Mickie James Reflects on TNA Hall of Fame Induction, WrestleMania Controversy, More – During a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Mickie James discussed her Hall of Fame induction, her memorable moments in WWE and TNA, and her husband Nick Aldis, while sharing several revealing stories from her career.
When asked if she would consider wrestling again, James didn’t hesitate. “Hell yeah, I could do 10 more,” she said. However, she also acknowledged that she has nothing left to prove. “But it’s also with the career that I’ve been so blessed to have, and the moments that I’ve been able to have and the people that I’ve been able to work with, I could retire tomorrow and be a happy woman.”
James credited her Last Rodeo storyline in TNA as a defining point in her career that gave her a sense of closure and vindication. “I think what I was able to accomplish with The Last Rodeo solidified me. It validated me. It vindicated me,” she explained. “My first WWE run, I was able to have some amazing moments, but I think it was cut short… I was not satisfied.”
She also reflected on how her journey led to personal happiness. “If I hadn’t left WWE, I would never have met my husband, I would never have my beautiful son… I wouldn’t be here today as a Hall of Famer if that hadn’t happened,” she said.
Speaking about Nick Aldis, James confirmed that her husband, who currently serves as SmackDown General Manager, isn’t done in the ring. “Oh, my God, yes. Oh, he’s far from done,” she stated. “If he’s ever given an opportunity to put on his boots and get out in that ring, it would be a dream come true for him.”
Discussing her recent induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, James admitted the honor still feels surreal. “It’s crazy to even say Hall of Famer. It feels amazing. I’m super humbled… it’s the one night you can kind of pat yourself on the back, but it’s super uncomfortable to do it,” she said.
James also recalled how she was one of the few WWE stars allowed to wrestle under her real name. “I was Alexis Laree in OVW… Vince [McMahon] said, ‘What’s her name? Alexis Laree? Sounds like a stripper name.’ He asked if I had another name, and I said, ‘Mickie James.’ He said, ‘I love it.’ I didn’t tell him it was my real name,” she laughed.
When asked about her greatest rival, she didn’t hesitate. “Trish, for sure, every day, all day, even still,” James said. “Even that Rumble moment where we had a chance and the people just erupted… it was validation that what we did then still connects today.”
James also addressed the infamous moment from her WrestleMania 22 match against Trish Stratus, where she improvised a now-iconic gesture. “The people loved it. I thought I was going to get a high five or a hug from Vince… it’s not what happened at all,” she admitted. “Vince was pissed. He said, ‘That was crass! Do you know how much it’s going to cost to edit that?’ But clearly, he didn’t hate me too much, because I was still the champion.”
James’ blend of humor, honesty, and self-reflection underscored her lasting impact on professional wrestling — a career defined by bold choices, iconic moments, and personal growth.
Mickie James Reflects on TNA Hall of Fame Induction, WrestleMania Controversy, More
