In a shocking moment on the January 7 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, it was announced that reigning IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts World Champion Mickie James will compete in WWE’s Women’s Royal Rumble match this year.
In a statement shared by IMPACT Wrestling’s official website, IMPACT’s Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore commented on the news by stating that the company’s philosophy was always to work with major promotions and help “create buzz” for the fans.
“WWE wanted it, Mickie wanted it and IMPACT Wrestling’s philosophy is always to work with other major promotions to create buzz for the fans,” said D’Amore. “Everything is signed and agreed with WWE and IMPACT Wrestling – the only question is whether or not Mickie will enter one of WWE’s most historic annual matches as the reigning Knockouts World Champion.”
D’Amore went on to say that the company will continue to work with any company that wants to collaborate, and notes that they are now “the nexus of the forbidden door era.”
“There’s never been a time like this for wrestling fans. In a 12 month period, IMPACT Wrestling has worked with NWA, AAA, New Japan, AEW and now WWE. IMPACT Wrestling is the nexus of the forbidden door era.”
Knockouts World Champion @MickieJames set for @WWE #RoyalRumble!
MORE: https://t.co/YeAj60BuR6 pic.twitter.com/KwRa48FLX6
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 8, 2022
IMPACT has previously teamed up with AEW, AAA, and NWA. Most recently, it has extended its Forbidden Door approach to ROH; Jonathan Gresham will defend the ROH World Championship against Chris Sabin at IMPACT Hard To Kill.
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