vision will be invaluable in elevating our programming and our women’s division to new heights.”
OVW CEO Al Snow had a similar sentiment to James being brought in. He said:
“We are not just working with a superstar, we are embracing a vision for the future. Mickie’s influence will transcend the ring. inspiring a new generation of wrestlers and fans alike.”
On Twitter, Matt Jones, the co-owner of OVW Wrestling, shared his excitement about the news.
I am very excited to announce that Mickie James @MickieJames is joint us as a new Creative Director and the head of Female Talent!
Mickie is a legend in the industry and will join Al Snow in continuing to make OVW the fastest growing spot in Pro Wrestling
Mickie James is no stranger to Ohio Valley Wrestling as after signing with WWE in 2003, she was sent to OVW which was the promotion’s developmental territory at the time. Highlights of James’ tenure with OVW include winning a Halloween costume contest in October 2004 and defeating Jillian Hall in a $1,000 match the following month.
In 2005, James was part of a tournament to crown an OVW Television Champion after the title had been vacated. The only woman in the tournament, James defeated Mike Mondo in the first round before losing to ‘Blaster’ Lashley in the second. She was called up to the main roster that same year.
Mickie James is set to work with OVW, but the legend is also set to do big things down under…
One NXT talent wants to sit under the learning tree of Mickie James even if the legend is not with WWE.
Fallon Henley, who has been building her resume on Shawn Michaels’ version of the black and gold brand, caught a clip of the women’s tag team match on WWE Raw this Monday, and she decided to shoot her shot with James on X. She also pitched an added incentive.
“Mickie James hear me out – what if we saddled up, you taught me to be hardcore country and we went for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. I’ll bring the drinks!”
@MickieJames hear me out… what if we saddled up, you taught me to be hardcore country and we went for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. I’ll bring the drinks! 🍻 https://t.co/819e9CQpwE
The notion that James could make a return to WWE isn’t completley out of the realm of possibility. James kicked down the “forbidden door” of promotions, when she was Impact Knockouts Champion and entered the Royal Rumble in 2022. In a pro wrestling first, Impact gold was proudly displayed on WWE television.
Not only does James have the CM Punk ties, but indirectly has a presence on WWE SmackDown as well. James’ husband, Nick Aldis, currently serves as the brand’s on-air general manager.
One really couldn’t think of a greater moral compass for a wrestling company than Bryan Danielson. He by all accounts, has the perfect balance of life – one that exists outside of wrestling (which is pretty key if we’re being honest – wrestlers and fans alike). He’s got a family to keep him grounded, causes to be an advocate for and plenty of books to read. He can disassociate from pro wrestling, a career he’s still absolutely passionate about, but bring in out of the ring elements for better synergy.
Even that considered, he’s a team player, extremely considerate and a modern wrestling oracle to pick the brain of. You factor in Jerry Lynn, those two are the ultimate good cops.
A heavy. Someone who doesn’t take any kind of nonsense, looks at the bottom line for what it is. Does “they” or “their actions” or what they’re doing help the growth of the company? If they don’t do such, cut whatever fat there may be. There should be two credible sheriffs in town and that “bad cop” onus should not be burdened upon one of your top on-air talents.
That’s also not saying Tony Khan should recruit a “yes man, either. Being a billionaire, he’s probably got a few already and they’re certainly not helping to grow the product. However, if Tony could take himself out of the equation, and put the trust in the team he’s assembled, he would do wonders for his company. A company that quite frankly, is failing to hit its mark in certain ways.
In addition to a heavy, there’s so many established names who could help better the promotion if he gave them full autonomy to regulate like Nate Dogg and Warren G. And instead of just one, why not make it two? Here are some “tag teams” behind the scenes that Tony Khan could utilize (two of which who currently aren’t under contract).
Jake Roberts & Arn Anderson
Who was equally excited and intrigued at the possibility of Jake Roberts back with a pro wrestling company? Who was also equally disappointed that Arn wasn’t made the most of during his tenure here? Both he and his son Brock were not re-signed when their contracts expired and it feels like a missed opportunity by Tony Khan on both names, who seemed to only associate them with Cody Rhodes’ time here.
How much could that young talent learn from “The Snake” or “The Enforcer”when it comes to promo skills, ring psychology and real life problems?
Re-sign the Andersons and designate Arn and Jake as your Dusty Rhodes to your NXT. Let them filter through the good and the bad before they’re Dynamite ready and don’t let anybody tell them “no” either.
Jeff Jarrett & Jim Ross
Tony Khan admittedly says he overworks himself and that’s why Bryan Danielson appointed Jimmy Jacobs to help as an assistant. Khan did tap into wrestling history when he signed Jeff Jarrett, first as a talent and then as the Senior Vice President of Live Events, but Double J wears a lot of hats. Khan has shown the capability of laying out a great (albeit very long) PPV, but weekly television programming is another story. Actually sometimes there’s so many stories it’s hard to pin good ones down, especially if you’re a casual viewer.
Allowing Jarrett and JR (who currently is away from television), to be your ultimate booking brain trust lends your company to the old school booking mindset, a structure AEW truly needs. Paring two names who learned from the best in the territory days is really only going to help a show that’s too fast-paced and too cluttered.
Karen Jarrett & Mickie James
If you watch the AEW women’s division, you know it feels neglected. Major names and pinnacle storytellers like Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker are currently not competing, and the announcements of any women’s match feels sudden without any pomp, circumstance or substance (with the exception of “Timeless” Toni Storm, of course.)
Karen Jarrett knows how to make the most of her on camera without even doing a hip-toss. Unfortunately for the women, many don’t receive the experience or the opportunity to let their personalities shine. Both these veterans tagging up would do wonders for bringing the AEW women back to relevancy.
Paul Wight & Mark Henry
Remember the aforementioned “heavy”? Taking it figuratively and literally with this these two. Both legends are currently signed with AEW, but not much is being done with either and it’s unfortunate. Wight is someone who’s main-evented and worked with main-eventers his entire career while Henry has been someone who’s wrestled all throughout the card.
You think a talent is going to go off-script or do a dangerous move for a forgettable pop if they have to answer to Wight or Henry afterwards? If they did it would most likely be their last time and that’s not even considering the name cache they. Make these two your “bad cops” and they would know how to maintain a healthy relationship in the locker room.
Matt Hardy & Chris Jericho
From how it sounds, AEW has its fair share of locker room leaders behind the scenes, but what about having two primary checkpoints who have shown the ability to adapt, innovate and sympathize?
Jericho and Hardy have formed friendships with anybody and everybody of whatever status or age, including the AEW EVPs. Maybe they already are, but making them the go-to mediators for any issues between boots and management could cultivate a solid structure within AEW’s loaded ecosystem of stars.
Jerry Lynn & Dustin Rhodes
Nobody should ever have a bad word to say about Jerry Lynn and if you do, you’re likely part of the problem. It’s been too awesome to have Lynn and Dustin Rhodes be a vital part of AEW’s growth and if there’s been chaos backstage, you can guarantee neither have been apart of it.
Giving them the opportunity to harness and harmonize your roster from an in-ring standpoint is likely something that has happened on several occasions. Both have an old-school upbringing, but very different styles, Make them have the final say as to what goes down between the ropes every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Appreciate The Past & Look Forward To The Future
With all these legendary names behind the curtain or in the ring, it’s easy to say so many are being under-utilized, but the presentation of the current AEW product speaks to the notion that they’re standing on the apron.
Give them the hot tag and let them take you home. That’s teamwork.
Comments, questions … complaints? Email Dominic at dpdeangelo@gmail.com
Free agent Mercedes Moné and WWE talent Naomi will appear on the Bar season premiere of Bar Rescue this weekend.
Both Moné and Naomi are keeping themselves busy outside of professional wrestling. They stepped away from WWE on May 16 due to reportedly creative differences. Wrestling fans saw both participate in Fashion Week in New York last year in September. They’ve also been seen together for movie premieres and other events. However, they will soon be making their reality TV debut.
Bar Rescue will have its season 9 premiere on Feb. 26. In a clip to promote their upcoming premiere; the show put out a teaser. Wrestling fans have spotted Moné and Naomi in the episode, watching the host, Jon Taffer, berate a bar owner.
Since the teaser came out, fans have wondered why Moné and Naomi were in that bar. In response to the Public Enemies Podcast, both superstars shared what led them there. It may be a joke, but they seemingly were there to get some drinks and food. It’s unclear if they will be featured more than what was shown in the teaser.
Naomi’s status is unclear. She is still doing work outside of WWE but is still listed on their website as a Friday Night Smackdown roster member. On Jan. 19, Fightful Select reported that a source within WWE has shared they are confident she will return to the company. However, the report didn’t share when she could return to WWE.
Both Moné and Naomi seem to be enjoying their time together and pursuing other opportunities. They will appear at the Emerald City Comic Con on March 4 and 5. Wrestling fans can look forward to seeing the two on TV again on Feb. 26 on the Paramount Network channel at 10 PM ET/ 7 PM PT.
With the announcement of the upcoming joint show between IMPACT Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the “forbidden door” has busted wide open yet again.
Scheduled to take place Thursday, March 30, at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles, the event, titled Multiverse United: Only The STRONG Survive, will feature a stacked card of cross-promotion matchups. So far, three official bouts have been laid out: Will Ospreay versus Mike Bailey, KUSHIDA versus IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander, and Jeff Cobb versus Moose.
According to the press release, several other stars will be joining the spectacle. X Division Champion Trey Miguel, Ace Austin, and Chris Bey will be amongst those representing IMPACT, while the likes of KENTA, Rocky Romero, and Minoru Suzuki will perform on behalf of NJPW. In addition, most of the Knockouts division will be present — a detail that caught the attention of fans, and talent themselves.
“Ooooh The Possibilities…”
Following the news of Multiverse United, many fans, and Knockouts Champion Mickie James, quickly pointed out a multitude of possibilities for additional matches on the card.
One popular suggestion included the highly anticipated singles meeting between James and NJPW’s newest recruit, Mercedes Moné, and it appears that Moné is behind the idea.
As one fan (Wrestling Galaxy) made their pitch for the match on Instagram, Moné reposted the photo of herself and Mickie James to her personal Instagram story, seemingly indicating her interest in the “dream” affair.
As Moné continues to tease a match between the two, Mickie James spoke with SEScoops last month about Moné’s journey into free agency. Amidst the discussion, James revealed she’s been yearning for a singles match with the former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion.
“I’ve never had a singles match with Sasha [Banks] and I would really, really love to have a singles match with Mercedes … I’m excited too, because I feel she has an opportunity now to do it her way, and she wanted to do a lot of things, and now she gets to go do them, and she can go test herself against whoever she wants to and show up everywhere. That’s what I hope, she shows up everywhere. Come on over to IMPACT!” James said.
Before this potential contest can even be entertained, though, both women pivot their focus to their upcoming championship matches. On February 18, Mercedes Moné laces up her boots against KAIRI to challenge for the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW’s Battle At The Valley. On February 24, Mickie James put her IMPACT Knockouts Championship on the line at No Surrender against “The Russian Dynamite,” Masha Slamovich.
The Last Rodeo may have come to an end, but Mickie James vows to make her latest run as Knockouts World Champion the most remarkable of her career.
On January 13th, the “Hardcore Country” legend put her career on the line against Jordynne Grace’s Knockouts Championship at IMPACT Wrestling’s Hard To Kill pay-per-view. The two battled feverishly in the main event, but ultimately, it was Mickie James who prevailed. With her win, James claimed her fifth title run in the company, becoming the brand-new Knockouts Champion.
Following her emotional victory, SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay spoke with Mickie James about her win at Hard To Kill, paying homage to her Native American roots, her thoughts on Mercedes Moné, memories of Jay Briscoe, her full-circle arch with Masha Slamovich, almost quitting in OVW, and more.
Watch Ella Jay’s full interview with Mickie James:
Here are some highlights on what Mickie James said about:
Winning The Knockouts Championship At IMPACT Hard To Kill:
“It’s not often that I’ll look back at a match and I go like, ‘okay, I was happy with that.’ It was a battle. I felt like I just started to feel normal a few days ago, and then we obviously just had [television] tapings again. But I walked in there, I was like ‘I just started feeling normal yesterday’ because we went to war.”
“I knew it had high expectations; a lot of people were excited for the match. I was excited for the match. I had never been in the ring with Jordynne before, and obviously I’ve watched her and she’s so impressive. She was a dominant champion, and I knew that this match — I wanted to give her the best of me that I had. I certainly didn’t want to disappoint her. I don’t think that she wanted to disappoint me, and it was just a lot. It was a very emotional, a very emotional night, I think, for myself and for her and for everyone.”
Paying Homage To Her Native American Roots In Her Hard To Kill Entrance:
“I’ve always wanted to be able to pay homage to my native roots and do it in a respectful way, and also just the awareness of indigenous culture. The fact that I was able to I asked the Chief if they would be willing to come down with the tribe and do the dance and that whole planning of like what song it was going to be and where he and Jody came up with pretty much the song that was a powerful kind of warrior song, but also the emotion and to pay the homage to my Mattaponi nation and my tribe especially now because they’re just doing so many monumental movements right now as far as like getting the federal recognition and this new tribal council, which my mom is a part of, and she was out there in the crowd and it was just beautiful.”
“I thought, if this is going to be my last match, then this is something I’d always wanted to do. The fact that IMPACT — and I went to Scott [D’Amore] with it — I knew it was asking a lot to be able to do something like this. IMPACT doesn’t do this a lot. They don’t do entrances like WrestleMania. You’ll get entrances like that at these big events, but IMPACT very rarely — they did the one with Samoa Joe I remember they did that with the dancers before — but it’s very rare that they’ll do something like this. So, it was a big deal. It was a big deal to get the tribe there. It was a big deal to kind of orchestrate it to where it looked, and it was presented in a very respectful way.”
“I feel like one reason why I never done a whole lot with my native culture in wrestling is because oftentimes, it’s just like in television, I just feel like it’s this false narrative of it’s a campy, comedic version of Native Americans or how we see them. We’re very much alive today in society. It’s just important to me to spread awareness and some love.”
Meeting Masha Slamovich Face-To-Face In IMPACT
Photo Credit: Do Photo Wrestling (DPW)
“This goes back to Empowerrr, when I invited her to Empowerrr …. and Masha just stood out to me so much because she was so different, and she was so impactful and crisp, and she was cool. She was cool and different. Then when I found out she’s legit. 100% Russian, speaks 100% Russian, I was like, ‘Whoa.’ Then to bring her to IMPACT Wrestling, which I didn’t expect her to get offered a contract that night [at Knockouts Knockdown], but to get brought to IMPACT Wrestling in that Pick Your Poison against Deonna, because obviously Deonna and I are — we’re ‘fight forever’ friends.”
“[I] brought her in for that to be my poison against Deonna, and she had such an impressive showing that Gail [Kim] came out and they offered her a contract right there. I was like, ‘Whoa, this is so cool.’ It was wonderful to see something — it helped validate, my eye for talent of going like, I thought she had something special. Then when it gets validated, on the spot, like right in front of you, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is such an amazing moment.’ It was just emotional to see that.”
“Then she’s dominated. She dominated since she walked in the door and she’s destroyed the competition, most women in that locker room. Except Jordynne Grace, because Jordynne Grace beat her. And who beat Jordynne Grace? I did. So, if Jordynne can beat Masha, I can beat Masha now.”
Almost Quitting In OVW
(via OVW)
“I always say in life, you’re going to be presented with — there’s going to be game changing moments in your life, and we don’t always recognize them, but they’re usually these real sit-down decision-making moments and what you choose then puts you down one path or the other, right? I feel like we should all be achieving our dreams and all doing the things that we love to do, and sometimes we get off path. But you feel happiest when you are doing those things, because it doesn’t feel like work.”
“A lot of times those hardships of like when you want to quit, when I wanted to quit in OVW and Tommy Dreamer is like, ‘you need to take a break. You need to go home and rethink this decision.’ He watched me from a year I had just been wrestling when I was getting those ECW tryouts and I was not good, but he had already watched me from there to then, this must have been 2004-ish.”
“It wasn’t that I wasn’t good. I was good, and I knew I was good. I think that’s why I was so upset and frustrated because I was like, ‘I know I’m good and I feel like I just want the opportunity, a chance’ I don’t understand why I’m down here training people. I know I’m better than all these people. So I just wanted an opportunity — I don’t mean like the girls on TV — I meant like the girls in developmental where we were. These are my friends and I love them, but most of them, they didn’t come from wrestling. So I was like, ‘Well, did I just come at this the wrong way? Should I have just went down a different path?’ Tried to be a model and then just kind of signed up for wrestling?
“[I thought], ‘because I love it so much or because I desire to be the best — is that the problem? Do I need to stop caring?’ It’s not in me to stop caring about it because I’ve just held myself to high standards. I think my grandma from horse training and showing did that at a young age. It was hard competing because you were competing against professionals all the time. I just wanted to be good, and I wanted to push yourself, and I think that that kind of created that foundation for everything else in life.”
“But nothing great comes without adversity. In fact, most times before you get — that’s where I say that’s what separates people, is that giving up or persevering through, which decision you make right there. Because most times that biggest test, that darkest moment happens right before the breakthrough, right? So, it’s like that last test of if overcoming this frickin’ hurdle that seems insurmountable before you get the blessing that you’ve been asking for. At least I feel like that’s been true for most parts of my life, and sometimes you don’t see it then, because you’re in it.”
How Her Mother Convinced Her Mother Not To Quit
“My mom wasn’t a wrestling fan. She liked Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, but she wasn’t a wrestling fan. She didn’t love the fact that I was wrestling because she was terrified I was going to get hurt. I was living in Louisville. I was traveling all the time, like weekend warrior-ing it, not making any money, risking injury, no health insurance, all the things, until I got signed. But even then, I think at that point I’d been so committed, and she had asked me if I’d thought about other things, maybe I should consider other things or whatever prior to getting signed in developmental.”
“[She would ask] just more because she would see how disheartened I’d get every time I’d do a tryout and I’d get a no or they’d never call me back. She didn’t want me to feel bad or whatever. She was just being smart, think[ing] about other things. But when [Tommy] told me to go home, which was on the sly, like he didn’t tell my boss that he was letting me go home for a couple of weeks. We were going home for Christmas break anyway, so that was usually like two weeks. So, he let me go home about a week and a half, two weeks or so [early]. I ended up being home for almost a month and I was so homesick because I hadn’t been home for like, I don’t know, it was the longest had been away from my family.”
“I hadn’t been home for like two years, but it was her that as we’re sitting there and we’re talking and she was like about why I’m back early and why I’m staying so long and stuff. She’s the one who said, ‘I may not have loved your idea of it, but I see how much you love it.’ She goes, ‘I watch and I see. You shine out there and you are so good. Please don’t give up now. Don’t give up when you’re almost there because you’ll regret it the rest of your life.'”
“She goes, ‘I never went after the things that I love. A lot of us don’t even have the courage to do it, and you had the courage to go do that. Please don’t give up now. Just see it through. If they let you go, they let you go. You can do a million other things, but don’t quit. Don’t quit on it.’ And I was like, ‘okay.’ That’s really what it was, my mom.”
Mercedes Moné’s Journey To Free Agency
“I’m excited for her. I’ve said this, the world is her oyster. She can literally do whatever she wants. I think any company would benefit from having her on their roster. She is a star. The fact that she doesn’t need to be on a roster because she could go act or she could go do a lot of things, it shows that she has a genuine passion for wrestling and she’s great.”
“I’ve never had a singles match with Sasha [Banks] and I would really, really love to have a singles match with Mercedes. We could just book it at my house [in the barn]. I’ll send her the address. I’ll set up the ring.”
“I love her. I have so much love and respect for her, I do. I think she’s incredible. I’m excited to watch her journey, I really am. I’m excited too, because I feel she has an opportunity now to do it her way, and she wanted to do a lot of things, and now she gets to go do them, and she can go test herself against whoever she wants to and show up everywhere. That’s what I hope, she shows up everywhere. Come on over to IMPACT!”
Memories With Jay Briscoe
“I remember the Briscoes and it’s been so great to see them back, even like when they came to NWA or when they came to IMPACT and just seeing them back out in the scene. But I’ve known those guys since they were kids, since early Ring of Honor days. Obviously one of the greatest tag teams that’s ever been and them being brothers, I think really helped that because they just knew each other better than anybody else. To watch them, it was so seamless and beautiful and just perfect.”
“It was devastating [when Jay passed away]. I think it affected the whole wrestling community because you saw people from every company talking about it because this is a very full circle — wrestling is a very small circle sometimes, and we all have to go through the same places and through the climb up the same ladders together. You cross paths with a lot of people. Those friendships and those brotherhoods that you make along the way, you don’t forget those.”
“Even though we’re separated, doesn’t mean that they’re not important to us. I think that it’s sad. It’s really, really sad because he was so young and I feel like he had so much of a career left for him, but also he’s leaving his kids behind and his wife. It’s just devastating.”
“I just lost my brother, my oldest brother, not too long ago in a car accident. So, it was obviously it was a reminder about that. I called my family a lot and kind of spent the time some time home with D (her son) a little bit to reset. Who I’m feeling for is not just his wife and his kids, but his brother. They’ve been a tag team their whole lives. Not just in wrestling, their whole lives they’ve been a team. I’m sure there’s a bit of — I don’t know how he’s feeling right now and especially how he’s feeling about wrestling, but just I hope he is okay. It’s sad. It’s really sad. It’s sad, too, because I’m like, ‘God, that still felt like there’s so much more they could have done.'”
The Jan. 19 episode of Impact Wrestling aired on AXS TV at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.
The main event saw “Speedball” Mike Bailey take on Kenny King in a Pit Fight match. The event also had Knockout World Champion Mickie James discuss her title win over Jordynne Grace at Hard to Kill on Jan. 13. This week’s episode also aired on their Youtube channel for Impact Insider subscribers. Impact Wrestling offers a monthly subscription to watch weekly episodes on Youtube for $1.49.
If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.
• NEW Knockouts World Champion Mickie James opens the show! • Deonna Purrazzo is in action • Wilde vs Killer Kelly • Dreamer’s exclusive interview w/ Dave LaGreca • PIT FIGHT – Bailey vs King#IMPACTWrestlingpic.twitter.com/BPFwd0vSQO
The show opened with an opening graphic paying tribute to Jay Briscoe. It transitioned to a video package recapping Hard to Kill from Jan. 13.
Mickie James Kicks Off Impact Wrestling
Mickie James came out to address the crowd. As she was thanking the crowd for their support, Bully Ray came out to interrupt her. Both James and Ray got into a back-and-forth on the microphone until Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans interrupted them. Steelz and Evans attacked James, with Ray looking under the ring for a weapon. However, they were stopped by Grace and Frankie Kazarian, who aided James. Santino Marella came out to the ring but got interrupted by WCW legend Ernest “The Cat” Miller. Miller suggested that Marella make a six-person tag team match with James, Grace, and Kazarian against Steelz, Evans, and Ray. After a short back and forth with Ray, Marella made the match happen right away.
Mickie James, Jordynne Grace, and Frankie Kazarian defeated Bully Ray, Tasha Steelz, and Savannah Evans.
Grace and Evans started the match. The exchange moves until Grace gets the better of Evans with a scoop slam. Grace goes over to confront Ray, but Evans attacks her from behind. Evans takes control of the match until James tags in. James takes offense at Evans until she overpowers her. James counters with a hurricanrana that staggers Evans. As James runs towards the ropes on her opponent’s side, she gets attacked from behind by Ray.
Ray, Evans, and Steelz take control of the match with James in the ring. James gets the tag to Grace as her team takes control of the match. Ray eventually leaves the match, leaving Evans and Steelz by themselves. James gets the pin on Steelz to win for her team.
After the match, Masha Slamovich came to the ring to have a stare-down with James to set up a future match.
Marella and Miller had a backstage segment. Marella announced a Golden 6 Shooter match (six-man battle Royal) to determine the next challenger for Impact World Champion Josh Alexander next week. The match’s participants will be Moose, Eddie Edwards, Sami Callihan, Rich Swann, Rhino, and Chris Sabin. For tonight’s episode, he also made a match between Steve Maclin and Dirty Dango.
Both Kelly and Wilde lock up to start the match. However, Wilde gets the better of Kelly. Wilde landed a suplex and transitioned to a guillotine on her opponent. Kelly gets out of the hold and takes control of the match. The end of the match comes after Kelly locks in the Killer Clutch submission to win by tap out.
We get a backstage segment with The Design demanding that Callihan win the Six Shooter match or else there would be consequences.
Maclin starts off the match strong against Dango. He tries to do a sunset flip, but Dango punches Maclin and lands a leg drop. Dango tries to gain offense in the match, but Maclin takes control quickly. Maclin dominates Dango for several minutes until Dango hits a back suplex on his opponent.
Dango fires up, and it seems like he can win the match. He lands a falcon arrow and tries to climb the top rope, but Maclin rolls out of the ring. Dango tried a tornado DDT outside the ring, but Maclin countered the move. Maclin wins the match after landing the KIA on Dango.
Tommy Dreamer has a segment with Sirius XM Busted Open Co-host David LaGreca to discuss his issues with Ray. LaGreca tries to fix the relationship between Dreamer and Ray, but Dreamer refuses.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey Defeated Kenny King in a Pit Fight Match
Bailey tries to give a fist bump to King but gets ignored. The match begins with both wrestlers throwing feints at each other until Bailey takes King down. King fights off his back and tries to get up, but Bailey takes his back. King gets eventually gets up but gets arm dragged out of the ring.
He gets back in the ring and sweeps Bailey’s leg to get him down. King pushes Bailey out of the ring and kicks him in the face as he tries to reenter. King beats down his opponent outside the ring and attempts a triangle choke when Bailey gets back in the ring. Bailey gets out of the choke and tries to land an offense but gets countered quickly. King dominated the match for several minutes and busted Bailey open. He stays in control until Bailey lands a push kick that knocks King out of the ring.
Bailey takes over the match landing several kicks. He puts King in an armbar but gets slammed by his opponent. Bailey regains control of the match with his kicks until King catches his leg and lands a dragon screw that sends Bailey to the outside. Bailey took back control as the match seemed to be going in King’s favor. He beats up King until the referee has to stop the match.
Mickie James’ career lives on, and the wrestling veteran has now added another reign as Knockouts World Champion to her impressive resume.
In the main event of the show, James dethroned Jordynne Grace to start off her fifth reign as Knockouts Champion.
The finish saw Grace lock in a sleeper on the veteran, who slammed Grace into the ring post to break the hold, and leveled her with a tornado DDT to become the new champion.
Speaking backstage after the match, James spoke about the odds being stacked against her going into Hard to Kill.
In September of last year, James kicked off her Last Rodeo, vowing to retire from wrestling the next time she lost a match in pursuit of the Impact Knockouts World Championship.
The list of opponents James has defeated in that time includes Mia Yim, Taylor Wilde, and Gisele Shaw, among others.
What’s Next?
Masha Slamovich became the number one contender for the Impact Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill.
Mickie James’ career continues on, but the new Impact Knockouts World Champion will soon face a mammoth challenge.
Hard to Kill also saw Masha Slamovich become the new number-one contender for the Knockouts title, winning a fatal four-way.
Slamovich demolished Deonna Purrazzo, Taylor Wilde, and Killer Kelly to earn a spot at James.
Impact Wrestling has yet to confirm when their title match will take place.
Slamovich debuted for Impact Wrestling in June 2019, but it was only after impressing Impact Wrestling official (and Hall of Famer) Gail Kim) that she was offered a contract in 2021.
Results
Here are the results for Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill 2023.
[PRE-SHOW] Kushida defeated Angels, Delirious, ”Speedball” Mike Bailey, Mike Jackson and Yuya Uemura by submission
[PRE-SHOW] Impact X-Division Champion Trey Miguel (c) defeated Black Taurus by pinfall (title match)
Impact World Champion Josh Alexander (c) defeated Bully Ray by submission (Full Metal Mayhem. Title Match.)
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) (c) defeated Heath and Rhino, The Major Players (Brian Myers and Matt Cardona) and Bullet Club (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) by pinfall (Fatal Four-Way. Title Match)
Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry (c) defeated Moose by pinfall (Title Match)
Masha Slamovich defeated Deonna Purrazzo, Killer Kelly, and Taylor Wilde by pinfall (Number One Contenders Match)
Steve Maclin defeated Rich Swann by pinfall (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Eddie Edwards defeated Jonathan Gresham by pinfall
Mickie James defeated Jordynne Grace (c) by pinfall (Title Change)
It’s all settling in for Mickie James. The legendary women’s wrestler has battled top talent on Impact Wrestling in a series of matches dubbed the ‘“’Last Rodeo’”’ in recent months. Often these in-ring experiences have been trips down memory lane for “Hardcore Country.”
Among them was facing Mia Yim at this stage of her career. It got her thinking about working with a fellow veteran early on in Maryland Championship Wrestling and the opportunities given as a young talent.
After putting all the blood, sweat, and tears into her body of work it comes down to the aptly titled Impact Wrestling pay-per-view Hard to Kill on January 13. There the future Hall of Famer challenges Knockouts champ Jordynne Grace in a title versus career battle.
James tells us it was around the NWA EmPowerrr show that the wheels were put in motion for this current run. One that sees the 43-year-old come full circle returning to Impact Wrestling. A home for her at different points dates back to Alexis Laree in Raven’s The Gathering during those early TNA days.
“I didn’t anticipate I was going to come back and be a full-time part of the roster in the first place,” James tells us in an interview. “I think after I lost the championship and the conversation with Tommy Dreamer too. I was like, ‘Tommy I don’t know what I can do. I’ve done so much and been really fortunate to do so much. If I go out, I want to go out on top of my game and not overstay my welcome and not stay too long or when I’m on the downward spiral on my career…’”
She wants to put a bow on things by riding out the old-school way. Working her way up on the grind against a mix of talent including Hyan, Gisele Shaw, Taylor Wilde, and Deonna Purrazzo.
“I wanted to prove that not only I’m the best in the locker room but the best ever. And if I can’t do that I don’t belong here anymore. And then I’m okay with that.”
– Mickie James
The challenger is excited to test her mettle against the imposing Grace. James has upped training ahead of the marquee main event and studied tape. Not only of Grace but a fellow powerhouse in Beth Phoenix.
“I’ve never faced Jordynne before,” James said. “She is probably one of the hardest-hitting women in wrestling. I can probably just say hardest say in wrestling, and it would be accurate.”
Thoughts on Retirement
If James walks out the gold, her mindset is it would be the start of one last reign at the top. Although the word “retire” in wrestling is admittedly a difficult pill to swallow.
“Wrestling is s drug for us,” James said. “Once it’s in our blood, it it’s hard to escape it. There is no better feeling you get than when you’re out there performing in front of people. I never wanted to outstay my welcome. I always want to go out on top and to a place in my career where I was still putting on great matches…I didn’t want to just fade off into the sunset but go out in a blaze of glory.”
With her in-ring career one way or another coming to an end, she is weighing options. The former multi-time champ would enjoy working behind the scenes and as a coach to help performers with their character development.
Along with other projects, James would also like to focus on keeping the memory of her grandma’s horse farm alive by finding generational horses. Her son Donovan would certainly enjoy seeing mom at home more. For James, Impact is a special place because it gave her the family she has today. It was the place she got together for her now husband Nick Aldis.
“I’m excited for Nick because he is a free agent,” she said. “He has a lot of options…Maybe it’s time for me to step back so he can have those opportunities because I’ve had a pretty incredible career.”
James is proud of the evolution of Impact’s Knockouts. She just wishes the company had more visibility as it continues to grow back its fanbase.
“We have some of the best wrestlers in the world. We have definitely the strongest female roster that one can ever imagine,” James said. “They are getting opportunities like the first-ever Ultimate X match or the Last Knockout Standing and all the things…I don’t know if it’s about that as much as I would love for more people to be able to see it and watch it. I think if more people saw it, they will see how great it is.”
When comes to summing up her career and Impact Wrestling story, it comes down to one hope. For the small-town girl who lived her dream, it comes down to being remembered.
“I just want the women to keep thriving and to have made a difference. Hopefully, I’ve done that. And to be honored on the way out on a positive note.”
Catch Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill on Pay-Per-View and FITE TV at 8 p.m. ET on January 13
World of Sport may soon be back on screens in the UK with some high-profile talent as part of the promotion.
The show first debuted on ITV in 1965, and covered many sports in the UK, including Soccer, Horse Racing and wrestling.
In 2018, over two decades after the final episode, World of Sport was brought back exclusively as a wrestling promotion.
The Revival
2018’s World of Sport Wrestling did not last long, as the show featured 10 episodes and was not renewed by ITV, making the September 29, episode the final broadcast.
When Inside the Ropes recently spoke to sources close to World of Sport, they were told that there are aspirations for the show to be revived for the second time in the UK.
Their report adds that there is a “number of different approaches” on the table, including a style similar to the NWA.
This would see World of Sport run low-cost, free-to-air television shows from a studio, alongside live events.
This style proved to be effective during the Covid-19 Pandemic due to the lower risk of infection compared to having arenas filled with fans.
Aldis and James
If World of Sport Wrestling is to relaunch, they’ll need a big name, and that could be Nick Aldis.
The two-time former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Aldis recently announced his intention to leave the NWA, and has been vocal about his issues with Billy Corgan.
Sources from World of Sport said that there has been communication between themselves and Aldis, and that the Brit’s wife Mickie James is also interested in getting involved.
James is currently enjoying her ‘Last Rodeo’ with IMPACT Wrestling, having announced back in September that she will retire after her next defeat.
Nick Aldis’ relationship with the NWA reportedly soured quickly after the ‘disrespect’ shown to his wife Mickie James by Billy Corgan.
Within the last week, Aldis has confirmed that he intends to leave the NWA when his contract expires in January 2023.
Aldis, a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, has been a top star of the promotion since its revival in 2017.
He has since been suspended and pulled from the upcoming NWA Hard Times Pay-Per-View.
Disrespect
Aldis was once the prized star of the NWA, even taking a pay-cut during the Pandemic, but the relationship between the two sides has soured quickly.
According to a report from Fightful Select, this hostility is partly due to what Aldis perceived as disrespect at his wife shown by Corgan.
It’s reported that Corgan was disrespectful towards Mickie James in the lead-up and following NWA Empowerrr, the promotion’s first all-female event which James did a lot of work for.
Aldis and the NWA chose not to speak about the matter publicly due to the British wrestler’s spot as a top name in the NWA.
Other Complaints
Aldis feels that Corgan has been disrespectful to the women of the NWA, and he’s hardly alone.
Fightful’s report added that “several women who have regularly appeared in NWA” have felt disrespected.
Corgan, as well as reigning NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch, have questioned whether the NWA’s women’s division has enough depth to warrant a second Empowerrr show.
Aldis is expected to make media appearances later this week to address the matter further.
A source who spoke to Fightful confirmed that this situation is not a work and “has been brewing for quite some time.”
Mickie James has been wrestling for years and has had success in multiple promotions.
In 2005, James made her WWE TV debut as the obsessed fan of Trish Stratus, who would later betray the Canadian Hall of Famer to win her first Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 22.
James would go on to become a five-time WWE Women’s Champion, one-time Divas Champion and is also a four-time Impact Wrestling Knockouts World Champion.
Done in the Ring
After years of appearing on TV in various promotions, Mickie James has seemingly confirmed her retirement from wrestling.
James hasn’t wrestled since the July 14, 2022, episode of Impact Wrestling, where she lost to Chelsea Green.
Following the bout, James noted that she was ‘going home’ in a backstage segment.
Recently, it was rumored that James would be making a return to WWE to be part of the ongoing WWE Women’s Tag Tem Championships tournament.
Responding to a fan in a tweet, James not only denied any involvement with the tournament or WWE, but hinted that she is retired from in-ring competition.
James may be done as an in-ring wrestler, but there are still roles for her in the wrestling world.
In June 2019, James suffered an injury in WWE and would spend time working as a commentator on WWE Main Event and in NXT.
On the June 8, 2021 episode of NWA Powerrr, James announced that she would be working as an executive producer for the first all-female event NWA EmPowerrr.
Deonna Purrazzo prided herself on being a double champion. She held the ROH and AAA Women’s titles simultaneously and would issue the “Champ Champ Challenge” where she put either her Reina de Reinas title or ROH’s signature gold on the line.
She lost her AAA Reina de Reinas title at Rebellion on April 23 to Taya Valkyrie, which ended her reign at 252 days.
When SESoops’ Ella Jay caught up with “The Virtuosa” at WrestleCon, they discussed this and more.
You can watch our exclusive interview with Deonna Purrazzo below:
Below are some highlights of the interview:
On Chelsea Green
Deonna Purrazzo was asked who she thinks is the biggest surprise to step up to the plate recently. She named Chelsea Green.
“You know, what, I’m gonna have to say Chelsea [Green] was the biggest surprise. When I talked about this, we know her arm wasn’t really broken, whether she and I are in cahoots or not. No one will ever know. But, yeah, it was a surprise to see your best friend come out there. Always. And then, the three-way I think, you know, I put myself in a predicament where I could have lost, but I am The Virtuosa, and I said it on Impact when you mess with the bull you get the goddamn horns!”
Purrazzo also said that she would pick Chelsea Green as her tag team partner if she were to go after the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championships.
Purrazzo was also asked about her thoughts on the turn of events with Mickie and Chelsea:
“You know what? I know Mickie’s your number one, but I will say that I obviously saw this coming. Mickie is selfish, Mickie wants what Mickie wants and doesn’t want to give to anyone else and that’s just who she is. And you know, what, if she wants to live her life like that. That’s fine. But when people are giving the way Chelsea and I are giving you get fed up really quick. And that’s what happens.”
On Being A Champ Champ Champ
The Champ Champ.
Purrazzo held two championships at the same time – Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide’s Reina de Reinas Championship, and Ring of Honor’s Women’s World Championship. She lost the former to Taya Valkyrie on April 23 at Rebellion. But when she held the two titles, she called herself “The Champ Champ”. Purrazzo is also a two-time Knockouts Champion. She was asked if we will ever see “The Champ Champ Champ” era.
“I’d be the Champ Champ Champ. Yeah. Absolutely. I think there’s just this like an innate thing in all of us Knockouts that you want to be The Knockouts Champion. If you don’t want to be a champion in wrestling, you should not be in wrestling. So, of course, I have my eye on Miss Tasha Steelz. Tasha and I have a long history together. I don’t want to say it’s trainer-trainee, but it’s kind of like that, that dynamic is a little bit like that. So, you know, I was so proud that she won, but at the same time, I want to kick her ass and break her arm and get my Championship back.”
Losing To Mickie James
Mickie James and Deonna Purrazzo at Hard To Kill.
At Hard To Kill, Mickie James defeated Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas Deathmatch to retain the Impact Knockouts Championship. Purrazzo was asked what is her response to James sitting on the chair looking at her, and where she wants to go after this chapter is closed.
“You go on and you win more championships like I did. No, on a serious note, this underlying story that we didn’t really talk too much about of me being The Virtuosa, this evil queen that has the hold on The Knockouts championship for so long. And it was like, who’s finally gonna dethrone her? And I think the symbolism in the table being on me. There are chairs and Mickie sitting on top of me was really the perfect ending to my chapter in that time of my life.”
Thoughts On Texas
WrestleCon took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Purrazzo was asked what she liked about the state, and she quickly responded she loved the Texan accent. She also added that she’s had some of the best Mexican food there.
“Ooh, I say y’all all the time. So I love that everyone here and just it feels natural to be it down in Dallas and just be like, ‘sup y’all?’ like everyone is like you lost the Jersey in you, you say y’all? But I said y’all, when I lived in Jersey and where I’m from in Jersey is not the city Jersey. So I love that everyone has an accent and I’ve had the best Mexican food possible for lunch and dinner last night. So, the food is good.”
Purrazzo announced that she is engaged to fellow New Jersey native Steve Maclin in February 2022. She recalled how when wrestling at JCW a few weeks ago, the crowd chanted “Mr. Purrazo” at him.
Mickie James’ participation in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble was significant in many ways. It marked the first time a reigning champion from Impact Wrestling competed on WWE programming.
The latest WWE 24 documentary takes an inside look at this year’s Rumble. WWE has released bonus footage from the show featuring backstage footage of James’ experience at the event.
Mickie James said she’s excited and grateful to be welcomed back to WWE with open arms. The last time she was at a WWE event was WrestleMania 37 weekend. She was released shortly after WrestleMania.
Even though Ronda Rousey was the last woman standing at the end of the Royal Rumble, it was still a very special night for James.
“No matter what, everybody wins.”
– Mickie James
Kofi Kingston said the Royal Rumble brings a special level excitement each year, but having a champion from another promotion enter the Women’s Rumble was really something unique.
James said it felt great to create history one more time and hear the WWE Universe react to her so warmly. She didn’t think she’d be back in WWE, but felt the love that fateful night.
Former WWE star Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox) has provided a health update as she prepares to return to the ring.
Newell was called up to the main roster on Jul. 9, 2021, along with Shotzi Blackheart. She was only given a few opportunities to compete before wrestling her final SmackDown match on August 20th of last year.
She suffered three ACL tears in her WWE career that sidelined her significantly. It’s unclear if Newell’s injuries during her run resulted in the company’s decision to release her on Nov. 18, 2021.
During an interview with Chris Denker, Nixon Newell admitted that she is the happiest she’s been since getting released from WWE. While she is ready to compete again, she is really enjoying the time off being a traveling pro wrestler.
“I miss wrestling,” said Newell. “I really miss being in front of the fans. I miss building a bond with the fans throwing myself around, but it’s been nice to give my body a little bit of time off after wrestling for ten years, almost non-stop, even when I was in rehab,” said Newell.
She continued, “I was still working every day doing hard stuff, so for ten years, my body just being like I f*cking hate you, you stop listening to me. The last 90 days, I think I’ve been in the ring three times, and it’s been great, but my body is needed to relax recharge like build yourself up, and it’s been bloody lovely, but I do miss wrestling, and I’m hoping I can figure something out.” She also shared that her knee is healed and doesn’t need a knee brace.
Where Does Newell Want to Wrestle?
As a free agent, Newell has an opportunity to sign or wrestle with any wrestling promotion. While she isn’t sure where she’ll wrestle, Newell named several wrestlers from All Elite Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
“…There’s so many people from so many different companies that I want to work with. I’d like to work with Ruby Soho again. We’ve done some stuff on the indies and Chikara, which was so much fun. She’s one of my favorite people to be in the ring with,” said Newell.
She continued, “I’d like to actually have time with Deonna to longer than three minutes, including entrances. I’d like to do stuff with her, Chelsea Green, Mickie James, Serena Deeb, Taylor Wilde. I have such a huge list of people I want to work with from not just Impact or AEW, but worldwide.”
Her 90 days non-compete clause ended on Feb. 18. Stay tuned to see if Nixon Newell shows up in AEW, Impact, or elsewhere.
Mickie James has one person to thank for convincing her to sign with Impact Wrestling.
Mickie was briefly featured on Impact Wrestling when the company was called “TNA Wrestling” from 2002-2003. She then signed with WWE where she gained notoriety before being released in 2010.
Kurt Angle Brings Mickie James Back To Impact
(via WWE)
During an appearance on The Kurt Angle Show, Mickie James revealed that she wasn’t too keen on returning to Impact in 2010 before Kurt Angle kept ringing her phone.
“You know, there would probably be no Hardcore Country if it wasn’t for Kurt Angle. We go back to when I first came to Impact, well TNA at the time, and I wasn’t gonna come and I didn’t — remember Dixie had you call me multiple times to talk me into coming to Impact Wrestling at the time.
“It was pretty incredible and this is all thanks to Kurt Angle, right? Because he talked me into coming over there when I was like, ‘I’m so sad about wrestling. I don’t wanna wrestle anymore, I can’t believe it.’ So, I really appreciate that, Kurt. I really do.”
Mickie ended up returning to Impact Wrestling in 2010 and was able to bring the “Hardcore Country” character to life. Mickie returned to WWE in 2016 and was once again released by the organization in 2021.
