5 things you need to know about Mickie James
During a series of WWE NXT tapings Thursday night, it was announced that Mickie James would be taking on Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Takeover Toronto. This was huge news given it was an opponent no one saw coming for Asuka.
James has had years of pro-wrestling behind her and is one of the best female wrestlers around. Her body of work in both WWE and TNA speak for themselves. The accolades she has racked up prove her legend in wrestling.
For someone of James’ calibre to face the unstoppable Asuka, speaks volumes of the build-up for James’ WWE comeback plus testing the current NXT Women’s Champion.
James is not afraid to push the envelope and isn’t shy to take her opponents to the limit.
Ask former rivals such as Trish Stratus – who had some battles with James back in the 2000s. In addition to her athletic ability, James embodies her characters like a chameleon changes colours. James’ characters range from cute and spunky to wild and crazy. That rounds out the former Women’s Champion, who has earned her stripes.
Whether or not James can stop Asuka’s dominance at Takeover remains to be seen. But an opponent such as James is not to be taken lightly. For those who are unfamiliar with her or may just need a little refreshing of the memory, here are five things you need to know about the former WWE Diva.
#1 TNA Career
James would have three runs in TNA – the first one was in 2002 after its inception and her last one was in 2015. During her first stint with the company, she performed as Alexis Laree.
In 2003 she joined the stable called The Gathering, which was headed by Raven. During this time, James is remembered for her participation in Raven’s quest to defeat champion Jeff Jarrett.
Whether it was taking part in the Clockwork Orange House of Fun matches or going through tables, James was a team player in The Gathering. Alexis Laree was James’ darkest character.
Her second run came in 2010 after her release from WWE. In 2011 she won the TNA Knockout’s Championship, which makes her the only woman to have held the WWE Women’s Championship, the WWE Divas Championship and the TNA Knockouts Championship. James won the Knockout’s Championship three times during her times with TNA.
James’ third stint in TNA was largely known for the controversial story line with James Storm. Storm shoved James onto a train track after her refusal to join The Revolution. I did say that James isn’t a stranger to controversy.