During tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, WWE shocked the internet with the announcement of the Women’s Royal Rumble participants. Among them, current Impact Knockouts World Champion, Mickie James.
Last year James was released from the company and had a very unpleasant experience upon leaving. Nevertheless, while this won’t remedy that outcome, James being brought in is a hopeful indication that there is no ill will between the company and herself.
James first debuted in WWE in 2005 in a storyline with Trish Stratus that would cement both stars as future Hall of Famers and two leaders of the women’s evolution. James went on to hold the Women’s Championship and in 2009 she won the Divas Championship for the first time from Maryse at Night of Champions.
After leaving the company in 2010, she made her in-ring return to the company in 2016. Late last year James returned to Impact Wrestling and won the Knockouts Championship from Deonna Purrazzo. Both women set to compete in a Texas Death Match at Hard To Kill this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET live on pay-per-view.
Other returning participants in this year’s Rumble match include The Bella Twins, Michelle McCool, Lita, Kelly Kelly, and Summer Rae.
