While Mickie James served as an executive producer for NWA’s all-women EmPowerrr PPV, she is still a free agent according to president Billy Corgan. The wrestling promotion posted a video of Corgan chatting with the former women’s champion on their YouTube channel ahead of their historic PPV this Saturday night.

During the interview, the NWA president revealed James’ status with the promotion. Billy Corgan claimed that Mickie has not signed a talent deal with his company:

“What people don’t understand is that Mickie James is a free agent. Our deal here with the NWA is Mickie’s coming in to co-promote this event, and we will be co-promoters on this event. But, you have not signed a talent deal with the NWA.

And that is not a work, that’s straight-up shoot. Because that is what you want. and as her friend, I said ‘I think that makes sense’. because you should have all the power and you should do as you wish and what’s best for your family”

• Awesome Kong Announces Retirement From Wrestling On NWA EmPowerrr

The female star was released from her WWE contract back in April this year. She made her NWA debut in June and was announced as the executive producer for NWA’s first-ever all-female event.

This revelation makes things interesting as it means that James is free to do other things after tonight’s EmPowerrr event. We will have to wait and see if she continues her relationship with the company after this or shows up at a different promotion.

Impact Wrestling on 8/26 featured the Good Brothers vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann in the main event, Mickie James was there to promote NWA Empowerrr this weekend, and Christian Cage returned to the Impact Zone.

Impact Wrestling 8/26 Quick Results:

1. Chris Sabin defeated Sami Callihan
2. Chris Bey defeated David Finlay
3. The Influence (Tenille Dashwood, Madison Rayne, & Kaleb with a K) defeated Taylor Wilde
4. Willie Mack & Rich Swann defeated The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)

Chris Sabin Beats Sami Callihan

The opener this week saw two of the promotion’s top-ranked singles wrestlers and former world champions go one-on-one as Chris Sabin faced Sami Callihan. Sabin somehow found the strength to kick out after Callihan hit him with a curb stomp and piledriver. Shortly after, Callihan just barely got his shoulder up on a pin attempt. He probably shouldn’t have taken a moment to confirm with the referee that it was only a 2-count, however, as Sabin quickly hit his Cradle Shock finish for the win after.

After the match, Moose attacked and was about to inflict more damage on Callihan when Eddie Edwards made the save.

Deonna Purrazzo, Melina, & Mickie James Build To NWA Empowerrr

The Knockouts title will be on the line this weekend from St. Louis. Deonna Purrazzo will face Melina on the NWA Empowerrr show Saturday night. The Virtuosa and Mickie James came face to face this week, with James warning the champion not to underestimate Melina. She reminded Purrazzo that she will not have Drama King Matt’s help at Empowerrr like she did at Emergence. Purrazzo attacked James but Melina and Trey Miguel came out for the save.

Chris Bey Defeats David Finlay

David Finlay was likely wanting some revenge against Bullet Club here after dropping his match against Jay White at NJPW Resurgence recently. After a competitive and action-filled match, Bey rolled up Finlay and gained leverage by putting his feet on the ropes for the win.

Christian Cage Returns To The Impact Zone

Christian Cage returned to the Impact Zone this week. His next challenger for the title will be Ace Austin at Victory Road but Christian sounded quite confident that the former X-Division Champion doesn’t represent a significant threat to his title. Tommy Dreamer then came out and let Christian know that he wants to face him down the line but plans on earning his opportunity first. Ace Austin and Madman Fulton then came out and a melee ensued between the 4 men.

Later in the show, Scott D’Amore announced that next week Ace Austin will face Tommy Dreamer in singles action. If Dreamer wins, he’ll be added to the match at Victory Road.

Eric Young Blames Rhino For Loss At Emergence

Rhino took the pin at Emergence, costing his Violent By Design faction a chance to regain the Impact tag-team titles. Eric Young was not happy about this. A vignette aired this week featuring Young telling Rhino he needs to cleanse him in the holy waters of change.

Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering Come To Taylor Wilde’s Rescue

Taylor Wilde had a tough task this week. She faced all 3 members of The Influence, Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb (With a K) Konley. Although Wilde got in some offence, she was eventually hit with a Spotlight Kick and pinned. After the match, the 3 Instagram-savvy wrestlers kept up the attack on Wilde until former tag champs Rachael Ellering and Jordynne Grace made the save.

Su Yung & Kimber Lee Take Brandi Lauren’s Soul

Brandi Lauren was being interviewed in the back when things took a turn. The lighting changed and it became clear that Su Yung and the now somewhat demonic Kimber Lee were going to attack. Gia Miller exclaimed that they needed to get out of there but it was too late. Kimber gave Lauren the mandible claw and took her into a room with Yung to end the segment.

Willie Mack & Rich Swann Beat The Tag Champs

Willie Mack and Rich Swann have likely earned a future shot at the Impact tag team championships after defeating the champs in non-title action this week. After a competitive match, Swann countered Karl Anderson’s Gun Stun into a pinning combination and got the 3-count. The Good Brothers were not good sports about the loss. They attacked Swann and Mack after the match. They tossed Swann into the steel post and gave Mack a Magic Killer before power-bombing him through a table. The Good Brothers stood tall to end the show despite losing the main event.

Coming Up In Impact Wrestling

Next Week:

• Tommy Dreamer vs Ace Austin (If Dreamer wins, he’s added to the world title match at Victory Road)
• The Influence (Tenille Dashwood, Madison Rayne, & Kaleb with a K) vs Taylor Wilde, Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering
• Rohit Raju & Shera vs Matt Cardona & Chelsea Green
• X-Division Championship
  Josh Alexander Open Challenge

Victory Road (September 18th)

• Impact World Championship
  Christian Cage (c) vs Ace Austin

Since leaving WWE, Mickie James has been a woman on the rise. Yet to get back into the ring in an active capacity, she has wasted no time in continuing her trailblazing role behind the scenes.

Much has been made about her involvement in the upcoming NWA PPV Empowerrr. The first all-female PPV in NWA history. Mickie James is acting as a producer for the event. She also confirmed that she will not be performing in order to give other women the chance to shine.

Talking during an appearance on the Shining Wizards podcast, Mickie James spoke about how she set about scouting for the show. Wanting to focus on lesser-known talent and those that have not had a steady push.

“I really had to be cognizant of the fact of, you know, who the girls that were all wrestling on [AEW] Dark matches, or different things, you know?… Because I did say that I wanted to give new women opportunities – women who you haven’t necessarily seen, and sometimes you see the same women – not that they don’t deserve it and they’re getting those opportunities for a reason. But you get to see a lot of the same girls show up everywhere…but not really get pushed per se. So I was like, well, here’s a cool opportunity for me to not only define the NWA women’s roster and to start hand kind of selecting and start really seeing who’s going to be in the NWA women’s locker room as a whole.” Mickie James explained.

Mickie James Wants to Help Build the Next Generation of Female NWA Stars

For Mickie James, the Empowerrr PPV is about more than just putting female wrestlers in the spotlight for one night. It is about building up the next generation of female wrestlers. Giving them a stage where they get the attention they deserve.

Mickie James has been a pioneer in women’s wrestling since day one. No matter where she has gone in her career, she has represented women’s wrestling and pushed boundaries in what can be done.

During her career, Mickie James has won 23 different titles across numerous promotions. She is held in high regard by those in the industry. Outside of wrestling, she has earned a degree in Business Administration. This has no doubt helped tremendously in her transition to a more backstage focused role in NWA.

Billy Corgan believes that Mickie James played a crucial role in repairing the relationship between NWA and Impact Wrestling.

The “Forbidden Door” has taken on a life of its own. While the phrase began to hint at Hiroshi Tanahashi of NJPW challenging Chris Jericho for the AEW Championship, other promotions have joined in on the fun over the past year. NWA and Impact Wrestling in particular have been enjoying success through cross-promotion.

When Corgan was ousted from Impact Wrestling and went on to take over NWA, any thought of cross-promotion between the two companies seemed out of the question. Things have changed, however, and Corgan told the folks at The Battleground Podcast that Mickie deserves props.

“Well I think it’s all credit to Mickie, you know, she was the one that had the relationships to go back and kind of reopen that door, which from my end was closed due to some business stuff that had gone on. Then, Pat Kenney, who works behind the scenes in talent relations, has a long-standing relationship with people in IMPACT. I think it just kind of mended the fence and we found some business to do together and they’ve been a great partner in this.

“Obviously, Deonna Purrazzo’s gonna be on the pay-per-view, and it’s a real honor. Let’s not forget, I worked for that championship, so that championship means a lot to me. So to have it on an NWA show is a great honor and it’s a tribute to everybody involved to help put it together. Because, I think it’s now very obvious, you know, everybody calls it the forbidden door, but I’ve been saying it for years, you know, the future of the wrestling business is really great people working together, putting together these Supercards.”

NWA will be running an all-women’s PPV event on Saturday night (Aug. 28). The PPV will feature an NWA Women’s World Title match and an Impact Wrestling Knockouts Title match. New NWA Women’s Tag Team Champions will also be crowned through a tournament.

Mickie James will serve as the executive producer for NWA Empowerrr.

When the NWA presents Empowerrr from the Chase in St. Louis on August 28th, it will be headlined by the Women’s Invitational Cup. Mickie James recently released the rules for the competition on Twitter.

“Rules of the 1st EVER NWA Women’s Invitational are simple,” James Tweeted.
10 women have been selected by myself & my team of advisors. The Top 10 Women we think would & could make incredible Women’s Champions to compete in the main event of Empowerrr to become not only the 1st cup holder but will then go on to Face the NWA Women’s Champion the very next night for a chance at #TheBurke on NWA 73″

James also mentioned that the NWA Women’s World Championship (aka The Burke) will be on the line at Empowerrr. Kamille will defend the title against Leyla Hirsch, who earned the right after defeating The Bunny last week on AEW Dynamite.

James continued to explain the rules of the Women’s Invitational.

“2 women will start. Order to be determined by myself & my badass team! Madusa, Gail Kim, and Jazz.”

“Every 2 minutes a new woman enters. Eliminations only by Pinfall or Submission. There will ONLY be 1 winner annually.”

Confirmed Entrants In The Women’s Invitational Cup

Entrants already confirmed for the match include:

1. Chelsea Green
2. Lady Frost
3. Debbie Malenko
4. Bianca Carelli
5. Tootie Lynn
6. Jamie Senegal

Also confirmed for the show will be a 4-team tag-team tournament, Deonna Purrazzo defending the Knockouts title against Melina and Kamille vs Leyla Hirsch.

Mickie James invited Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo to the NWA Empowerrr PPV at Slammiversary. On Impact this week, Gail Kim revealed that she is the one who sent James out to offer the invite to the Virtuosa. In a video posted to Impact’s social media, James has now invited Gail Kim to be a part of NWA Empowerrr as well.

It’s not clear what role Gail Kim will play for the show. James only asks her for her help with the show, not necessarily to wrestle. Kim came out of retirement for one match in 2019. She wrestled Tessa Blanchard at the Impact Rebellion PPV from her hometown of Toronto that year.

NWA Empowerrr will take place from the Khorassan Ballroom At The Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis on August 28th. The NWA will present its 73rd Anniversary show from the same venue the following night.

“It’s pretty amazing because we’re going to we’re going to kick it off and we’re going to set the bar and hopefully for the rest of the weekend,” James said at a press conference in St. Louis earlier this month.

“There’s so much stuff, happening from Fan Fest, to the women’s show empowered, to NWA 73, and the two television tapings. It’s going to be an incredible four days.”

The past 18 months have had a huge impact on the professional wrestling scene internationally. Stars that would usually travel for much of the year have now had to work either local shows or be forced to semi-retire for the foreseeable future.

With the potential of the pandemic now getting to a somewhat controlled point, with vaccines being rolled out across the major hubs of independent wrestling, there’s a good chance that some of the biggest names on the indie scene will be able to work internationally once again.

Here are 5 of the names we want to see making the rounds again on the US, European and Australian scenes towards the end of the year and into 2022.

Chris Hero returns to the Indies?

Before Chris Hero re-signed with WWE back in 2017 as Kassius Ohno, he was regarded as one of the very best performers on the independent circuit. The Knockout Artist moved to NXT UK during his last stint with WWE, and he has a wealth of experience on the UK scene overall.

Chris Hero has not wrestled since March 2020 for the NXT UK brand, so a return to the UK independents, where he was a major star for PROGRESS and Rev Pro, would be more than welcome later this year.

Match we NEED to see: Chris Hero vs PROGRESS World Champion Cara Noir

Chelsea Green

The former WWE NXT Superstar was released from the company earlier this year and has been extremely active on social media. Recent appearances on Ring of Honor and IMPACT have shown that she is more than ready to get back out on the circuit, and there’s a ton of fantastic independent companies that could use the talents of Green.

GCW looks like it could be a great fit for Chelsea at some point; with her fiance Matt Cardona having just won the Game Changer Wrestling title, she could be brought in as part of a ‘GCW Universe’ stable to bring even more heat to the jacked Champion.

Match we NEED to see: Chelsea Green vs Mickie James

Charli Evans

The Medusa Complex (Charli Evans and NXT UK Superstar Millie McKenzie) were one of the most intriguing acts on the UK independent scene before the pandemic. McKenzie has since signed for WWE; however, Charli Evans is still an incredible performer in her own right. The Australian star has helped build PWA Black Label, Deathmatch Down Under and Newcastle Pro Wrestling in 2021.

There’s still a wealth of opportunities for Evans on the UK circuit, with the former Pro Wrestling: EVE Tag Team Champion (along with Millie) looking like an ideal fit for the next generation of UK talents such as Lizzy Evo, Kanji, Gisele Shaw and Mercedez Blaze.

Match we NEED to see: Charli Evans vs PROGRESS Women’s Champion Kanji

Drew Parker

Drew Parker was a promising UK performer when he made the jump to Japan. That was several years ago, and the Deathmatch specialist has proven that the expectation levels were right for the current GCW Ultraviolent and BJW Death Match Heavyweight Champion.

There is a renaissance of Deathmatch wrestling across the globe (although we Deathmatch fans would say it never went away). Parker could be a mainstay with the likes of TNT Wrestling in the UK, who have a wealth of Deathmatch talent on their roster and seem to be cornering the market on the style in the United Kingdom.

Match we NEED to see: Drew Parker vs TNT Extreme Division Champion Clint Margera

Mickie James

One of the most important performers in Women’s wrestling history is back on the free market and looking to prove once again why she is up in the pantheon of greats. Not that Mickie James needs to prove anything, but the former WWE Women’s Champion could be a fantastic fit on both the European and Australian indie scenes.

With the aforementioned current crop of Women’s talent in the UK, James could be having some blow-away matches against some of the EVE, Rev Pro and PROGRESS talent. Gisele Shaw looks like she would be a top draw opponent for Mickie, with the Rev Pro Women’s Champion building herself up as the Quintessential performer on the UK circuit right now.

Match we NEED to see: Mickie James vs Revolution Pro Women’s Champion Gisele Shaw

For four nights at the end of August, the National Wrestling Alliance will return to a historic pro-wrestling venue. NWA owner Billy Corgan, Empowerrr executive producer Mickie James, and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis appeared at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis yesterday to promote the shows.

“The NWA is living history and Wrestling the Chase is living history,” NWA Owner, President Billy Corgan said. 

“So when you put those two things together, it’s like a brush fire. Particularly in this local community of St. Louis. It was like the response was overwhelming.”

On August 28th, the NWA will present the all-female PPV, Empowerrr, produced by Mickie James.

“It’s pretty amazing because we’re going to we’re going to kick it off and we’re going to set the bar and hopefully for the rest of the weekend,” NWA Empowerrr Executive Producer Mickie James said. It was also revealed during the press conference that an invitational tournament will take place at Empowerr. The winner will receive a shot at the NWA Women’s Championship the following night.

“There’s so much stuff, happening from Fan Fest, to the women’s show empowered, to NWA 73, and the two television tapings. It’s going to be an incredible four days.”

On the 29th, the NWA will present the NWA 73rd Anniversary show. On August 30th and 31st, the promotion will be filming episodes of NWA Powerrr.

“There are people in this area who for them is such a huge part of their cultural fabric,” Nick Aldis said. “And they’re so excited that it’s back because they never thought they would see that Wrestling at the Chase back.”

Former WWE Superstar and NWA EMPOWERRR Producer Mickie James recently appeared on the The Wrestling Inc. Daily show. The former WWE Women’s Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the WWE Evolution PPV event that she claims was ‘set up to fail.’

“I thought we had made such a monumental stride by announcing Evolution,” Mickie James would begin. “We all thought it was the start of something really, really cool.”

“It was only really promoted for a month. The matches weren’t even announced but a week or two before. There was zero promotion or marketing,” James continued, lamenting how WWE promoted the all-women’s PPV event.

Mickie James on WWE Evolution

“It was almost set up to fail,” Mickie James added. “If there was as much energy and focus put into it as perhaps some of the other events, and made and highlighted how monumental this actually is, perhaps that wouldn’t be true.”

Mickie James would also reveal that the upcoming NWA EMPOWERRR event will hopefully not be a one-off All-Women’s event for the National Wrestling Alliance.

“We hope it’s the first of many,” James says of EMPOWERRR, “I really want to make this something unique and special and a way to highlight the women in a different way you don’t necessarily see on modern television today. I think there’s a cool way to do that from a female perspective.”

There has been a lot of press about Mickie James since her latest release from WWE. From the somewhat insulting way in which her belongings were shipped to her, to the role she is playing in the all-female NWA event. However, in her latest interview with Wrestling Inc. Daily, the focus was on the one regret she carries with her from her most recent WWE run.

“In hindsight, I wish I’d shown up as ‘Hardcore Country’ Mickie James,” she reflected. “I think she would have made a lot of money.”

Going on to elaborate in more detail, Mickie explained how she chose to come back as her old-school WWE persona as she felt that resonated more with the crowds. However, looking back, she would do it differently, and continue with the Hardcore Country gimmick that brought her so much success in IMPACT.

“This is all speculation, but I think they would have more excitement, more stuff to do around that character,” James mused.

There is no denying that Mickie James is a legend of women’s wrestling and deserving of her place among the WWE greats. However, her return to the company certainly didn’t bring with it the run nor success that she deserved.

Mickie James is Moving on to Bigger and Better Things

As is becoming a familiar theme with wrestlers released from WWE during the pandemic era, Mickie James is swiftly moving on to bigger and better things. There is no rebuilding. There is no need to start at the bottom. James is a talented wrestler and a veteran of the business. This is a powerrr-ful combination.

A lady in high demand, Mickie James shocked many when she signed for legendary promotion NWA, but the swift announcement of the all-female PPV she was leading the charge for, made everything clear. Regrets can be haunting things, and while James clearly carries one, she is not letting it define the path she is following.

Former WWE and current NWA star Mickie James recently spoke to Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast where she talked about a number of things.

The former women’s champion is looking to make her in-ring return at the upcoming NWA 73 show but she doesn’t have an opponent for the event yet.

When asked which star she would like to face in her first match for her new promotion, Mickie named a few opponents she could see herself fighting against:

“If we go within NWA, there’s Kylie Rae now. There’s Kamille, who is aligned with my husband and they are champions. As a businesswoman, I like Kamille.

She comes over to the house and we’re all friends. I’d really like to have one of those matches with like Thunder Rosa or Serena [Deeb] and put on a hell of a match,”

Mickie James Has Big Praise For Sarena Deeb

James continued her praise for the former NWA women’s champion Deeb. She called the AEW star ‘the greatest women’s wrestler’ out there right now:

“I know I’ve wrestled Serena, but everyone knows that Serena is my go-to because I think she’s the greatest women’s wrestler out there right now and I’ve always felt that way.

I’ve always had a kindred spirit with Serena because I remember her when she first moved to OVW. We’re both Virginia girls and I’ve loved her since day one.”

Mickie James’ last put on her wrestling gear for the 2021 women’s Royal Rumble match in January. Her last singles match was her encounter with Zelina Vega during the September 21, 2020 episode of Raw.

• Mickie James Compares Her WWE Releases From 2010 and 2021

PROGRESS Wrestling star Gisele Shaw has stated her intent for a match against former WWE Superstar Mickie James. The Canadian/Filipina ‘Quintessential Diva’ took to Twitter to post a throwback photo of her and ‘Hardcore Country’ Mickie James before saying that the match needs to happen.

“Throwback to the first time I met @MickieJames before I started training” Gisele Shaw tweeted. “We’d cross paths again a few years later, however it was in catering…”

Gisele Shaw on Mickie James

“I’d love to see her again but this time in the ring and make one of my dreams come true!” The PROGRESS Women’s Division star added, “Hardcore Country vs The Quintessential Diva.”

Gisele Shaw recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump, where she would make a challenge to WWE RAW Superstar Charlotte Flair. Shaw appeared on the show alongside Kanji ahead of their Best of 3 Series final for the PROGRESS Women’s final, which Kanji would eventually win and become the new Champion after NXT UK Superstar Jinny had to vacate the title.

Shaw is currently set for a match at PROGRESS Chapter 114 against Taonga. Chapter 114: Set Eyeballs To Stun will be available on Peacock in United States and WWE Network everywhere else as of 5pm BST on Saturday July 3.

Mickie James made an announcement on Wednesday in a video that she posted on Instagram, which is that she will be competing at the NWA’s 73rd Anniversary show. 

The pay-per-view event takes place on August 29th in St. Louis Missouri. She noted that she wants fans to let NWA President Billy Corgan know who they want her to wrestle.

“On August 29 is NWA 73, the Anniversary Show. And so on the Anniversary Show, I am announcing that I am going to wrestle at NWA 73, and I’m looking for an opponent. And so I want you to tell Billy who you want to see me wrestle. Who wants to wrestle me at NWA 73? That is the big question.”

James was released from WWE along with Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Samoa Joe, and several more performers in April. James’ husband, Nick Aldis, is the NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

The former WWE star made her promotional debut earlier this month on an episode of Powerrr. This episode also had the announcement of the first all-women’s NWA pay-per-view now entitled, Empowerrr, which takes place the night before the 73rd Anniversary show.

James will be producing the all-women’s PPV event.

Mickie James will be the executive producer of the NWA’s all-women’s PPV this summer. James was recently interviewed by Chris Van Vliet and spoke about the show as well as her releases from WWE in both 2010 and 2021.

James made headlines shortly after her release this spring when she posted to social media that WWE had sent her items to her in a trash bag. As it turns out, WWE did the same thing to her when they released her in 2010 as well.

“This is the crazy thing, I posted that picture to kind of go yeah this still a thing. We have put up with so much crap in wrestling that we had become desensitized. We live in our own world and I forgot that the trash bag was offensive,” James said. “There was more to that too. I rewound back to the 2010 Mickie James, where I was mentally then when it happened the first time. It was like a stab in the heart to an open wound.”

The trash bag incident had major ramification in WWE. Longtime executive with WWE, Mark Carrano, was released from the company as a result. The entire department was shaken up not long after, with John Laurinaitis now taking on a major role.

James continued to say talk about how receiving her items in a trash bag impacted her.

“I took it then as they think I am trash,” she continued. “I was with the company for 4 years, and they think I am trash. All these thoughts were running though my head. If you are already broken, they can be devastating. I am thinking about all of that and all the people who also got released beside me. I see my name on the bag and it defines which bag is in which box. I’m thinking about the girls and they wouldn’t say anything, because you don’t want to mess up an opportunity for the future. But this Mickie James don’t give a sh*t. I am super grateful for my career and my ability; I couldn’t do it without WWE.”

Since her release, James has appeared on NWA programming. She announced that she would be the executive producer of the company’s all-women’s PPV in St. Louis this summer.

James also spoke about how she’s glad future released talent won’t receive the same treatment.

“But I am grateful that no one else will get that. This recent set of releases are getting theirs in Gucci [laughs].”

The full interview with Mickie James can be viewed in the player below:

Former WWE Superstar and Hall of Famer Nikki Bella recently took to Instagram to write messages to some recently released WWE Superstars. Bella specifically mentioned Ruby Riott, Mickie James, The IIconics, Lana and Chelsea Green.

“I have been shocked to say the least about some of the releases lately at WWE” Bella began on Instagram. “Wanted to write a thank you post to the women that have given their everything to the wrestling industry. Mind, body, soul and time”.

“I was so honored to share the ring with some of you and the ones I hadn’t I was so looking forward to one day sharing it” Nikki Bella continued. “Ruby Riott you were one of my favorite matches, you are such a selfless, kind, and incredibly talented woman.”

Nikki Bella on Released Superstars

“Mickie James you are an icon” Bella added. “I always hoped to have had a badass storyline with you. I know we could have created magic. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, goodness our future wrote itself, Brie and I were dreaming of fighting for the tag titles against the both of you. You two were a magic duo!”

Nikki Bella then finished by praising Lana and Chelsea Green. “Lana you shined in and out of that ring, loved our Total Divas days and traveling the world together. So many amazing laughs and memories!”

“And Chelsea Green, was super excited to see what you were going to bring! Thank you all for the entertainment and the memories! I know the future is so bright for you all! Can’t wait to follow you all wherever you may go.???? #womenswrestling”

It’s not confirmed at this time when Nikki and Brie intend on returning to the ring themselves. The twins recently gave birth, with Nikki becoming a mother for the first time. Both were present at the WWE Hall of Fame and WrestleMania this year, but are likely still some way off of being ready for a return to the squared circle.

Former WWE Superstar Mickie James appeared on this week’s episode of Renee Paquette’s Oral Sessions. The former Women’s Champion and trailblazer discussed a number of subjects during her time on the podcast, including of course the ‘trashbag’ incident that saw her calling out WWE for their treatment of released talent.

When Mickie James was released just a few weeks ago, her belongings were sent back to her in a ‘trash bag,’ prompting James to write a message to WWE on social media. The anger from James meant that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon would apologize publicly, and Vince McMahon called her directly.

Chelsea Green was also given the ‘trashbag’ treatment upon her release, although she was accidently sent Natalya’s gear, something Green addressed on her new podcast ’50 Shades of Green.’

Mickie James Talks Chelsea Green Feud

Mickie James revealed on Oral Sessions that her and Chelsea Green were actually set to have a feud on WWE programming, before WWE nixed this and the two were forced to try and make something work on social media.

“That would’ve been fun,” James said on the podcast. “We started actually doing that on Twitter after the fact. I really didn’t think it was going to happen at that point because they had already pulled it. Because we shot the stuff and everything for it and for whatever reason it just never got approved prior to us even going out there and having the match.”

“That was supposed to be my comeback or whatever” James recalled. “That was part of my comeback from my injury and stuff. I was like ‘oh this will actually be really cool. And it’s a cool way to flip the script, do it differently but then hopefully build Chelsea up and do something. And maybe she even retires me or whatever.’”

Would you like to see Chelsea Green and Mickie James appear for another promotion? Let us know in the comments

Mickie James was released by WWE last month due to what the company blamed on budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Days later, she was part of the trash bag incident as her personal belongings were sent to her house by WWE in a trash bag that resulted in Mark Carrano being blamed for it and fired.

James’ husband and current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis gave his take on the situation while speaking with Spencer Love of Love Wrestling. 

“Well, I hope this doesn’t destroy anyone’s delusion of it. But, you know, the craziest thing about all that for us was that she really – it wasn’t like she was super offended. It wasn’t like she was really upset. She was kind of laughing at the symbolism.It wasn’t like this thing where she  went ‘ah, I’m devastated, I’m heartbroken, how would they do this to me,’ and I’ve seen some  people sort of refer to it like that as if that was the sort of tone.”

Aldis continued, If you go back and look at her post with the video and stuff, she was very tongue-in-cheek about it. She was very kind of, ‘well,  that’s about fucking right!’ In other words, they chew you up and spit you out, and that’s just the way the business is. 

And, look. She’s been through a hell of a lot worse. The reality is, is that symbolism and sort of tone-deaf gesture, I guess, is the best way to describe it, it’s not even in  the top-10 of the most cold, heartless things that have happened to her or me in this business. So,  it’s kind of like, hey, man, we’ve got thick skins. 

She just thought it was enlightening, I guess, to sort of share with the world like, ‘Hey, you think it’s all special and glamorous? It’s sometimes  not so much.’ I was very amazed at the level of traction it got. 

And, I was amazed at the level of response on the corporate level from those guys. From Triple H, and Stephanie [to] Vince, they all – and, hey, I will say that Vince McMahon went out of his way to express to Mickie his respect for her and her contributions. That’s at least some consolation to take from it. Although, I  would politely suggest that maybe a little more respect could have been shown to her while she  was there.”  

Aldis also talked about the return of the National Wrestling Alliance, why he didn’t headline the All In pay-per-view event with Cody Rhodes a few years ago and more. 

Former WWE Superstar Mickie James recently spoke on her GAW TV show about her release from the company and how she feels as though ‘ageism’ is a huge problem in WWE.

As James recently revealed, her belongings were sent back to her by the company via a ‘trash bag.’ This caused major uproar with fans and performers alike, with even Stephanie McMahon and Triple H having to apologise to the Women’s wrestling legend following the incident.

“I think the small-minded mentality sometimes leads to thoughtless behavior,” Mickie began on the GAW TV. “Especially for me, to constantly be presented as old, when I’m 41 and every single male champion has always been my same age or older and has been glorified for those reasons.”

Ageism in WWE

“As they should be, they’re f***king amazing” James was quick to mention. “But, why is it different for women? Or why is it different for me? Ageism is a real thing and it’s bulls***.”

“I’m truly grateful for the strides that we [as women] have made” Mickie James continued. “And to be seen as more equal. But it’s simply not true for every single person. Sometimes, that’s unfortunate.”

“I don’t know why I was made to feel like I didn’t deserve [the same treatment]” James concluded. “Because I did everything in my power to be a company girl, and for some reason I was made to feel like I didn’t deserve it.”

Do you want to see Mickie James appear in IMPACT, AEW or NWA? Let us know in the comments

WWE has a longstanding practice of sending wrestlers their personal belongings in trash bags after they’ve been fired.

WWE released several Superstars last week in the latest round of budget cuts. One of these Superstars is legendary performer, Mickie James.

James received a care package from WWE this week. Upon opening it up, she saw that her personal belongings were thrown in a garbage bag. She brought this to the attention of WWE boss Vince McMahon, unsure if he’s aware of this ugly policy.

WWE Executives React

WWE executives Stephanie McMahon and Triple H reacted to the situation. Stephanie says she embarrassed by WWE’s actions and apologized to Mickie James personally and on behalf of the organization. She noted that ‘the person responsible’ has been fired.

Triple H called the treatment disrespectful and reiterated that the person responsible is no longer with WWE.

According to multiple sources, longtime WWE employee Mark Carrano, Senior Director of Talent Relations, was fired on Thursday.

More Former Superstars Speak Out

Several former WWE Superstars, coincidentally all women, spoke up on social media and said they experienced the same treatment over a decade ago.

Gail Kim followed up by giving her personal opinion of Mark Carano. She tweeted, “I know the WWE trolls are going to come for me, but Mark was not a good human being. I don’t think he should necessarily get blamed for this incident but I hope this karma makes him realize and wake up. Be a nice human and maybe things will change for you.”

CM Punk offered up the following in response to Triple H:

Chelsea Green has had an interesting year in wrestling. She left NXT in May and seemed destined for a main roster call-up but would not make her Smackdown debut until 6 months later. When she did finally debuted, she broke her wrist in her first match and is now on the sidelines with the injury.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Green and Mickie James were planned to be in an angle together this year. The angle would have been a “reboot” of the famous Mickie James and Trish Stratus angle that culminated in their match at WrestleMania 22. Only in this version of the angle, Chelsea Green would have played the role of the stalker and James would have been in the Trish Stratus role.

Green and James are even reported to have filmed content for the angle but it was scrapped just hours before it was to debut. Green would have been portrayed as an obsessed fan of James’.

Mickie James and Trish Stratus’ angle leading up to WrestleMania 22 was so well-received by fans, that James was actually cheered on the show despite being a clear heel at the time.

• Chelsea Green Injured During Smackdown Debut

Highlights of the famous WrestleMania 22 match between Trish Stratus and Chelsea Green can be viewed in the player below:

Several talents were left undrafted after the 2020 Draft concluded with this week’s episode of Raw and after WWE announced some more draft picks during the night, there are two talents which have been left without a brand.

Pwinsider recently provided some updates on the future of both these stars in Mickie James and Andrade. According to their report, the plan as of this past Monday night was for both Andrade and Mickie James to join the Raw roster:

“As of last night, the plan is for the Andrade and Mickie James, the two talents left undrafted following the 2020 Draft to land on the Monday Night Raw roster.”

There has also been some buzz of Andrade moving back to the NXT brand.

Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer believes that Vince McMahon never “got it” with Andrade. When Paul Heyman was removed as the Executive Director of WWE Raw earlier this year, Andrade lost a key ally.

The 2020 edition of WWE Draft saw a number of big stars changing brands including names like Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, and the Fiend being moved to different rosters. You can check out the updated rosters of Raw and SmackDown after both nights of Draft at this link.

• WWE Has Reportedly Discussed Plans For Big Feud Involving Lars Sullivan

Mickie James hasn’t been seen on WWE programming in recent weeks and the female star recently revealed the reason behind her absence.

The former women’s champion revealed in a recent video on her YouTube channel GAW TV that she actually broke her nose during a match.

Though thankfully James confirmed that the damage was not severe. She claimed that it was more like a curve where she couldn’t breathe out of one side of her nose and revealed that she will only be out of action for a couple of weeks:

“So, [I] legit broke my nose in a match, and now I can’t wrestle for a couple of weeks, unfortunately that sucks. It wasn’t severe.

It wasn’t like my nose was blasted across my face. It was more like a curve and I can’t breathe out the one side and I’ll be honest, I thought it was gonna be a lot more painful, to get it fixed.”

• Also Read: WWE Responds To Reports Of New Lawsuit From Matt Riddle Accuser

Mickie James had a championship match against Asuka on the September 14 episode of Raw which apparently ended earlier than planned because the referee thought that James was legitimately injured.

She then lost a #1 contenders match for the Raw Women’s Championship to Zelina Vega during the September 21 episode of the show and the wrestling veteran hasn’t been seen on WWE programming ever since.

While the confirmation from James that she won’t be out of action for long is good news, we still don’t know the exact date for her return and it would be interesting to see if she is involved in the upcoming WWE draft.

Mickie James has confirmed she has been medically cleared to return to in-ring action. James has been away from the ring since tearing her ACL. She received surgery last July at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. It was projected she would be rehabbing and recuperating for anywhere from 7 to 9 months.

Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Mickie James revealed she had been medically cleared and had been preparing to return to the squared circle. At that point, however, the coronavirus pandemic forced all initial plans to be delayed.

“The doc had already cleared me, so I was literally just getting that last two weeks to get cleared to come back to in-ring action and everything got shut down,” Mickie James explained. “So, I went home and I just haven’t been back since.”

Considering COVID-19, James noted how there’s no point in her being at the WWE Performance Center. If she isn’t being utilized, she would rather wait for a better opportunity to return and make an impact.

Regarding her future plans once she has returned to action, Mickie James is quick to share her championship aspirations. According to her, she intends to come back and “take all the championships.”

She joked how she would become her own tag team partner to claim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. James then added that she would also claim both the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Championships for herself.

Mickie James was involved as a producer for the women’s Royal Rumble match, according to a report.

Along with Mickie were other producers like Michael Hayes, Tyson Kidd, Adam Pearce, and Triple H who all put together the women’s Royal Rumble match. This report comes from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer.

Michael Hayes has worked in backstage roles since 1999 for WWF. Tyson Kidd was hired as a full-time producer in 2017, after suffering a career-ending injury in 2015. Adam Pearce, on the other hand, signed a contract with WWE as an NXT trainer in 2015 but was moved to a producer role.

The reason why Mickie James didn’t appear in the Royal Rumble is because of the ACL injury she suffered during a live event in June, and she has been out of action since.

She has competed in the 2018 and 2019 Royal Rumble matches before. In the 2018 match, there was a memorable moment when Mickie was face to face with Trish Stratus in the ring. Mickie has had zero eliminations in the event so far.

Mickie underwent successful surgery for her torn ACL in July. During this time, she appeared on WWE Main Event as a commentator and was made a free agent after the 2019 WWE Draft.

WWE Royal Rumble 2020 Results & 6 Takeaways

Micke James has been on the shelf since June after undergoing surgery on her ACL. She’s not expected to be medically cleared until sometime in 2020 but James has taken on a new role with the company, working commentary on WWE Main Event broadcasts.

James posted an interview on MickieJames.com during which she speaks about her new role.

“I was surprised WWE offered me the opportunity but very excited to jump on board,” James said. “It’s good to be back on the road with the crew and to call matches of Superstars you don’t always get to see on the main broadcasts.”

James also spoke about what it’s been like since her injury.

“As odd as it sounds, because I’ve only been off the road for a couple months, I feel like I’m missing out on so much,” she said. “This gives me the opportunity to scout the Superstars who are going to be waiting to battle me when I’m healed up.”

She would continue to talk about how she’s done guest commentary before but being on the Main Event team has been different.

“I’ve done a few guest commentary spots, but this was so different. I’m thankful for my team (Vic and Dio) to help dip my toes on a whole different side of the spectrum. They’re so incredibly talented and I can’t wait to watch them on Raw. I’m super excited about this. I think it can aid in my growth as a superstar in the company. You never stop learning in this business. I’ve always wanted to know more and really delve into the other side of the business. This is giving me a chance to hopefully really shine in a whole different capacity.”

The full interview can be read here.