Backstage News on Mickie James vs Asuka at NXT Takeover Toronto, Why Trish Stratus Was Initially Planned for the Event and More

October 23, 2016

As noted, Mickie James will be making her return to WWE to face Asuka for the NXT Women’s Title at NXT Takeover Toronto. We also noted that WWE originally wanted Trish Stratus to face Asuka at the event on November 19th, but Trish is expecting her second child.

According to The Wrestling Observer, the idea was to use Stratus in Toronto as a way of getting more heel heat on Asuka. No word yet on if that’s still the plan with Mickie James vs. Asuka.

Many people wondered why Asuka is not facing a current NXT roster member at NXT Takeover, and initial plans called for Trish Stratus to be used as a way of pushing Asuka as a top heel so that Ember Moon could eventually challenge her for the title as a top babyface. NXT officials reportedly wanted this type of an angle for Asuka instead of the athletic competition angle between her and Bayley.

WWE has confirmed that Mickie James vs. Asuka at Takeover Toronto will be for the NXT Women’s title, and as of now the match is the only WWE appearance scheduled for Mickie James.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.