Mickie James Talk About Being a Locker Room Leader, Charlotte Flair’s Progression, And More

Mickie James spoke with Landon Buford of The Hype Magazine discussing her upcoming match with Lita at WWE Evolution, the progression of both Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey, and her storyline with Trish Stratus.

Here are a few highlights from the interview, which can be read in full here:

On James’ relationship with Lita and facing her at WWE Evolution:

“Most people know that Lita has been, as far as my wrestling career is concerned a big influence even before I came to the WWE. We met when I was working the independent scene in North Carolina. She’s always been so kind to me and helped me out a lot. For example, she pulled me aside back then when I was working my way up and gave me advice on what to do and what not to do in the ring…. I’d always looked forward to being able to work with Lita… I think we have some unfinished business because of the way she left, and I think for her to have been able to come back and provide the girls with her focus when she was announcing, helping produce, and doing things backstage. Lita has so much knowledge she really paved the way both in the ring and how she’s made money. She was able to separate herself. Before Lita, women weren’t doing moonsaults, hurricanrana, and other highflying maneuvers. I think she really changed the game in the women’s division. I’m excited to work with her and to maybe give these young girls a little competition.”

James on Charlotte Flair’s progression as a worker:

“I think it is incredible, especially being that this wasn’t her dream. I think she was totally content with the life she was living at the time. I feel like Reid’s death was really the catalyst in her decision to go full force and pursue a career in wrestling after his passing.  Obviously, Ric flair’s shoes are such big shoes to fill…. She recognizes that she’s going to be constantly compared to her father and she wants to be at least perceived somewhat on that same level. Obviously, she’s done well for herself thus far.”

On being seen as a locker room leader:

“It’s incredible. I think it’s humbling and it’s an incredible honor. I think that it has always been prominent in the male locker room. They have always had the tiers of veteran leadership from the individuals who have been there for 12 years to mentoring the upcoming talent. Now, to have that in the female locker room provides strong leadership to younger female talent who are now just coming up. Hopefully, I can encourage them through our life experiences to not make some of the same mistakes that we’ve made in the past. Both inside and outside of the ring it’s a massive benefit for them because a lot of the time they learn by trial and error. Hopefully, if you have someone who’s already been there, done that, then you could learn from those mistakes or learn from all the successes they have had in the business. You can be so successful if you use those lessons in your own career.”

On her popular storyline with Trish Stratus:

“I loved it.  At the end of the day, that’s the fun part for me. When the lights in the arena turn on, I’m Mickie James all the time. You know what I mean? This is my normal, but to be able to go out and play that type of character is so fun and interesting. It allows me to show my artistic side. I was fortunate enough to be able to keep my real name and build a whole bio around Mickie James.  For instance, from the songs, my character listens to, to the food she eats, the whole gimmick. When the lights come on, I don’t have to question myself or think twice about it, it’s just who I am.”

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