Mickie James made history at WWE Royal Rumble; when “Hardcore Country” played, the WWE legend came to the ring proudly carrying her IMPACT Knockouts World Championship. This remarkable moment was practically unprecedented, as it broke down the barrier between WWE and other promotions.
In a WWE Digital Exclusive, James reflected on this monumental occasion. She noted that she wanted to win the bout, but she was honored to have the chance to make history. James stated that the wrestling world won on Saturday, given the remarkable nature of her presence in the contest.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” said James. “If you would have said to me that this moment would be happening right now, I woulda said you’re insane. And here we are, we went out there and made history. And obviously, I wanted to win, I had my sights set high because obviously the winner goes on to WrestleMania, and I wanted that moment.
“But to just go out there as WWE family, Mickie James the legend but also Mickie James, ‘Hardcore Country’ Mickie James, something that the WWE Universe never saw, and to represent IMPACT as the Knockouts World Champion, I thought I did a great job. I had a heck of a showing, and I’m sorry guys, I didn’t win, but in my heart, the world won because we just broke down one of the biggest ceilings you’ve ever seen, and we did it for the ladies.”
2️⃣0️⃣ The door is open for Impact Knockouts World Champion @MickieJames to punch her ticket to #WrestleMania! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/wv1WQXiDeK
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2022
By competing in the battle royal, James had the chance to face familiar faces, from veterans like Lita to current stars like Bianca Belair. She referenced the way she left the company last year by noting that some new names were also in the match.
“You talk about Lita, who I was in her last match at Survivor Series,” said James. “You talk about some of these girls that I was here last time with, just a couple months, but also there was a few people out there that I’ve never even been in the ring with yet. And that’s just, what a small world wrestling is. Because you know, everything kinda comes full circle and you really never know who you’re gonna see in there.”
The IMPACT Knockouts World Champion also expressed her wish that fellow legend Melina could have lasted long enough in the contest so that they could have faced off. Unfortunately, Melina was the second entrant, and she was eliminated in short order, long before James made her way to the ring. Still, the champion made it clear that she was grateful for the experience and the honor of breaking down the barrier between the two companies.
“It’s been an incredible night, and I’m just grateful to be here, and for an opportunity to make history,” said James. “So thank you WWE, thank you IMPACT, thank you, ladies. This was awesome.”
The full video is available here:
