Former WWE Women's and Divas Champion Mickie James joined John and Rey on the TJRWrestling Podcast this week to talk about her return to WWE tonight at NXT Takeover Toronto. She will challenge Asuka for the NXT Women's Title in what will be Mickie's first WWE match in over six years. There were rumors that the NXT brass wanted Trish Stratus for this spot at Takeover Toronto, but Trish's pregnancy prevented her from accepting the match. However, during the NXT media conference call, Triple H shot those rumors down. TJRWrestling submitted these highlights from their 45 minute chat with James.
Her emotions going into NXT Takeover Toronto:
"I'm super excited. Honestly I'm beyond excited. Obviously I don't know what's to come after the match, but leading into the match I feel like not only am I excited and so honored because I've been wanting to back (to WWE) even if it was just for one more match for the longest time to solidify my career in a way that I wanted to. To be able to have that opportunity to come back and do that and hopefully tear the house down, it's already gotten publicity and the fan reaction has been incredible even before we've gotten in the ring. It has made me feel really special. I'm grateful for my fans."
Her opponent at NXT Takeover Toronto, the undefeated Women's Champion Asuka:
"Asuka is an incredible performer. I've seen her work in Japan, I've seen her work in Shimmer and I've seen her work in NXT. It's cool to see a character not only come to life, but be a breath of fresh of air and the fans connect to her so well."
The possibility of a return to WWE's main roster:
"Absolutely I would be completely open to being on WWE's main roster again. I also recognize that people talk about WWE's young talent and they're all hungry and I totally agree with that because there's a lot of amazing talent that's both signed and unsigned. I feel like there's something unique, special and different that I can bring to the roster."
A potential match with Raw Women's Champion Charlotte:
"It would be awesome to work with her. I feel like I would have a different kind of match with her than she's ever had. I could hopefully push her and I think we could elevate each other to a different level."
What She Thinks of the WWE NXT brand:
"I think it's given a lot of opportunity for people who perhaps never would have had a chance. Because it is WWE product, the promotion value and production value is incredible from the writing so you can get the feel of a WWE show. It's marketed more to those fans of a new age - the hardcore type of fan rather than just a family kind of show."
James also discussed what it was like to find out about NXT Takeover from WWE when she was sitting at an airport on the way to England, other women in WWE's roster, her and they even talked about her favorite NFL team, the first place Dallas Cowboys. The show is available on Podbean, or search "TJRWrestling" on iTunes.
