{{short description|American professional wrestler and country singer (born 1979)}} {{distinguish|Micky James}} {{Use American English|date=August 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}} {{Infobox professional wrestler | name = Mickie James | image = Mickie James Photo Op GalaxyCon Oklahoma City 2025 (cropped).jpg | caption = James in 2025 | birthname = Mickie Laree James | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|08|31}} | birth_place = [[Richmond, Virginia]], U.S. | spouse = {{marriage|[[Nick Aldis]]|31 December 2015}} | children = 1 | names = Alexis Laree<br />'''Mickie James'''<br />Princess Alexis<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/james_mickie.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201130/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/james_mickie.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 29, 2015|title=Mickie James|website=canoe.com|access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}<br /> La Luchadora | height = {{convert|5|ft|4|in|cm}} | weight = {{convert|124|lb|kg}}<ref name="oww"/> | billed = Richmond, Virginia<br />[[Norfolk, Virginia]]<ref name="WWEBio">{{cite web |title=Mickie James – WWE Bio |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/mickie-james |website=[[WWE]] |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> | trainer = [[Funking Conservatory]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dory-funk.com/index500.html|title=Home Page of Dory Funk Jr.|access-date=October 18, 2007|publisher=www.dory-funk.com|quote=Mickie James – Funking Conservatory Alumnus|archive-date=October 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013024143/http://www.dory-funk.com/index500.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />KYDA Pro Training School<ref name="kyda"/> | debut = August 28, 1999 | website = {{URL|mickiejames.com}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | genre = [[Country music|Country]] | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 2010–present | label = [[Entertainment One]] (2013–2016)<br />[[Sony]] (2016–present) }} }} '''Mickie Laree James''' (born August 31, 1979)<ref name="billboard-rovi">{{cite web|last=Leggett|first=Steve|title=Mickie James|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/1567248/mickie-james/biography|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107012053/http://www.billboard.com/artist/1567248/mickie-james/biography|archive-date=January 7, 2017|access-date=January 6, 2016|publisher=[[Rovi]]|via=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}} Additional January 6, 2017.</ref><ref name="Richmond2">{{cite web|date=December 23, 2010|title=The Ballad of Mickie James|url=http://www.richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=b61ec69b181dd0363de4659ebbbbf6f6&page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405055245/http://www.richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=b61ec69b181dd0363de4659ebbbbf6f6&page=1|archive-date=April 5, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2010|work=Richmond Magazine|location=Virginia|quote=Born at Richmond Memorial Hospital in 1979....}}</ref> is an American [[professional wrestler]] and [[country singer]]. She is signed to [[WWE]], as an ambassador. She is also signed to [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) as Creative Director, Head of Female Talent and Executive Producer. She is also known for her tenures in [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) and [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA).
James began her wrestling career in 1999 as a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#V|valet]] on the [[independent circuit]], where she was known under the name Alexis Laree.<ref name="slam2">{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|date=May 26, 2006|title=Mickie James quick to dish out credit|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/25/1598038.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704130607/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/25/1598038.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 4, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} She trained in several camps to improve her wrestling abilities before working for NWA: Total Nonstop Action in 2002, where she gained national attention.<ref name="slam2" /><ref name="tna2">{{cite web|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 2 results – June 26, 2002|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2002.html#02|access-date=October 29, 2007|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> After only a few appearances, she joined a [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]] called [[Raven's Nest#The Gathering|The Gathering]] and was written into storylines with the group. She until 2025 was the only woman to be involved in the promotion's [[Clockwork Orange House of Fun match]]es.<ref name="glory2">{{cite web|title=Alexis Laree of G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling|url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/AlexisLaree/AL.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017033156/http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/AlexisLaree/AL.asp|archive-date=October 17, 2007|access-date=October 24, 2007|publisher=G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling}}</ref>
James made her World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) main roster debut in 2005 and was placed in a storyline with [[Trish Stratus]], in which James' [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] was that of Stratus' biggest fan turned obsessed stalker, an angle which ran over eight months.<ref name="ih2222">Ian Hamilton. ''Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition'' (p.222)</ref><ref name="slam2" /><ref name="listthis2">{{cite web|title=Mickie see, Mickie do|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania9|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> She received a [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] and she won her first [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]] at [[WrestleMania 22]], a championship she has held a total of five times. James also won her first and only [[Divas Championship]] defeating [[Maryse Ouellet]] at [[Night of Champions (2009)|Night of Champions]] in 2009, to become the second of five [[WWE Diva|Divas]] to hold both the Women's and Divas Championships.<ref name="champ2">{{cite web|title=Mickie James' Title History|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/mickiejames/titlehistory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409080902/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/mickiejames/titlehistory|archive-date=April 9, 2007|access-date=April 26, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> She was released from the company in April 2010, after which she returned to TNA, where she became a three-time [[TNA Knockouts Champion]]. James returned to WWE in 2013 as a guest trainer, then officially returned in 2016 before she was once again released in 2021. James would then make occasional appearances and would ultimately return to Impact Wrestling in 2021, winning her fourth and fifth Knockouts Championship, making James a total 11-time women's world champion between WWE and Impact.
== Early life == James was born at Richmond Memorial Hospital in [[Richmond, Virginia]], the daughter of Stuart James, a retired wastewater-treatment worker, landscaper, and VAIL League Division 3 Championship coach and Sandra Knuckles, a teacher and real-estate agent.<ref name=Richmond>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=b61ec69b181dd0363de4659ebbbbf6f6&page=1|title=The Ballad of Mickie James| access-date =December 24, 2010|work=Richmond Magazine |location =Virginia|date=December 23, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120405055245/http://www.richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=b61ec69b181dd0363de4659ebbbbf6f6&page=1 | archive-date=April 5, 2012|quote=Born at Richmond Memorial Hospital in 1979....}}</ref> Her parents divorced while she was young. She has a sister, a half-sister, a half-brother, and three stepbrothers.<ref name=Richmond/> She grew up in [[Montpelier, Hanover County, Virginia|Montpelier, Virginia]], and graduated from [[Patrick Henry High School (Ashland, Virginia)|Patrick Henry High School]] in 1997.<ref name=Richmond/><ref name="Strauss">{{cite web|url=http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/entertainment/faces/2013/08/26/hardcore-country/|title=Hardcore Country|last=Strauss|first=Gerry|access-date=October 31, 2013|work=Northern Virginia Magazine|date=August 26, 2013 }}</ref> While growing up, she spent a lot of time on her grandmother's horse farm, and developed a keen interest in [[equestrian sports]].<ref name="Strauss"/> She played [[violin]] for five years.<ref name="Corrigan">{{cite web|url=http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/10/22/corrigan-leaving-ring-honky-tonk/ |title=Corrigan: Leaving the ring for a honky-tonk |date=October 22, 2013 |last=Corrigan |first=John |access-date=October 31, 2013 |work=[[The Temple News]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200034/http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/10/22/corrigan-leaving-ring-honky-tonk/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}</ref>
== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1999–2003) === A fan of [[professional wrestling]] from an early age, James attended a [[professional wrestling school]] in the [[Washington, D.C.]], area at the suggestion of a friend.<ref name="Strauss"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Greta|last=Van Susteren|author-link=Greta Van Susteren|title=WWE's Mickie James and Josh Mathews at the RNC 'On the Record'|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/wwes-mickie-james-and-josh-mathews-at-the-rnc-on-the-record|publisher=FOXNews.com|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=September 7, 2008}}</ref> She made her professional debut on the [[independent circuit]] on 28 August 1999,<ref name="August 28 1999">{{cite web|url = http://www.kyda.com/results/results82899.html|title = Results|access-date = November 19, 2024|publisher = KYDA.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010503101648fw_/http://www.kyda.com/results/results82899.html|archive-date = May 3, 2001}}</ref> as a wrestler for KYDA Pro Wrestling under the [[ring name]] Alexis Laree, a name created as the result of a combination of her [[stage name]] from when she was a dancer and her middle name.<ref name="kyda">{{cite web|url = http://www.kyda.com/v2007/news.php?news_id=124|title = How Did You Get Your Name|access-date = October 24, 2007|publisher = KYDA.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070922174825/http://www.kyda.com/v2007/news.php?news_id=124|archive-date = September 22, 2007}}</ref><ref name="slam2"/><ref name="carlson">{{cite web|url=http://www.carlson316wrestling.net/wwe/divas/mickiejames.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123073712/http://www.carlson316wrestling.net/wwe/divas/mickiejames.html|archive-date=January 23, 2008|title=Carlson 316 Wrestling Profile|access-date=October 24, 2007|publisher=Carlson 316 Wrestling}}</ref> Laree went on to manage several male wrestlers, including managing [[Tommy Dreamer]] to win the KYDA Pro Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="glory2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyda.com/v2007/title_history.php|title=Title History|access-date=October 27, 2007|publisher=KYDA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011151220/http://kyda.com/v2007/title_history.php|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> In March, she wrestled in her first match, an [[intergender tag team match]] with Jake Damian against American Mike Brown and Candie.<ref name="glory2"/> She trained to improve her wrestling abilities by attending training camps such as the [[Funking Conservatory]], a [[workshop]] run by [[Dory Funk Jr.]], and an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) [[dojo]]. She also started competing for [[Maryland Championship Wrestling]] (MCW), where she trained at camps run by [[Ricky Morton]] and [[Bobby Eaton]].<ref name="slam2"/><ref name="glory2"/> Beginning in 2002, she also made appearances for [[Ring of Honor]].<ref name="oww">{{cite web|title=Mickie James|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/mickie-james/|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=September 7, 2008}}</ref>
Due to the low salary of the independent shows, James supplemented her income by working as a waitress at an [[Olive Garden]] restaurant, and posing nude for adult fetish magazines ''[[Leg Show]]'' and ''Naughty Neighbors'' in the early 2000s,<ref>{{cite web|url = https://fanbuzz.com/pro-wrestling/mickie-james-now/|title = Mickie James Is Still The Baddest Chick Around at 40| date=July 2020 |access-date = July 2, 2020|publisher = fanbuzz.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210216220840/https://fanbuzz.com/pro-wrestling/mickie-james-now/|archive-date = February 16, 2021}}</ref> before gaining fame and being subsequently signed by World Wrestling Entertainment in 2003.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2003) === {{Main|Raven's Nest#The Gathering|l1 = The Gathering}}
While working in [[Ring of Honor]] for a year, James also debuted as Alexis Laree in [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) on the company's first ever weekly [[pay-per-view]], introduced as a participant in the [[lingerie]] [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]], which occurred the following week.<ref name="tna">{{cite web|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 2 results – June 26, 2002|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2002.html#02|access-date=October 29, 2007|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=ROH – Past Results|access-date=September 26, 2011|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> She was not prominently featured until March 26, 2003, when she teamed with [[Amazing Red]] as part of his [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] against the [[TNA X Division Championship|X Division Champion]] [[Kid Kash]] and [[Stephanie Finochio|Trinity]]. Laree competed in her first singles match with the promotion on April 2, 2003, in a losing effort against Trinity.<ref name="slam2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2003.html#37|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 37 results – March 26, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2007|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> Weeks later, she became the first member of [[Raven's Nest#The Gathering|The Gathering]], a [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]] led by [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] in his feud against [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship|NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jeff Jarrett]].<ref name="slam2"/> On April 16, Laree became the first (and thus far, only) woman to compete in a [[Clockwork Orange House of Fun match]], after the Gathering challenged and defeated Jarrett.<ref name="glory2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2003.html#40|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 40 results – April 16, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2007|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> She continued to wrestle with the stable while they feuded with [[The Disciples of the New Church]], taking part in an [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] with [[Father James Mitchell]] burning her with a [[Fireball (wrestling move)|fireball]] and wrestling in another Clockwork Orange House of Fun match before leaving the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/10/132081.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107184735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/10/132081.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 52 results – July 9, 2003|first=Donnie|last=Abreu|date=July 10, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/24/144486.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310091936/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/24/144486.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 54 results – July 23, 2003|first=Donnie|last=Abreu|date=July 24, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|quote=Alexis Laree, still selling her burn injury, was nowhere to be seen.}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2003.html#55|title=NWA TNA PPV No. 55 results – July 30, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2007|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
=== World Wrestling Entertainment (2003-2010, 2013) ===
==== Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2005) ==== After two years of sending tapes and making phone calls as well as wrestling a tryout [[dark match]] with [[Dawn Marie]], James was signed to a developmental contract with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), who sent her to train at [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW), their then-[[Farm team|developmental territory]], in August 2003.<ref name="slam2"/><ref name="glory2"/><ref name="carlson"/> Still using the ring name Alexis Laree, she began making television appearances for OVW on January 29, 2004, and competed in several tag team matches throughout the year.<ref name="wia">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/ovwdswarc.htm |title=WWE OVW, FCW. and DSW Archives |access-date=October 30, 2007 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012011439/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/ovwdswarc.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="supercard">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html |title=Ohio Valley Wrestling Six Flags Shows |access-date=October 30, 2007 |publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009170422/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html |archive-date=October 9, 2007 }}</ref> She also won a [[Halloween costume]] contest on October 30, and defeated [[Jillian Hall]] in a $1,000 match on November 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/showinfo/ovwinfo.html|title=OVW Show Information|access-date=October 30, 2007|publisher=The Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster|quote=Alexis Laree won a "$1,000" Match over Jillian Hall}}</ref>
On May 17, 2005, Laree was placed into a tournament for the [[OVW Television Championship]]. She defeated [[Mike Mondo]] in the first round, only to lose to [[Blaster Lashley]] in the next round.<ref name="wia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/ovwtitle.html#tv |title=OVW TV Title Tournament 2005 results – May 18 – June 8, 2005 |access-date=October 30, 2007 |publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011093738/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/ovwtitle.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref> She began a feud with [[Beth Phoenix]] on July 20 after Phoenix interrupted Laree during an interview, setting up a match on July 29, which Laree lost.<ref name="wia"/><ref name="supercard"/> Their angle continued into September, with [[Shelly Martinez]] being added to the storyline to side with Phoenix against Laree. On October 12, she appeared in OVW under her real name, and finished the year on the losing end of matches against Martinez and Jillian Hall.<ref name="wia"/>
==== Storyline with Trish Stratus (2005–2006) ==== Under her real name, she debuted in [[WWE]] on the October 10, 2005, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] under the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Champion]] [[Trish Stratus]]' biggest fan.<ref name="ih2222"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10102005/|title=Raw results – October 10, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/trishstratus/bio/|title=Trish Stratus's Alumni Bio|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The angle had the two [[WWE Diva|Divas]] competing together in tag team matches, with James' character becoming increasingly obsessed with Stratus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10172005/|title=Raw results – October 17, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11072005/|title=Raw results – November 7, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11282005/|title=Raw results – November 28, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The storyline included a [[Halloween costume]] contest, in which James was dressed like Stratus and helped Stratus retain the Women's Championship in a [[Professional wrestling battle royal|Fulfill Your Fantasy battle royal]] at [[Taboo Tuesday (2005)|Taboo Tuesday]] by eliminating herself and [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]] at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10312005/|title=Raw results – October 31, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2005/11/02/taboo-tuesday-delivers-decently/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202092205/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2005/11/02/taboo-tuesday-delivers-decently/ |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |title=Taboo Tuesday Delivers Decently |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=October 31, 2007}}</ref> James even began utilizing Stratus' signature finishing moves as her own during matches. James later became the number one contender for the WWE Women's Championship on December 12, by defeating Victoria in a match to determine who would face Stratus at [[New Year's Revolution (2006)|New Year's Revolution]].<ref name="dec122005">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12122005/|title=Raw results – December 12, 2005|access-date=April 26, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Subsequently, the storyline between Mickie and Stratus developed into a [[lesbian]] angle, after James kissed Stratus<ref>{{Citation|title=trish and mickie| date=December 24, 2006 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2BRhPrdTdY| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/o2BRhPrdTdY| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=July 22, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> under a sprig of [[mistletoe]].<ref name="ih2222"/><ref name="listthis2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01022006/|title=Raw results – January 2, 2006|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> In the championship match at the pay-per-view, James lost to Stratus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women's Champion Trish Stratus def. Mickie James to retain |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/2006/matches/15481641 |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref>
Despite the defeat, James continued to be enamored of Stratus, which made Stratus uncomfortable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|title=Raw results – February 27, 2006|access-date=August 25, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On March 6, 2006, the storyline had Stratus confronting James, telling her that they needed time apart from each other.<ref name="ih2222"/><ref name="listthis2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03062006/|title=Raw results – March 6, 2006|access-date=November 1, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Through the early part of 2006, Mickie would attack [[Ashley Massaro]] several times due to Massaro calling her "crazy". At the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view, James defeated Massaro with then-Women's Champion, Trish Stratus, as the [[special guest referee]]. James would also confess her love for Stratus at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/314094121/results/|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|title=Mickie James def. Ashley|access-date=May 9, 2007|date=January 29, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070426154854/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/314094121/results/| archive-date= April 26, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> Massaro got revenge one week later on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02062006/|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|title=The Road to WrestleMania|access-date=May 9, 2007|date=February 6, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070403073023/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02062006/| archive-date= April 3, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>
James and Stratus teamed together at the March 18, 2006 ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII]]'' to defeat [[Candice Michelle]] and Victoria. After the match, James agreed to honor Stratus' wishes and attempted to kiss her. After Stratus pushed her away, James attacked Stratus and vowed to destroy her.<ref name="ih2222"/><ref name="listthis2"/><ref>{{cite news|work=Power Slam Magazine, issue 142|title=Looking at WWE: SNME (March 18, 2006)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=April 20, 2006|page=25}}</ref> The feud between James and Stratus culminated in a Women's Championship match at [[WrestleMania 22]], which James won, to earn her first Women's Championship in what was looked at as one of the best female matches ever produced at WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/2439826 |title=Mickie James's first reign |access-date=November 2, 2007 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070507153626/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/2439826 |archive-date=May 7, 2007 }}</ref> Her angle with Stratus continued into [[Backlash (2006)|Backlash]] during a rematch, after Stratus [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] [[Dislocated shoulder|dislocated her shoulder]] when James threw her out of the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2006/matches/2549644/results/|title=Backlash results – April 30, 2006|access-date=November 1, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="pwi121">{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=121}}</ref> The feud would come to an end on the June 26 episode of ''Raw'', when Mickie defeated Stratus in a Women's Championship match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE Monday Night RAW #683 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6580 |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
==== Women's Champion (2006–2008) ==== James [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropped]] the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]] on August 14 to [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]], after Lita hit James with the title belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/15/1756764.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611084614/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/15/1756764.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2015|title=Raw results – August 12006|access-date=November 1, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} After the Women's Championship was vacated due to the retirement of [[Trish Stratus]], James entered a tournament to determine the new champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/womentny.html|title=Womans Tournament Results|access-date=October 15, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling History|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref> She defeated [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]] and [[Melina Perez|Melina]] en route to the finals at [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]], where she lost to Lita. James transitioned into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] after she and Lita wrestled in a series of matches in which Lita chose stipulations to hinder Mickie's wrestling ability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11202006/|title=Raw results – November 20, 2006|access-date=November 1, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The feud between James and Lita ended at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]], where James defeated Lita, in the latter's retirement match, to win her second Women's Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/24398261111 |title=Mickie James's second reign |access-date=November 2, 2007 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508000905/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/24398261111 |archive-date=May 8, 2007 }}</ref>
[[File:Mickie James elnew.jpg|thumb|right|upright|James during a WWE [[house show]] in 2007]] James then began an angle with Melina on January 29, 2007, when Melina became the number one contender for the Women's Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=249&itemid=10638|title=Raw results – January 29, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|publisher=ENewsI.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011211950/http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=249&itemid=10638|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=May 2007|page=134}}</ref> Following a successful title defense on February 5,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02052007/|title=Raw results – February 5, 2007|newspaper=Wwe |access-date=November 2, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> James teamed with [[Super Crazy]] in a [[mixed tag team match]] against Melina and [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Nitro]]. After Melina [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinned]] James for the victory, she challenged her to a rematch for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02152007/|title=Raw results – February 15, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> James would subsequently lose the Women's Championship to Melina on February 19 and, in continuation of their storyline feud, failed to regain the title during the first women's [[Falls Count Anywhere match]] in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02192007/|title=Raw results – February 19, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03052007/|title=RAW Results – March 5, 2007|access-date=June 29, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> During the finish of the match, James fell from the top [[turnbuckle]] and landed on her neck, which resulted in a [[List of professional wrestling terms#Rushed finish|rushed finish]]. James, however, was not seriously injured in the incident.<ref name="engaged">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania23/2007/03/21/3797847.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031702/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania23/2007/03/21/3797847.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Mickie & Kenny "train" for WrestleMania 23|date=March 21, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}
The scripted feud between James and Melina was rekindled during her [[photo op]] on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04022007/|title=Raw results – April 2, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At a [[house show]] in [[Paris]] on April 24, James won her third Women's Championship during a [[triple threat match]] that also involved Victoria. Since Mickie pinned Victoria and not Melina, an immediate rematch was scheduled, in which James dropped the title back to Melina, giving her the shortest Women's Championship reign in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/4598286 |title=Mickie James's third reign |access-date=November 2, 2007 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030153532/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/4598286 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 }}</ref> James later received a rematch for the title at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]], but was unsuccessful. After Backlash, James would only make sporadic appearances on television, wrestling occasionally in tag-matches and rarely in singles competition. On the November 26 episode of ''Raw'', James defeated Melina in a number one contender's match for [[Beth Phoenix]]'s Women's Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11262007/|title=The Glamazon Awaits|first=Greg|last= Adkins|date=November 26, 2007|access-date=December 21, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> setting up a title match between the two at [[Armageddon (2007)|Armageddon]], in which Phoenix retained the title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women's Champion Beth Phoenix def. Mickie James |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/2007/matches/55466043 |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref>
On the April 14, 2008, episode of ''Raw'', held in [[London, England]], James defeated Beth Phoenix to win her fourth Women's Championship.<ref name="title4">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04142008/|title=Royal reception|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|date=April 14, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=August 21, 2009}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]], James successfully defended her title against Melina and Beth Phoenix in a triple-threat match. Mickie re-entered the feud against Phoenix in mid-2008, where she and [[Kofi Kingston]] teamed up against Phoenix and [[Santino Marella]] at [[SummerSlam (2008)|SummerSlam]] in a Winner Takes All tag team match for both the Women's and [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental]] Championships, in which Mickie and Kingston lost their titles to Phoenix and Marella.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2008/matches/7793948/results/|title='Glamarella' wins the gold|date=August 17, 2009|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> After James lost the championship, she had two rematches for the title, but was unsuccessful in regaining it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09082008/|title=Dangerous liaisons|date=September 8, 2009|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11102008/|title=Union jacked|date=November 10, 2009|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]] in November, James was part of the victorious Raw Diva team which defeated the [[SmackDown]] Divas in a five-on-five elimination match; she eliminated [[Michelle McCool]], before being eliminated by [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/24/7668886.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208233250/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/24/7668886.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2015|title=Two new world champs at dull Survivor Series|date=November 24, 2008|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=March 1, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} The following month at [[Armageddon (2008)|Armageddon]], James teamed with [[Maria Kanellis|Maria]], [[Michelle McCool]] and [[Kelly Kelly]] in a winning effort against Jillian Hall, Maryse, Victoria and [[Natalya (wrestler)|Natalya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/14/7753326.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208233735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/14/7753326.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2015|title=Armageddon: Hardy finally breaks through|date=December 14, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=March 1, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}
==== Divas and Women's Champion and departure (2009–2010) ==== [[File:Mickie James - June 20, 2009.jpg|thumb|left|upright|James in June 2009]] Following an appearance in the 25-Diva [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] at [[WrestleMania XXV]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2009/matches/9525482/results/|title=Say hello to my twin sister|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=March 6, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> James began feuding with the [[WWE Divas Champion]] [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]] heading into [[Night of Champions (2009)|Night of Champions]] on July 26. At the event, James defeated Maryse to win her first Divas Championship, becoming only the second Diva in history to have held both the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|Women's]] and Divas titles.<ref name=NightofChampions2009>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/07/26/10270086.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/07/26/10270086.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 19, 2015|title=Night of Champions: Punk loses title, but keeps star performer tag|last=Elliott|first=Brian|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=September 23, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} Throughout the Summer, Mickie successfully defended the title against [[Gail Kim]] and [[Beth Phoenix]] on episodes of ''Raw'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08172009/|title=Crazy days of summer|date=August 17, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08312009/|title=American nightmare|date=August 31, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> and against [[Alicia Fox]] at the [[Hell in a Cell (2009)|Hell in a Cell]] pay-per-view on October 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710194953/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=Title changes highlight Hell in a Cell|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|author2=Sokol, Chris|date=October 5, 2009|access-date=September 23, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} Two weeks later on ''Raw'', James lost the title to [[Jillian Hall]] after an approximate three month title reign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10122009/|title=Viper tension|date=October 12, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010}}</ref> After the show, James was traded to the ''[[SmackDown]]'' brand for the first time in her career, due to a Diva trade made by ''Raw'' guest host [[Nancy O'Dell]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10122009/articles/12055092|title=Swap thing|date=October 12, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
James made her debut with the brand on the October 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', defeating [[Layla El|Layla]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10232009/|title=Battle before the war|date=October 23, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the October 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', a controversial angle began that saw WWE Women's Champion [[Michelle McCool]] and Layla, collectively known as [[LayCool]], bully James. On the November 20 episode of ''SmackDown'', after James defeated Layla, McCool gave James the [[nickname]] "Piggy James", that sent James to tears, resulting in a five-on-five [[Survivor Series match]] at the November pay-per-view [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]], where James' team prevailed over McCool's team, with James and [[Melina Perez|Melina]] as the sole survivors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2009/matches/12461538|title=Team Mickie def. Team Michelle (Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match)|date=November 22, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the December 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', James became the number one contender for McCool's Women's Championship by defeating Beth Phoenix and [[Natalya (wrestler)|Natalya]] in a triple threat match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12042009/|title=Turmoil launched with a chair|date=December 4, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The following week, James challenged McCool for the championship at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], but was unsuccessful after interference from Layla.<ref name=TCL09>{{cite web|title=TLC PPV FLASHBACK – 2009 (12–12–09): Sheamus wins first WWE Title, DX main event, Major roster turnover in 2010 vs. 2009, Quotebook|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_46177.shtml|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/matches/12893246/results/|title="McCruel" retains|date=December 13, 2009|access-date=March 6, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the January 22 edition of Smackdown, another controversial segment in the feud took place when Laycool beatdown James, force-fed her a pig shaped cake and dumped a bowl of punch on her head, leaving her sobbing and defeated in the ring. The storyline feud continued into the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, 2010, where James finally defeated McCool in 20 seconds to become a five-time Women's Champion, the second most reigns with the old WWE Women's Championship after Trish Stratus, who has had 7 reigns. Over the following couple of weeks, ''SmackDown'' consultant [[Vickie Guerrero]] was introduced into the rivalry, choosing to side with LayCool over James. On the February 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', McCool used her rematch clause to face James for the Women's Championship, with Guerrero acting as [[special guest referee]]. After Guerrero slapped James, McCool pinned her to regain the title.<ref name=TheRematch>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/27/13051991.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309210000/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/27/13051991.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Smackdown: Spear, spear, spear|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=February 27, 2010|access-date=September 23, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}
On March, James was diagnosed with a [[staph infection]] on her right knee, putting her out of action for three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/13733228|title=Mickie James out with staph infection |date=March 9, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> She returned on the March 22 episode of ''Raw'', where alongside [[Kelly Kelly]], she accompanied [[Eve Torres]], Beth Phoenix, and [[Gail Kim]] in their losing effort against McCool, Maryse and Layla, who had Vickie Guerrero and Alicia Fox in their corner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03222010/|title=Road warriors|date=March 22, 2010|access-date=March 28, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> This set up a 10-Diva tag team match at [[WrestleMania XXVI]], in which James made an unsuccessful in-ring return after Vickie pinned Kelly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/26/matches/13909830|title=Vickie Guerrero's team wins the 10-Diva Tag Team Match|date=March 28, 2010|access-date=June 21, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> James made her last appearance on ''Raw'' during a rematch, where her team was victorious. James' final match in WWE aired on the April 23 episode of ''SmackDown'' where she teamed with former long-time rival Beth Phoenix against LayCool in a losing effort when she was pinned by Layla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|title=To the Extreme|date=April 23, 2010|access-date=April 25, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> James was released from WWE one day earlier on April 22, having pre-taped her ''SmackDown'' match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |title=WWE cuts six talent from roster on Thursday |date=April 22, 2010 |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |work=WrestleView |access-date=April 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424012646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |archive-date=April 24, 2010 }}</ref> According to James, WWE explained the decision as due to desiring to "move in a new direction with their women's division".<ref>{{cite news|last=Docking|first=Neil|title=Mickie James interview|newspaper=[[Power Slam]]|agency=SW Publishing|location=Lancaster|page=25|date=December 2011}}</ref>
'''Sporadic appearances (2013)'''
In November 2013, James served as guest trainer at the [[WWE Performance Center]] in [[Orlando, Florida]], for a week, training [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]]'s female wrestlers. James also attended that week's NXT [[live event]] in [[Tampa, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-divas/mickie-james-exclusive-interview|title=WWE.com exclusive interview: Mickie James|date=November 14, 2013|last=Anthony|first=Benigno|access-date=November 20, 2016|publisher=[[WWE]].com}}</ref>
=== Return to the independent circuit (2010–2016) === James made her return to the [[independent circuit]] in April 2010, as part of [[World Wrestling Council]] (WWC), teaming with [[Carly Colon|Carlito]] to defeat the team of [[ODB (wrestler)|ODB]] and [[Christopher Daniels]]. James won the bout after pinning Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/07/05/in-video-mickie-james-makes-triumphant-return-to-the-ring-at-wwc/|title=Mickie's Triumphant Return|date=July 5, 2010|access-date=July 5, 2010|work=Diva Dirt|archive-date=July 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707205613/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/07/05/in-video-mickie-james-makes-triumphant-return-to-the-ring-at-wwc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} On July 11, as part of their Anniversary weekend, she defeated ODB in a singles match. On the last day of that month, James returned to one of her early promotions, [[Maryland Championship Wrestling]] (MCW), to wrestle [[Mia Yim]] in a winning effort.<ref>{{cite web|author=Melanie|title=Results from MCW Shamrock X (July 31st, 2010): Mia Yim vs Mickie James|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/08/01/results-from-mcw-shamrock-x-july-31st-2010-mia-yim-vs-mickie-james/|work=Diva Dirt|access-date=September 24, 2010|date=August 1, 2010|archive-date=October 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003142857/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/08/01/results-from-mcw-shamrock-x-july-31st-2010-mia-yim-vs-mickie-james/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} The following month, she contested for the [[Women Superstars Uncensored]] (WSU) [[WSU Championship|Championship]] against [[Mercedes Martinez]], but she was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|author=Melanie|title=Results from ICW: Mickie James vs Mercedes Martinez|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/08/08/results-from-icw-mickie-james-vs-mercedes-martinez/|work=Diva Dirt|date=August 8, 2010|access-date=September 27, 2010|archive-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007225743/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/08/08/results-from-icw-mickie-james-vs-mercedes-martinez/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} She also returned to [[Dory Funk]]'s promotion, recording a tag team match for ''!Bang! TV''. James also accompanied [[Dory Funk Jr.]] during his match, and sung "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" during ''!Bang! TV's'' tribute to the troops.<ref>{{cite web|author=Melanie|title=In Video: Mickie James Wrestles for Dory Funk's !Bang! TV|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/09/14/in-video-mickie-james-wrestles-for-dory-funks-bang-tv/|work=Diva Dirt|date=September 14, 2010|access-date=September 24, 2010|archive-date=September 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917074908/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/09/14/in-video-mickie-james-wrestles-for-dory-funks-bang-tv/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} On September 18, James served as a [[special guest referee]] for a three-way match between ODB, Persephone and Kristin Flake for the SCWA Ladies' Title during Southern California Wrestling Association's (SCWA) '''CAGED'' event in [[Wentworth, North Carolina]], where all matches took place in a [[Cage match|cage]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/09/19/results-from-scwa-all-cage-match-show-last-night-featuring-odb-and-mickie-james/| title=Results from SCWA all cage match show last night featuring ODB and Mickie James| date=September 19, 2010| access-date=October 20, 2013| archive-date=December 5, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205115149/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/09/19/results-from-scwa-all-cage-match-show-last-night-featuring-odb-and-mickie-james/| url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/16729288 | title=MindShock TV Episode 66 – SCWA Ladies Title Match from CAGED 2010}}</ref>
In early 2011, James began appearing for Covey Promotions. At ''All or Nothing 5'' on April 30, James defeated [[Hannah Blossom]] to become the first Covey Pro Women's Champion.<ref name=covey>{{cite web|title=Results|url=http://www.coveypro.com/results.html|work=Covey Promotions|access-date=June 21, 2011}}</ref> During her time with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA]], James made several appearances for independent wrestling promotions such as Pro Championship Wrestling, Legends of the Ring, Northeast Wrestling and National Wrestling Superstars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mickie-mania.org/?paged=4|title=Page four|access-date=November 2, 2011|work=Mickie-Mania|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425131603/http://mickie-mania.org/?paged=4|archive-date=April 25, 2012}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|failed=y|date=October 2013}} On November 11, 2011, James lost the Covey Pro Women's Championship to the debuting [[Jessie Belle Smothers]].<ref name= covey />
James made her debut for [[Pro Wrestling Elite]] (PWE) in [[Ayr, Scotland]] on September 15, 2012, at ''History Is Born'', where she wrestled Kay Lee Ray to a no contest.<ref name=CAGEMATCH>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=401&page=4|title=Matches = Mickie James = Wrestler Database = CAGEMATCH|publisher=CAGEMatch}}</ref> After the match, James teamed up with Ray in a winning effort against Carmel and Nikki Storm. The following night, James competed against Carmel in a winning effort.<ref name=CAGEMATCH/> James returned to Pro Wrestling Elite at their second anniversary event ''Elite Bro'' on July 20, 2013, in a winning effort against Nikki Storm.<ref>[http://scottishwrestlingcentral.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/resultreview-pwe-elite-bro-200713/ Pro Wrestling Elite: Elite Bro 2013 results] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130806234715/http://scottishwrestlingcentral.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/resultreview-pwe-elite-bro-200713/ |date=August 6, 2013 }} Scottish Wrestling Central. July 20, 2013. August 6, 2013.</ref> On September 21, James made an appearance at the ''Wrestling Spectacular 2'' all-female event in [[Edison, New Jersey]], alongside many former [[WWE]] and TNA female wrestlers, such as [[Angelina Love]], [[Katarina Waters]], [[Thea Trinidad|Rosita]] and [[Brooke Tessmacher|Brooke Adams]]. James and Love fought in the main event, with [[Candice Michelle]] as the special guest referee, where Love pinned James after interference from [[Velvet Sky]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailywrestlingnews.com/angelina-love-interview-at-wrestling-spectacular-2/ |title=Angelina Love interview at Wrestling Spectacular 2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215231/http://dailywrestlingnews.com/angelina-love-interview-at-wrestling-spectacular-2/ |archive-date=October 4, 2013 }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://1495sports.com/2013/09/22/videos-wrestling-spectacular-2/ | title=VIDEOS: Wrestling Spectacular 2| date=September 22, 2013}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} James made appearances for Big Time Wrestling in August 2013, doing so as a villainess wrestling [[Reby Sky]] several times in different dates and locations, winning in all bouts against Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lquA1snqxgw | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817125552/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lquA1snqxgw&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=August 17, 2013 | url-status=dead| title=Mickie James vs Reby Sky| website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJltkEUtq-U | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/EJltkEUtq-U| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| title=Reby Sky VS. Mickie James. Gaithersburg, MD 8/13/13| website=[[YouTube]]| date=August 14, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpWH-HmZvS8 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/CpWH-HmZvS8| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| title=FULL MATCH: Reby Sky vs Mickie James| website=[[YouTube]]| date=September 3, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On October 12, Mickie again appeared for the promotion, beating Quebec's Midianne in [[Bristol, Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://northstarz.ca/2013/10/15/former-impact-wrestling-knockout-champion-mickie-james-defeats-quebecs-midianne/ |title=Former Impact Wrestling Knockout Champion Mickie James Defeats Quebec's Midianne |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020214743/http://northstarz.ca/2013/10/15/former-impact-wrestling-knockout-champion-mickie-james-defeats-quebecs-midianne/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2013}} On February 8, 2014, James returned to Maryland Championship Wrestling for the ''Anniversary 2014'' event in [[Joppa, Maryland]], to face Angelina Love, promoted as "Battle of the Bombshells". Although originally promoted as a singles match, interference by MCW's Renee Michelles' and Jessie Kayes' rivalry occurred during the match, resulting in the match being turned into a tag team match with Mickie and Michelle facing Angelina and Kayes, which James and Michelle won.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD-AxOxaYvk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/xD-AxOxaYvk| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| title=Mickie James vs Angelina LoveMCW ANNIVERSARY 2014 | website=[[YouTube]]| date=February 9, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_76248.shtml | title=SHOW RESULTS – 2/8 MCW in Joppa, Md.: Jerry Lawler wrestles singles match, Mickie James, Angelina Love, more}}</ref>
On April 25, 2014, at the [[Berkeley Springs High School]] theater in [[West Virginia]], James headlined the Covey Promotion 3rd Annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, as she was inducted into the Covey Pro Hall Of Hame Class of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAGLuZEe1OY | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/XAGLuZEe1OY| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| title=Covey Pro Hall Of Fame 2014 Preview | website=[[YouTube]]| date=April 10, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The next day, during the ''All or Nothing 8!'' event which was aired on May 17 as the 154th episode of Covey Pro TV, James was interrupted during an interview by Amber Rodriguez, who mocked James on her [[Legitimate (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] [[pregnancy]] and gave her a pie as a tease, and in return, James shoved the pie in Amber's face. Jessie Belle Smothers came to the rescue and battled Rodriguez as James was escorted out by security. Two months after giving birth to her child, James returned to in-ring competition at ''Queens Of Combat 3'' on November 30, where she defeated [[Tessa Blanchard]] after turning heel during the match and resorting to villainous tactics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/104544/queens-of-combat-3-results-mickie-james-returns-to-the-ring/|title=Queens of Combat 3 Results: Mickie James Returns to the Ring|publisher=Diva-Dirt|author=Riddle, Chris|date=November 30, 2014|access-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> On May 16, James debuted for First State Championship Wrestling (1CW) unsuccessfully challenging [[Kacee Carlisle]] for the 1CW Women's Championship after getting herself disqualified.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
On June 19, 2015, at Maryland Championship Wrestling's ''Ladies Night'' event, James defeated Amber Rodriguez (with [[Lisa Marie Varon]] as the [[special guest referee]] and [[Melina Perez|Melina]] as the enforcer) to win the MCW Women's Championship, despite being attacked by the villainous Melina during the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/94570/mickie-james-melina-the-former-victoria-more-headline-mcw-ladies-night-out-roddy-piper-heading-to-shane-shamrock-memorial-more.html?p=1|title=MICKIE JAMES, MELINA, THE FORMER VICTORIA & MORE HEADLINE MCW LADIES NIGHT OUT, RODDY PIPER HEADING TO SHANE SHAMROCK MEMORIAL & MORE|date=June 22, 2015|access-date=June 22, 2015|website=PWInsider|author=Johnson, Mike}}</ref> On November 13, [[Kimber Lee]] defeated James to win the MCW Women's Championship after interference from Amber Rodriguez. The following night, James gained a measure of revenge by defeating Rodriguez in a Loser Leaves MCW match, causing Rodriguez to leave the company. On February 2, 2016, James made an appearance for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] in a losing effort against Grand Champion Princess [[Kimber Lee]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Paglino|first1=Nick|title=MCW "Autumn Armageddon" Tour Results (11/14): Ric Flair Appears, Tessa Blanchard, Mickie James In-Action, MCW Title Match, More|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/642299-mcw-autumn-armageddon-tour-results-1114-ric-flair-appears-tessa-blanchard-mickie-james-in-action-mcw-title-match-more|website=WrestleZone|access-date=January 7, 2016|date=November 15, 2015}}</ref> On April 1, 2016, James returned to Queens of Combat and defeated [[LuFisto]] at ''Queens of Combat 10''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonny "Mad Dog"|title=4/1 WrestleCon Day 1 Live Report & Queens of Combat Show Results|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/02/41-wrestlecon-live-report-detailed-overview-autograph-lines-steiner-qa-plus-queens-combat-results/|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=April 2, 2016}}</ref>
On September 2, 2016, James made her debut for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]], when she entered the [[King of Trios#2016|2016 King of Trios]] tournament as part of Team Original Divas Revolution, alongside [[Jazz (wrestler)|Jazz]] and Victoria. They defeated Team Shimmer ([[Candice LeRae]], Crazy Mary Dobson and Solo Darling) in their first round match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/104464/wwe-cruiserweights-jwp-sendai-girls-joey-styles-attitude-era-divas-shimmer-more-detailed-live-report-92-chikara-king-of-trios-night-one.html?p=1|title=WWE cruiserweights, JWP, Sendai Girls, Joey Styles, Attitude era divas, Shimmer & more: detailed live report: 9/2 Chikara King of Trios night one|last=Cardoza|first=Adam|date=September 3, 2016|access-date=September 3, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> The following day, Team Original Divas Revolution was eliminated from the tournament by The Warriors Three (Oleg the Usurper, [[Princess KimberLee]] and ThunderFrog).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/104478/94-chikara-king-of-trios-night-two-live-report.html?p=1|title=9/4 Chikara King of Trios night two live report|last=Cardoza|first=Adam|date=September 4, 2016|access-date=September 4, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>
James worked as head trainer for the [[Virginia]] based promotion Ground Xero Wrestling (GXW) Training Academy.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.thebaynet.com/articles/0615/sgtslaughtertowrestleinsouthernmarylandthisweekend.html | title=Sgt. Slaughter to wrestle in Southern Maryland this weekend | publisher=The Baynet | date=June 23, 2015 | access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> She trained students at the Richmond location.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/gxw-training-academy-accepting-new-wrestlers/amp/ | title=GXW Training Academy Now Open | date=March 11, 2016 | publisher=OWW Wrestling | access-date=March 9, 2021}}<br />{{cite web | url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/gxw-wrestling-presents-two-of-the-best-pro-wrestling-training-locations-on-the-east-coast/amp/ | title=GXW Wrestling presents two of the best pro wrestling training locations on the east coast | date=January 11, 2016 | publisher=OWW Wrestling | access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/06/bill-demott-tryout-training-camp-this-summer-with-mickie-596339/ | title=Bill DeMott Tryout Training Camp This Summer With Mickie James, Magnus And Earl Hebner | publisher=Wrestling Inc | date=June 16, 2015 | access-date=March 7, 2021}}<br />{{cite web | title=Superstar Seminars Presents The Bill DeMott Tryout Training Camp With Mickie James & Magnus | url=https://tjrwrestling.net/superstar-seminars-presents-the-bill-demott-tryout-training-camp-with-mickie-james-magnus/ | publisher=TJR Wrestling | date=June 16, 2015 | access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> James beat Renee Michelle for the GXW Women's Championship while with the promotion.<ref>{{cite web | title=GXW CLASSIC PRO WRESTLING MICKIE JAMES VS RENEE MICHELLE LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gU5m5-ElcNk&t=5s | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/gU5m5-ElcNk| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| publisher=GXW Officel YouTube | access-date=March 9, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
=== Return to TNA (2010-2015) === <!--Sub-headings necessary as she had at least 2 positions when with the company-->
==== Feud with Madison Rayne <!--Her feud with Tara was part of her feud with Madison Rayne-->(2010–2011) ==== On September 22, 2010, it was reported that James had signed a contract with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43965.shtml|title=TNA News: Former WWE women's champion reportedly signs with TNA; when she's expected to debut|date=September 22, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 23, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> James returned to the promotion on October 7's ''Before The Glory'' special episode of ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact!]]'', when she was introduced as the [[special guest referee]] for the [[TNA Knockouts Championship]] match between [[Angelina Love]], [[Velvet Sky]], [[Madison Rayne]] and [[Lisa Marie Varon|Tara]] at [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44353.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 10/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Spike TV show – Foley vs. Flair, battle royal, Bound for Glory hype|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 7, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref> At the pay-per-view, James counted the pinfall which made Tara the new Knockouts Champion, prompting Rayne to shove James amidst an argument with Tara, and James replying with a punch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10–10–10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Tara lost the title to Rayne, while James made her intentions for the Knockouts title clear, after a confrontation with the new champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=October 14, 2010|access-date=October 15, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> James wrestled her return match the following week, defeating [[Sarah Stock|Sarita]], before being attacked by Rayne's ally, Tara. James wrestled her first TNA pay-per-view match at [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]], where she battled Tara to a double disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 7, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
On the November 18 episode of ''Impact!'' James defeated Angelina Love to become the number one contender to the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45386.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=November 18, 2010|access-date=November 18, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Final Resolution (2010)|Final Resolution]], James was defeated by Tara in a [[Falls Count Anywhere match]], following interference from Madison Rayne after she sprayed a fire extinguisher and hit James with the Knockouts title belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45809.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Hardy vs. Morgan II, several title and stipulation matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 5, 2010|access-date=December 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', James defeated Tara in a [[steel cage match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45926.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact results 12/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV episode|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=December 9, 2010|access-date=December 10, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 9, 2011, at [[Genesis (2011)|Genesis]], James lost her match against Rayne for the Knockouts Championship due to interference from Tara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_46645.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV results 1/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Morgan vs. Anderson No. 1 contender, four title matches, RVD mystery opponent|date=January 9, 2011|access-date=January 9, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[TNA Against All Odds (2011)|Against All Odds]], James once again failed to win the Knockouts Championship, this time losing to Rayne in a [[Last Knockout Standing match]], after another interference by Tara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_47702.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Against All Odds PPV results 2/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Anderson vs. Hardy, Genesis re-matches, fluid X Division situation|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 13, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the March 17 episode of ''Impact!'', Rayne agreed to give James another title match at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]], with the added stipulation that should James fail to win the title, she would have to [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|shave her hair off]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966 |title=Impact Results – 3/17/11 |date=March 18, 2011 |access-date=March 18, 2011 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929195632/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966 |archive-date=September 29, 2012 }}</ref> On March 18, James [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] separated her shoulder at a TNA [[house show]] in [[Jacksonville, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1301259467 |title=Update on Mickie James suffering an injury |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=March 27, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930071427/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1301259467 |archive-date=September 30, 2012 }}</ref> James's injury was put into a storyline, where it was caused by Rayne and Tara running over her with Tara's motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49154.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 4/7: Sting vs. RVD main event, tag teams split, Jarrett climbs the cage with ease, Overall Show Grade|last=Baxendell|first=Matt|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
==== Knockouts Championship reigns<!--During the latter half of her TNA run, she mainly held the Knockouts title and feuded with a variety of women--> (2011–2013) ==== [[File:Mickie verano.JPG|thumb|James (left) and [[Sexy Star]] (right) at the 2011 [[Verano de Escándalo (2011)|Verano de Escándalo]] event]] On April 17, James defeated [[Madison Rayne]] in a [[Steel Cage match|steel cage match]], which lasted less than a minute, to win the [[TNA Knockouts Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=Lockdown2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV – Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> With the win, James became the first woman in history to have held the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]], the [[WWE Divas Championship]], and the TNA Knockouts Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1303100993 |title=Mickie James becomes triple crown champion |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421130334/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1303100993 |archive-date=April 21, 2011 }}</ref> On the May 5 episode of ''Impact!'', James made her first successful title defense against [[Ms. Tessmacher]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49849.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 5/5: Main-Eventers Take The Week Off, Hype For Next Week's Show|first=Matt|last=Baxendell|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=August 8, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 15 at [[TNA Sacrifice (2011)|Sacrifice]], James successfully defended her title against Madison Rayne and helped Tara get a release from her alliance with Rayne.<ref name=sacrifice2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50080.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/15: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. RVD, four title matches, Chyna PPV return|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[Slammiversary IX]], James successfully defended her title against [[Angelina Love]], however after the match both Love and [[Katarina Waters|Winter]] attacked her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50710.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. Anderson, Angle vs. Jarrett blow-off|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 12, 2011|access-date=June 12, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 18, James made her debut for TNA's Mexican partner [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA) at [[Triplemanía XIX]], where she teamed with [[Angelina Love]], [[Sexy Star]] and [[Velvet Sky]] to defeat [[Cynthia Moreno]], [[Faby Apache]], Lolita and [[Mari Apache]] in an eight-woman tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/2011/06/17/triplemania-xix-cobertura-y-resultados-18-de-junio-de-2011-la-park-vs-el-mesias-mascara-vs-cabellera-tna-invade-triple-a/ |title=AAA TripleManía XIX (Cobertura y resultados 18 de junio de 2011) – Mesias pierde la cabellera, Jeff Jarrett nuevo Megacampeón, Dr. Wagner vence a RVD |last=Cano Vela |first=Eduardo |date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=June 24, 2011 |work=[[Súper Luchas]] |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109061359/http://superluchas.com/2011/06/17/aaa-triplemania-xix-cobertura-y-resultados-18-de-junio-de-2011-l-a-park-vs-el-mesias-en-un-duelo-mascara-vs-cabellera-tna-invade-triple-a/ |archive-date=November 9, 2012 }}</ref> James returned to AAA on July 9, teaming with Sexy Star to defeat the Apaches in a tag team match, after which she challenged Mari to a match for her [[AAA Reina de Reinas Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.record.com/luchalibre/2011-07-11/el-zorro-se-unio-al-ejercito-triple |title=El Zorro se unió al Ejército Triple A |date=July 11, 2011 |access-date=July 11, 2011 |work=[[Récord (Mexican newspaper)|Récord]] |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713112129/http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-07-11/el-zorro-se-unio-al-ejercito-triple |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> On July 31 at ''[[Verano de Escándalo (2011)|Verano de Escándalo]]'', James competed in an eight-way match for the Reina de Reinas Championship, becoming the last person eliminated by the new champion, [[Pimpinela Escarlata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://luchalibreaaa.com/verano-de-escandalo-2011-la-lucha-libre-esta-que-arde.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816055553/http://luchalibreaaa.com/verano-de-escandalo-2011-la-lucha-libre-esta-que-arde.php |archive-date=August 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |title=Verano de Escándalo 2011: La Lucha Libre Está que Arde |work=[[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] |language=es |date=August 1, 2011 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/aaa/verano-de-escandalo-2011-23034.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205170742/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/aaa/verano-de-escandalo-2011-23034.html |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |title=AAA Verano de Escandalo 2011 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=July 31, 2011 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> On the June 23 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James was defeated by Winter in a non-title [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Street Fight]], following outside interference from Love.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1308888237 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 6/23/11 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=June 24, 2011 |access-date=August 9, 2011 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702001748/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1308888237 |archive-date=July 2, 2011 }}</ref> This led to a match on August 7 at [[Hardcore Justice (2011)|Hardcore Justice]], where James lost the Knockouts Championship to Winter, following multiple interferences from Love and a [[Asian mist|red mist]] from Winter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51958.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. Angle, five title matches, BFG Series matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 7, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Madison Rayne to earn a rematch for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1313122097 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 8/11/11 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=August 19, 2011 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825105605/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1313122097 |archive-date=August 25, 2011 }}</ref> On the September 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Winter to win her second TNA Knockouts Championship.<ref name=Impact090111Tapings>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_52595.shtml|title=TNA Spoiler – title change at Thursday's Impact Wrestling taping|date=August 25, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1314968579 |title=Impact Wrestling Results – 9/1/11 |date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003051411/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1314968579 |archive-date=October 3, 2012 }}</ref> On September 11 at [[No Surrender (2011)|No Surrender]], James [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropped]] the title back to Winter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_53179.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – three-way TNA Title match, BFG Series finals|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 11, 2011|access-date=September 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the September 22 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Ms. Tessmacher to earn another shot at the championship at [[Bound for Glory (2011)|Bound for Glory]], in a four-way match with defending champion Winter, Madison Rayne and [[Velvet Sky]], which Sky would win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_53601.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 9/22: Angle-Roode confrontation, Jeff Hardy talks pain pills with fellow addict(s), more|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=September 22, 2011|access-date=October 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting|date=October 16, 2011|access-date=October 16, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
On the November 17 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated nine other Knockouts in a [[gauntlet match]] to earn a championship match with the new champion, [[Gail Kim]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_55268.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 11/17: Follow up to Turning Point, Roode and Styles match announced for Final Resolution|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=November 17, 2011|access-date=November 17, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 11 at [[Final Resolution (2011)|Final Resolution]], Gail defeated James to retain the championship, following a distraction from Madison Rayne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55904.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 11, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In the main event of the December 29 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James challenged Kim for the championship, but was defeated following interference from Rayne. On the January 5, 2012, episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James and [[Traci Brooks]] failed to capture the [[TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship]] from Kim and Rayne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56657.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 1/5: Review of final Genesis PPV hype, six-man tag main event, tournament finals|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=January 5, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Three days later at [[Genesis (2012)|Genesis]], James lost another championship match against Kim, after being disqualified for using the brass knuckles that were thrown into the ring by Rayne, who was locked in a cage suspended in the air during the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_56739.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV results 1/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Roode-Hardy, Angle-Storm|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the January 19 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Rayne in a steel cage match.<ref name=RaynePain>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_57163.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 1/19: Alt. perspective review of Thursday's show, Overall Thoughts on another TV main event non-finish|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=January 19, 2012|access-date=January 19, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the January 26 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James and Velvet Sky were defeated by Tara in a three-way number one contender's match for the Knockouts Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1327675759 |title=Impact Results – 1/26/12 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=January 27, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2012 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202041119/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1327675759 |archive-date=February 2, 2012 }}</ref> On the April 5 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James was defeated by Sky in a six-way number one contenders match, also involving Angelina Love, Madison Rayne, [[Lisa Marie Varon|Tara]], and Winter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Turner TNA Impact Wrestling results 4/5: Hogan's first show as GM, return of the Motor City Machineguns, Lockdown hype continues|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_60095.shtml|date=April 6, 2012|last=Turner|first=Scott|access-date=June 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the June 7 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James again failed to earn a shot at the Knockouts Championship when she was defeated by Ms. Tessmacher in a four-way match that also included Tara and Velvet Sky, while also showing signs of a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel turn]] due to jealousy of Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62184.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/7: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – six-man tag, final Slammiversary hype|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 7, 2012|access-date=June 7, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the June 21 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James was chosen over Sky as the next challenger for the Knockouts Championship, but failed to recapture the title from Ms. Tessmacher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62673.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Aries Decision 2012, BFG Series, Open Fight Night, Gut Check|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 21, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> James' storyline with Sky ended abruptly the following month, when Sky was granted her release from TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26732-velvet-sky-confirms-departure-from-tna |title=Velvet Sky confirms departure from TNA |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=July 26, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729014104/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26732-velvet-sky-confirms-departure-from-tna |archive-date=July 29, 2012 }}</ref> On the August 2 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James unsuccessfully competed in a four-way number one contenders match involving Gail Kim, Tara and the eventual winner Madison Rayne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_63944.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Angle vs. Storm, Chavo in-ring debut, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 2, 2012|access-date=August 2, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After a three-month absence, James returned on the November 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', winning a Knockouts [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] to become the number one contender to the Knockouts Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66663.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 11/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of post-PPV episode – Storm vs. Roode|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> On December 9 at [[Final Resolution (2012)|Final Resolution]], James was unsuccessful in winning the championship from Tara after a distraction from her boyfriend [[Jessie Godderz|Jesse]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67111.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV RESULTS 12/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy vs. Roode in the main event, Aries vs. Bully|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> James received another shot at the championship on the December 20 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', but was again defeated by Tara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67417.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 12/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Champ. Thursday – Aries vs. Hardy, 1.3.13 reveal|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> On January 13, 2013, at the [[Genesis (2013)|Genesis]] pay-per-view, James competed in a five-woman gauntlet match to determine the number one contender to the Knockout Championship, but was eliminated by Gail Kim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67844.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA GENESIS PPV RESULTS 1/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Hardy defends TNA Title against two foes, two title matches, #1 contender matches|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Mickie2013.png|thumb|left|James (right) prior to face [[Taeler Hendrix]] during a TNA event in 2013]] On the April 18 of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Ms. Tessmacher to become the number one contender to the Knockouts Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70102.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 4/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles's in-ring return, live Impact fall-out|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> James began turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] during her title match against defending champion Velvet Sky on the following week, when she targeted Sky's injured knee; James was defeated Sky.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70226.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 4/25 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Bully-Hogan, title matches|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> On the May 23 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James defeated Sky after attacking her injured knee to become a three-time Knockouts Champion.<ref name=ThirdReign>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70811.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Hogan returns home, A.J. in Aces & Eights?, final show in current timeslot|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> The following week, James continued portraying a villainous persona by calling out Velvet Sky, acting sarcastic and pompous towards her, and also did not help Sky when she was attacked by Gail Kim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70960.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles vs. Anderson, final PPV hype, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> James cemented her heel turn on the June 13 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', when she attacked Sky when the latter said that she was ready for a rematch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_71253.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 6/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of BFG Series qualifiers, Sting bringing back Mafia, Rampage Jackson Week 2, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> James and Sky had their rematch on the June 27 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', where James retained her championship.<ref name=SkyTitle>{{cite web|title=ONGOING IMPACT WRESTLING REPORT: A NEW X DIVISION CHAMPION IS CROWNED, GUT CHECK IS BACK, VELVET GETS HER REMATCH AGAINST MICKIE JAMES, THE BFG SERIES CONTINUES|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78546/ongoing-impact-wrestling-report-a-new-x-division-champion-is-crowned-gut-check-is-back-velvet-gets-her-rematch-against-mickie-james.html?p=1|date=June 27, 2013 |last=Carapola|first=Stuart|work=PWInsider|access-date= June 27, 2013 }}</ref> On the July 4 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James justified her actions by claiming that getting to the top of the Knockouts division requires "clawing and scratching your way to the top"; James also claimed that "no woman would ever be as great as her" and she'll "stand atop the division as the greatest Knockouts Champion of all time".<ref>{{cite web|title=ONGOING IMPACT WRESTLING REPORT: THE RESULTS OF LAST WEEK'S GUT CHECK ARE REVEALED, CHAVO AND HERNANDEZ LIE, CHEAT AND STEAL|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=78711&p=1|date=July 4, 2013 |last=Carapola|first=Stuart|work=PWInsider|access-date= July 4, 2013 }}</ref> On the July 25 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James successfully defended the championship against Gail Kim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_72262.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – PARKS'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 7/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Chris Sabin's first show as TNA Champion, Ultimate X|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> At the September 6 airing of [[TNA One Night Only#Knockout Knockdown|Knockout Knockdown]], James defeated [[Serena Deeb]] to qualify for the gauntlet [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] finals, in which James was lastly eliminated by Gail Kim.<ref>[http://www.tnasylum.com/2013/09/one-night-only-knockout-knockdown.html TNA One Night Only: Knockout Knockdown review] tnaasylum.com. September 6, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/296676 TNA One Night Only: Knockout Knockdown review] 411mania.com. September 6, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.</ref> James lost the Knockouts Championship on the September 19 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' to [[ODB (wrestler)|ODB]]. Four days later, it was revealed that James had failed to come to terms on a contract renewal with TNA. James later stated in an interview that she technically wasn't under contract with TNA, but she did not confirm that she was gone. On November 15, 2013, James appeared in an interview on [[WWE]].com, discussing her history with WWE and the possibility of making a return to the company.<ref name=Benigno112013>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=WWE.com exclusive interview: Mickie James|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-divas/mickie-james-exclusive-interview|work=WWE.com|publisher=WWE inc.|access-date=November 17, 2013}}</ref> At the December 6 airing of [[TNA One Night Only#TNA World Cup of Wrestling|World Cup of Wrestling]], James was a member of [[Team USA (professional wrestling)|Team USA]], along with [[James Storm]], [[Christopher Daniels]], [[Frankie Kazarian|Kazarian]] and [[Kenny King (wrestler)|Kenny King]]. James was defeated by Team [[Aces & Eights]]' [[Ivelisse Vélez]] following interference from the other members of Aces & Eights. Team USA would go on to defeat Team Aces & Eights in a 5-on-5 elimination tag team match, in which James gained a measure of retribution by eliminating Vélez during the match; James and Storm were presented with the trophy afterward.<ref>[http://www.iwheadlines.com/2013/12/13/the-two-sheds-tv-review-tna-one-night-only-world-cup-of-wrestling/ TNA One Night Only: World Cup of Wrestling 2013 review] iwheadlines.com. December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/306162/Tremendous-Tirades-12.06.13:-TNA-One-Night-Only-–-World-Cup.htm TNA World Cup of Wrestling 2013 Review] 411mania.com. June 12, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2013.</ref>
=== Second return to TNA (2015) === James made a surprise return to [[Impact Wrestling|TNA]] as a [[Fan favorite (wrestling)|fan favorite]], after a year and a half absence from the company, on January 30, 2015, during the tapings of ''[[Impact Wrestling (TV series)|Impact Wrestling]]'' in [[Glasgow, Scotland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.impactwrestling.com/news/item/6334-Breaking-News-Mickie-James-Returns-to-TNA-in-Glasgow|title=Breaking News: Mickie James Returns to TNA in Glasgow!|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042448/http://www.impactwrestling.com/news/item/6334-Breaking-News-Mickie-James-Returns-to-TNA-in-Glasgow|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> James would then have several confrontations with [[Bram (wrestler)|Bram]] over his actions towards her real life fiancé, [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]]. On the April 24 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James retired from wrestling to focus on becoming a full-time mother, but [[James Storm]] talked her into having one more match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/93280/complete-impact-wrestling-tko-night-report-angle-defends-the-tna-world-title-kong-gets-another-shot-at-taryn-terrell-and-more-knockouts-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at.html?p=1|title=COMPLETE IMPACT WRESTLING TKO NIGHT REPORT: ANGLE DEFENDS THE TNA WORLD TITLE, KONG GETS ANOTHER SHOT AT TARYN TERRELL, AND MORE KNOCKOUTS THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT|author=Carapola, Stuart|website=PWInsider|date=April 24, 2015|access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref> On the June 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James declined an offer by Storm to join [[The Revolution (TNA)|The Revolution]], which resulted in him intentionally shoving her onto a train track in the storyline, which sparked controversy. This was done to write off James from television, as she had no more dates set with the company at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/54713-tna-impact-wrestling-results-6-3-15-spud-s-decision|title=TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS – 6/3/15 (SPUD'S BIG DECISION)|website=WrestleView|author=Boutwell, Josh|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref> James made her return on the July 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', confronting Storm and challenging him to an intergender tag team match. After the match, James got revenge on Storm and she delivered a jumping DDT on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55096-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-1-15-new-tna-champion|title=TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS – 7/1/15 (NEW TNA CHAMPION)|website=WrestleView|author=James, Bobby|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> On the July 29 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', James and Magnus defeated Storm and his partner [[Serena Deeb|Serena]], when James pinned Serena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55520-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-29-15-jarrett-hof-induction|title=TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS – 7/29/15 (JARRETT HALL OF FAME)|author=Boutwell, Josh|website=WrestleView|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref>
=== Global Force Wrestling (2015–2016) === On July 7, 2015, James signed with [[Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW). On July 24, at GFW's inaugural tapings in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], James lost a three-way GFW Women's Championship tournament qualifying match that also included [[Lei'D Tapa]] and the ultimate winner, [[Christina Von Eerie]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://globalforcewrestling.com/mickie-james-headed-gfws-first-ever-tv-tapings-las-vegas/|title=Mickie James headed to GFW's first-ever TV tapings in Las Vegas|date=July 7, 2015|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> On January 22, [[Christina Von Eerie]] defeated James and [[Kimber Lee]] to retain the GFW Women's Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/96377/93-gfw-in-cedar-rapids-iowa-results.html?p=1|title=9/3 GFW IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA RESULTS|author=Finch, Benjamin|website=PWInsider|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=September 4, 2015}}</ref>
=== Return to WWE (2016-2021) ===
==== Alliance and feud with Alexa Bliss (2016–2019) ==== On October 13, 2016, it was announced that James would return to WWE's [[Farm team|developmental]] brand [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] at the [[NXT TakeOver: Toronto]] event on November 19, competing against [[Asuka (wrestler)|Asuka]] for the [[NXT Women's Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-toronto-2016-11-19/article/asuka-mickie-james-nxt-womens-championship|title=NXT Women's Champion Asuka vs. Mickie James|date=October 13, 2016|last=Bobby|first=Melok|access-date=November 20, 2016|publisher=[[WWE]].com}}</ref> On the October 26 episode of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'', James cut a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promo]] where she formally re–introduced herself and challenged Asuka for the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/105613/wwe-nxt-report-dusty-classic-continues-asuka-has-her-takeover-opponent-revealed-some-post-match-aggression-from-the-wrestlers-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT REPORT: DUSTY CLASSIC CONTINUES, ASUKA HAS HER TAKEOVER OPPONENT REVEALED, SOME POST MATCH AGGRESSION FROM THE WRESTLERS. AND MORE|last=Richard|first=Trionfo|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=November 20, 2016|work=PWInsider}}</ref> At the event, James was defeated and after the match Asuka refused to shake her hand as a sign of disrespect.<ref name="NXTTakeoverToronto2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/19/james-nxt-takeover-toronto-review-1119-nakamura-vs-joe-asuka-vs-james-diy-vs-revival/|title=James' NXT TakeOver: Toronto review 11/19: Nakamura vs. Joe, Asuka vs. James, #DIY vs. The Revival, and more|last=Justin|first=James|date=November 19, 2016|access-date=November 20, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 8, it was announced that James had signed a multi–year contract with WWE.<ref name="Mike">{{cite web|last=Mike|first=Johnson|date=December 8, 2016|title=EXCLUSIVE MICKIE JAMES-WWE UPDATE (SPOILER)|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=106430|access-date=December 9, 2016|work=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/106435/wwe-signing-updates.html?p=1|title=WWE SIGNING UPDATES|last=Mike|first=Johnson|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016|work=PWInsider}}</ref> According to James, she asked to return under her previous character, which she later would see as a "throwback".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/99758-mickie-james-habla-sobre-su-ultimo-paso-por-wwe|title = Mickie James habla sobre su último paso por WWE| work=Solowrestling |date = July 12, 2021 | author1=Solowrestling }}</ref>
On the January 17, 2017, episode of ''[[SmackDown Live]]'', James made her return by helping [[Alexa Bliss]] retain her [[SmackDown Women's Championship]] against [[Becky Lynch]] in a [[Steel cage|Steel Cage match]], revealing herself as the woman under the "La Luchadora" [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] and establishing herself as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] character, while also allying with Bliss.<ref name="Luchadora">{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=107176&p=2|title=WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: WOMEN'S TITLE MATCH INSIDE A STEEL CAGE, DO WE FIND OUT WHO LA LUCHADORA IS?, THE WYATTS FAMILY FEUD, AND MORE|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=January 17, 2017|access-date=January 17, 2017|work=PWInsider}}</ref> She competed in her first match in nearly seven years in a WWE main roster ring on January 29, 2017, at the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] pay–per–view, teaming with Bliss and [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]] against Lynch, [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]], and [[Nikki Bella]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Naomi, Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch def. SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Mickie James & Natalya|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/naomi-becky-lynch-nikki-bella-vs-alexa-bliss-mickie-james-natalya-results|date=January 29, 2017|work=WWE.com|access-date=January 29, 2017}}</ref> James went on to face Lynch at the [[Elimination Chamber (2017)|Elimination Chamber]] pay–per–view in another losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=Becky Lynch def. Mickie James|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/becky-lynch-mickie-james-results|date=February 12, 2017|work=WWE|access-date=February 12, 2017}}</ref> She would defeat Lynch in a rematch on the edition of February 14 of ''SmackDown'', but would lose a [[Two out of three falls match|Two-Out-of-Three Falls match]] two weeks later to end the storyline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/73222-wwe-smackdown-results-21417-wyatt-vs-cena-wwe-title/|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 2/14/17 (Triple Threat for the WWE Title)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=February 14, 2017|website=WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, Impact News, ROH News|language=en-US|access-date=February 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-smackdown-results-february-28-2017|title=WWE SmackDown Results – February 28, 2017|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|website=PWMania|date=March 2017|language=en-US|access-date=February 5, 2019}}</ref> In March, James turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] after hitting Bliss with a [[Reverse roundhouse kick|Mick Kick]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-07/article/alexa-bliss-mickie-james-def-becky-lynch-natalya|title=Alexa Bliss & Mickie James def. Becky Lynch & Natalya|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 19, 2017}}</ref> ending their brief alliance and leading to a non-title match between the two on the edition of March 14 of ''SmackDown'', in which James was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/mickie-james-def-alexa-bliss|title=Mickie James def. Alexa Bliss|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 19, 2017}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 33]], James took part in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|six–pack challenge]] for Bliss’ SmackDown Women's Championship, which saw Naomi winning the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/smackdown-womens-championship-match-results|title=Naomi glows brightest in SmackDown Women's Title Six-Pack Challenge|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 19, 2017}}</ref>
Shortly after Wrestlemania, James was drafted to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] as part of the [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up|2017 Superstar Shake–Up]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-04-10/article/alexa-bliss-bayley-sasha-banks-mickie-james-nia-jax |title= Alexa Bliss arrives on Raw ... and she's not alone |work=WWE |date= April 10, 2017 |access-date= June 28, 2018}}</ref> In October, after being named the No. 1 Contender by ''Raw'' General Manager [[Kurt Angle]], James faced Bliss for the [[Raw Women's Championship]] at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2017)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], but was unsuccessful in capturing the title. A few weeks later on the edition of October 30 of ''Raw'', James once again challenged Bliss for the title in the [[main event]] but came up short.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/22/kellers-wwe-tlc-ppv-report-1022-live-coverage-angles-return-ring-subbing-reigns-styles-vs-balor/|title=KELLER'S WWE TLC PPV REPORT 10/22: Live coverage of Angle's return to ring subbing for Reigns, Styles vs. Balor|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=October 22, 2017|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1030-follow-siege-survivor-series-developments-continue/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 10/30: Follow-up to Under Siege, Survivor Series developments continue|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=October 30, 2017|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> On January 28, 2018, at the [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]], James entered the first-ever [[Royal Rumble#Females|women's Royal Rumble match]] at No. 26 and lasted over 8 minutes before being eliminated by long–time rival [[Trish Stratus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=115167&p=4|title=FULL ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE|last=Strode|first=Cory|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=January 28, 2018|work=PWInsider}}</ref> The following month, James competed in the first-ever women's [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] at the [[Elimination Chamber (2018)|namesake]] pay–per–view, where she entered at No. 5 and eliminated [[Sonya Deville]] after a diving [[Lou Thesz press]] off the top of a pod before being eliminated by [[Bayley (wrestler)|Bayley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=115732&p=2|title=COMPLETE WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV COVERAGE INCLUDING RAW TALK COVERAGE|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=February 25, 2018|access-date=February 25, 2018|work=PWInsider}}</ref>
On the February 26 episode of ''Raw'', James proceeded to turn heel and realigned herself with Bliss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/02/26/kellers-wwe-raw-report-2-26-elimination-chamber-fallout-including-brocks-face-off-reigns-asuka-decision-make-rousey-authority-fallout/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 2/26: Elimination Chamber fallout including Brock's face-off with Reigns, Asuka has a decision to make, Rousey-Authority fallout|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 34]], James participated in the first-ever [[WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal]] for the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal [[Trophy]], but was eliminated from the match by [[Ruby Riott]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/08/vandrews-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-report-4-8-live-coverage-of-early-matches-and-the-latest-promos-and-panel-discussion/|title=VANDREW'S WRESTLEMANIA 34 KICKOFF SHOW REPORT 4/8: Live coverage of early matches and the latest promos and panel discussion|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> Later that night, she had planned to [[manager (professional wrestling)|manage]] Bliss to her title defense against [[Nia Jax]], but was attacked and ejected by Jax before the match began.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/08/kellers-wwe-wrestlemania-34-report-lesnar-vs-reigns-styles-vs-nakamura-charlotte-vs-asuka-rouseys-debut-bryans-return-battle-royals-more/|title=KELLER'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 34 REPORT: Lesnar vs. Reigns, Styles vs. Nakamura, Charlotte vs. Asuka, Rousey's debut, Bryan's return, Battle Royals, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> In May, James competed unsuccessfully in a [[Triple Threat match]] against Bliss and Bayley, as well as a [[Gauntlet match]] in attempts to qualify for the women's [[Money in the Bank ladder match]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW REPORT: THREE OF SIXTEEN SPOTS IN THE MITB MATCHES SET, BOBBY LASHLEY SPEAKS, ELIAS SINGS, AND MORE|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=117339&p=2|work=PWInsider|access-date=May 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=THE ROAD TO MONEY IN THE BANK CONTINUES: COMPLETE RAW REPORT FROM RICHMOND, VA|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=117772&p=3|work=PWInsider|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> In August, James returned from a brief hiatus at the sides of Alexa Bliss and [[Alicia Fox]]. With Bliss, the tandem began a scripted [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with her former rivals and [[WWE Hall of Fame]]rs [[Trish Stratus]] and [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]], setting up a [[tag team match]] at [[WWE Evolution]], WWE's first-ever all-women's pay–per–view.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=121185&p=3|title=WWE RAW REPORT: THE FUTURE OF THE SHIELD, THE TAG AND UNIVERSAL TITLE TURMOIL, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ROMAN REIGNS, AND MORE|author=Richard Trionfo|website=PWInsider|date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> Just three days before the event on October 25, however, it was announced that Bliss was pulled out of the match due to a concussion, and that Fox would be her replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/121307/alexa-bliss-not-cleared-for-wwe-evolution.html?p=1|title=ALEXA BLISS NOT CLEARED FOR WWE EVOLUTION|author=Mike Johnson|website=PWInsider|date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> In the event's opening contest, James and Fox were unsuccessful against Stratus and Lita.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=121345&p=1|title=NIKKI BELLA VS. RONDA ROUSEY, LAST WOMAN STANDING, NXT WOMEN'S TITLE & MORE WWE EVOLUTION PPV COVERAGE|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 28, 2018|work=PWInsider}}</ref>
On November 18 at [[Survivor Series (2018)|Survivor Series]], James was selected by Bliss to be a part of Team ''Raw'' along with Nia Jax, [[Tamina]], Bayley and [[Sasha Banks]] to go against Team ''SmackDown's'' Naomi, [[Carmella (wrestler)|Carmella]], Sonya Deville, Asuka and [[Mandy Rose]]. Team ''Raw'' came out victorious after Jax was the sole survivor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2018/11/19/wwe-survivor-series-2018-results-news-and-notes-after-raw-buries-smackdown-live-6-feet-under/|title=WWE Survivor Series 2018 Results: News And Notes After Raw Buries SmackDown Live 6 Feet Under|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> The victory also upped James’ undefeated streak to 5–0 at Survivor Series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/wwe/978473/wwe-survivor-series-stats-facts-2018/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204160725/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/wwe/978473/wwe-survivor-series-stats-facts-2018/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2018|title=WWE Survivor Series 2018: 5 Fascinating stats and facts|date=November 18, 2018|website=FOX Sports Asia|language=en-US|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', James was selected by “General Manager-Elect” [[Baron Corbin]] to answer an open-challenge by Raw Women's Champion [[Ronda Rousey]], but lost the title match via submission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/118921-november-19-los-angeles-survivor-series-fallout/|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/19/18 (Fallout from Survivor Series, RAW dominates Smackdown)|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|date=November 19, 2018|website=WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, Impact News, ROH News|language=en-US|access-date=February 6, 2019}}</ref> Meanwhile, James and [[Bobby Lashley]] were announced as one of the teams that would be competing in season 2 of [[Mixed Match Challenge]]. Despite pulling ahead with a 3–0 lead on the competition, the duo lost to Bayley and [[Finn Bálor]] in the playoffs and were eliminated from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/122079/wwe-mixed-match-challenge-report-the-raw-finals-are-set.html?p=1|title=WWE MIXED MATCH CHALLENGE REPORT: THE RAW FINALS ARE SET|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=November 27, 2018|work=PWInsider}}</ref> Back on ''Raw,'' James made history on the edition of December 17 by competing in the most matches by a female Superstar in the show's 25-year history with 164 total combined matches by this point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=122550&p=3|title=WWE RAW REPORT: DO YOU LIKE MCMAHONS?, BARON'S SWAN SONG?, A GAUNTLET, AND MORE|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=December 17, 2018|work=PWInsider}}</ref> On January 27, 2019, at the [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]], James entered the second women's Royal Rumble match at number 5 and lasted over 11 minutes before being eliminated by Tamina.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=123626&p=3|title=COMPLETE WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2019 COVERAGE|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 27, 2019|work=PWInsider|access-date=January 27, 2019}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', James once again aligned herself with Bliss in hopes of qualifying for the [[Elimination Chamber (2019)|Elimination Chamber]] event to crown the first-ever [[WWE Women's Tag Team Champions]], but the long-time allies lost their tag team match to Nia Jax and Tamina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/122977-january-28-phoenix-royal-rumble-fallout-womens-tag-title-qualifiers/|title=WWE RAW Results – 1/28/19 (Royal Rumble Fallout, Women's Tag Title Qualifiers)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=January 28, 2019|website=WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, Impact News, ROH News|language=en-US|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> James would later compete in the second-annual WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal at [[WrestleMania 35]] for the trophy, eliminating Mandy Rose from the match before subsequently being eliminated by Sonya Deville.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-wrestlemania-35-kickoff-results-april-7-2019|title=WWE WrestleMania 35 Kickoff Results – April 7, 2019|website=PWMania|date=April 7, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref>
==== Brand switches and departure (2019–2021) ==== [[File:Mickie James by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|200px|James in 2019]] As part of the [[2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up|2019 Superstar Shake-up]], James was drafted back to the [[SmackDown brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=125765&p=2|title=WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: NEW FACES, EIGHT WOMAN TAG MATCH, A NEW MEMBER OF THE NEW DAY (FOR A DAY), AND MORE|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=April 16, 2019|work=PWInsider}}</ref> During a [[live event]] on June 1, it was reported that James had suffered a torn ACL.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/06/mickie-james-confirms-injury-and-surgery-654889/|title=Mickie James Confirms Injury And Surgery|date=June 5, 2019|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en|access-date=June 6, 2019}}</ref> On July 16, James underwent successful knee surgery and would be out of action for seven to nine months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/07/mickie-james-surgery-update-656421/|title=Mickie James Surgery Update, Mickie Makes Interesting Comments On Her WWE Future|date=July 16, 2019|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en|access-date=July 27, 2019}}</ref> During her recovery from injury, James would become a commentator for ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/09/wwe-main-event-recap-660139/|date=September 28, 2019|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en|access-date=September 28, 2019|title=WWE Main Event Recap: Mickie James on Commentary, Cesaro Vs. Zack Ryder}}</ref>
After 14 months of injury, James returned on the August 10, 2020, episode of ''Raw'' as a face, only to have her interview interrupted by [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]] and [[Lana (wrestler)|Lana]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1197569-mickie-james-returns-wwe-raw|title=Mickie James Returns Tonight On WWE RAW|date=August 10, 2020|website=Mandatory}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/10/8-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-randy-orton-vs-kevin-owens-asuka-faces-smackdown-womens-champion-bayley-in-a-non-title-match-to-earn-a-shot-at-the-raw-womens-championship-at-summe/|title=8/10 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens, Asuka faces Smackdown Women's Champion Bayley in a non-title match to earn a shot at the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam, Raw Underground, Retribution faction|date=August 10, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> This set up a singles match against Natalya the following week, which saw James lose by countout thanks to interference from Lana. On the August 31 episode of ''Raw'', James confronted the Raw Women's Champion [[Asuka (wrestler)|Asuka]], stating her intentions of going after the title. During this exchange, Lana and Natalya interrupted staking their claims, leading to a singles match between James and Lana in which James defeated her via pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=8/31 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Dominik Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens, and Keith Lee vs. Dolph Ziggler for a spot in a Triple Threat to become No. 1 contender to the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/31/8-31-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-kevin-owens-and-keith-lee-vs-dolph-ziggler-for-a-spot-in-a-triple-threat-to-become-no-1-contender-to-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 31, 2020}}</ref> On the September 14 episode of ''Raw'', James challenged Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship, but lost after a [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botched]] finish due to the referee believing that James could no longer compete.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-raw-91420-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|title=WWE Raw 9/14/20 Results: Women's Title Match, McIntyre vs. Lee & A Steel Cage Match|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/761434/mickie-james-asuka-wwe-raw-finish/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Mickie James explains what really happened with worrying finish against Asuka on RAW|website=talkSPORT|date=September 18, 2020}}</ref> In the [[2020 WWE Draft]] in October, James went undrafted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=See all the results from the 2020 WWE Draft |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref>
Her first post-draft appearance occurred on January 4, 2021, during the special "[[List of WWE Raw special episodes|Legends Night]]" episode of ''Raw'', appearing alongside several other WWE legends. That same month, James competed in the women's [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]] match entering at No. 19, but was eliminated by [[Lacey Evans]]. In April, she appeared on stage during the opening of [[WrestleMania 37]] alongside the rest of the active roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-things-wrestlemania-see-tv|title=5 things that happened at WrestleMania 37 you didn't see on TV|work= Sportskeeda|author= Hamdy, Ahmed|date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref> On April 15, 2021, WWE announced that they had released Mickie James along with several other talent.<ref name="Raw01042021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Keith Lee for the WWE Championship and Raw Legends Night headline the first show of 2021|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-keith-lee-for-the-wwe-championship-and-raw-legends-night-headline-the-first-show-of-2021/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 5, 2021}}</ref> Prior, she had participated in commentary on shows such as Main Event and NXT. Her release was met with some controversy, as she claimed her belongings were sent to her in a trash bag. Several other former talent such as [[Jillian Hall]], [[Maria Kanellis]] and [[Gail Kim]] voiced similar experiences when they were fired. The senior employee responsible for this was let go, and James received a public apology from [[Stephanie McMahon]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
=== National Wrestling Alliance (2021–2022) === James made her [[National Wrestling Alliance]] debut on the June 8, 2021, episode of ''[[NWA Powerrr]]'', announcing that she will serve as an executive producer for the first all-female event, ''[[NWA EmPowerrr]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Middlton|first=Marc|title=Mickie James Joins the NWA, Women's PPV and 73rd Anniversary PPV Details|url=https://www.pwmania.com/nwa-announces-all-womens-ppv-with-mickie-james-nwa-73-ppv-also-announced|work=PWMania|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521055638/https://www.pwmania.com/nwa-announces-all-womens-ppv-with-mickie-james-nwa-73-ppv-also-announced|archive-date=May 21, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Franchomme|first=Stephan|title=NWA Announce All-Women's PPV And 73rd Anniversary Show|url=https://wrestlingsc.com/2021/06/09/nwa-announce-all-womens-ppv-and-73rd-anniversary-show/|work=Steel Chair|date=June 9, 2021|access-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Black|first=Matt|title=Mickie James joins the NWA; all-women's PPV announced|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-mickie-james-signs-join-nwa-all-women-s-ppv-announced|work=Sportskeeda|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619162514/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-mickie-james-signs-join-nwa-all-women-s-ppv-announced|archive-date=June 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sutter|first=Robbie|title=First NWA All-Women's PPV Announced, Mickie James to Serve as Executive Producer|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/06/08/first-nwa-all-womens-ppv/|work=Last Word on Sports|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006144641/https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/06/08/first-nwa-all-womens-ppv/|archive-date=October 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Canton|first=John|title=News: NWA Announces All-Women's Pay-Per-View on August 28, Mickie James Will Be Executive Producer|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news-nwa-announces-all-womens-pay-per-view-on-august-28-mickie-james-will-be-executive-producer/|work=TJR Wrestling|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613091358/https://tjrwrestling.net/news-nwa-announces-all-womens-pay-per-view-on-august-28-mickie-james-will-be-executive-producer/|archive-date=June 13, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 23, James announced on an Instagram video that she will be returning to the ring and delivers an open challenge to anyone to wrestle her at the [[NWA 73rd Anniversary Show]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Atkins|first=Jack|title=Mickie James Looking For An Opponent For NWA 73|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/mickie-james-looking-for-an-opponent-for-nwa-73|website=Cultaholic|date=June 23, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728170225/https://cultaholic.com/posts/mickie-james-looking-for-an-opponent-for-nwa-73|archive-date=July 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The challenge was answered by [[Kylie Rae]], whom James defeated.<ref name="NWA73Results">{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/nwa-73rd-anniversary-show-results-live-coverage-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-kamille-vs-green|title=NWA 73rd Anniversary Show Results: Nick Aldis vs Trevor Murdoch, Kamille vs Green|last=Cook|first=Ryan|website=Fightful|date=August 29, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125221905/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/nwa-73rd-anniversary-show-results-live-coverage-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-kamille-vs-green|archive-date=January 25, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
James last appearance on NWA was on the May 3, 2022, of ''Powerrr'', where she defeated [[Kenzie Paige]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Josiah|last=Macdonald|title=NWA Power results: Mickie James vs. Kenzie Paige|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-power-results-mickie-james-vs-kenzie-paige|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224192331/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-power-results-mickie-james-vs-kenzie-paige|archive-date=December 24, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Third return to Impact Wrestling (2021–2023) === ====Fourth Knockouts championship reign (2021–2022)==== At [[Slammiversary (2021)|Slammiversary]] on July 17, 2021, James made her third return to TNA, now known as [[Impact Wrestling]], after a six-year absence, inviting [[Impact Knockouts Champion]] [[Deonna Purrazzo]] to defend the title at [[NWA EmPowerrr]], where she is executive producer, only for Purrazzo to give her disrespect, then James kicked Purrazzo in the face.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Not stated-->|title=IMPACT Wrestling Slammiversary 2021 Results|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/07/17/impact-wrestling-slammiversary-2021-live-results/|publisher=Impact Wrestling|date=July 17, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731153504/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/07/17/impact-wrestling-slammiversary-2021-live-results/|archive-date=July 31, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=7/17 Impact Wrestling Slammiversary results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Sami Callihan in a No DQ match for the Impact World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo defends the Knockouts Championship against a mystery challenger, Ultimate X for the X Division Championship, Moose vs. Chris Sabin|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/17/7-17-impact-wrestling-slammiversary-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-sami-callihan-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-defends-the-knockouts-championsh/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 17, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719204243/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/17/7-17-impact-wrestling-slammiversary-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-sami-callihan-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-defends-the-knockouts-championsh/|archive-date=July 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Purrazzo would eventually accept James' invite, successfully defending the Knockouts Championship against [[Melina Perez|Melina]] at NWA EmPowerrr.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kellie|last=Haulotte|title=NWA EmPowerrr Results: New Women's Tag Team Champions, Kamille Vs. Leyla Hirsch|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/08/nwa-empowerrr-results-new-womens-tag-team-champions-kamille-vs-leyla-hirsch/|website=Wrestling Inc.|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928012632/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/08/nwa-empowerrr-results-new-womens-tag-team-champions-kamille-vs-leyla-hirsch/|archive-date=September 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night, at [[NWA 73rd Anniversary Show|NWA 73]], Purrazzo attacked James after the latter's match with [[Kylie Rae]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Manalo Has Pizzazz|title=NWA 73 results: Trevor Murdoch wins NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2021/8/30/22648156/nwa-73-results-title-changes-trevor-murdoch-world-heavyweight-championship|website=Cageside Seats|date=August 30, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928014658/https://www.cagesideseats.com/2021/8/30/22648156/nwa-73-results-title-changes-trevor-murdoch-world-heavyweight-championship|archive-date=September 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On the September 23 episode of ''Impact!'', it was announced that James would make her in-ring return to Impact, as she challenged Purrazzo for the Knockouts Championship at [[Bound for Glory (2021)|Bound for Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/24/9-23-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-josh-alexanders-promo-following-his-option-c-announcement-hikuleo-vs-david-finlay-rohit-raju-vs-chelsea-green-the-latest-appearance-of/|title=9/23 Impact Wrestling TV Results: Moore's review of Josh Alexander's promo following his Option C announcement, Hikuleo vs. David Finlay, Rohit Raju vs. Chelsea Green, the latest appearance of Mickie James, Bound For Glory build begins|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|last=Moore|first=John|date=September 24, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925222118/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/24/9-23-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-josh-alexanders-promo-following-his-option-c-announcement-hikuleo-vs-david-finlay-rohit-raju-vs-chelsea-green-the-latest-appearance-of/|archive-date=September 25, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the September 30 episode of ''Impact!'', Purrazzo attacked James at her home and wild brawl ensued with Purrazzo coming out on top after dunking James head in a bucket of water and leaving her laid out in a field. At Bound for Glory, James defeated Purrazzo to win the Impact Knockouts Championship for the fourth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/23/bound-for-glory-2021-live-results/|title=Bound For Glory 2021 Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528063152/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/23/bound-for-glory-2021-live-results/|archive-date=May 28, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=10/23 Moore's Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory live review: Christian Cage vs. Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title, Steve Maclin vs. Trey Miguel vs. El Phantasmo for the vacant X Division Title, Call Your Shot gauntlet|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-live-review-christian-cage-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knockouts-title-steve-maclin/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614103224/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-live-review-christian-cage-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knockouts-title-steve-maclin/|archive-date=June 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2021 wrestling)|Turning Point]], after successfully retained the title against [[Mercedes Martinez]], James was attacked by Purrazzo, who announced that she would invoke her rematch clause at [[Hard To Kill (2022)|Hard To Kill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/11/20/turning-point-2021-live-results/|title=Turning Point 2021 Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=November 20, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630172728/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/11/20/turning-point-2021-live-results/|archive-date=June 30, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-turning-point-results-live-coverage-moose-vs-eddie-edwards|title=IMPACT Wrestling Turning Point Results Moose vs Eddie Edwards|website=Fightful|last=Cook|first=Ryan|date=November 20, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217193959/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/impact-wrestling-turning-point-results-live-coverage-moose-vs-eddie-edwards|archive-date=December 17, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event, on January 8, 2022, James successfully retained the title against Purrazzo in a [[Texas Deathmatch]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2022/01/08/hard-to-kill-2022-live-results/|title=Hard To Kill 2022 Full Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528083201/https://impactwrestling.com/2022/01/08/hard-to-kill-2022-live-results/|archive-date=May 28, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/8 Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill results: Mickie James vs. Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas Death Match for the Knockouts Title, Moose vs. W. Morrissey vs. Matt Cardona for the Impact World Championship, Jonathan Gresham vs. Chris Sabin for the original ROH Championship, Josh Alexander vs. Jonah|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/08/1-8-impact-wrestling-hard-to-kill-results-mickie-james-vs-deonna-purrazzo-in-a-texas-death-match-for-the-knockouts-title-moose-vs-w-morrissey-vs-matt-cardona-for-the-impact-world-championship-j/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929054712/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/08/1-8-impact-wrestling-hard-to-kill-results-mickie-james-vs-deonna-purrazzo-in-a-texas-death-match-for-the-knockouts-title-moose-vs-w-morrissey-vs-matt-cardona-for-the-impact-world-championship-j/|archive-date=September 29, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
====The Last Rodeo and WWE appearance (2022–2023)==== At [[Impact Wrestling Sacrifice (2022)|Sacrifice]], James lost her Knockouts World Championship to [[Tasha Steelz]], ending her fourth reign at 133 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-sacrifice-live-results-six-title-matches|title=Impact Sacrifice live results: Six title matches|first=Ian|last=Carey|website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=March 5, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928223643/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/results/impact-sacrifice-live-results-six-title-matches|archive-date=September 28, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> During a rematch, James was betrayed by best friend Chelsea Green, who turned heel. After teasing retirement on Twitter,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/960405/mickie-james-appears-to-make-huge-announcement-about-her-in-ring-future/|title=Mickie James appears to make huge announcement about her in-ring future|last=Quinlan|first=Olivia|website=Wrestling Inc.|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203204945/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/960405/mickie-james-appears-to-make-huge-announcement-about-her-in-ring-future/|archive-date=December 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> James returned on the September 1, 2022, edition of ''Impact!'', to announce that she would retire after she lost her next match unless she won the Knockouts World Championship once more, while also naming her final run The Last Rodeo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/impact-wrestling/2022/9/2/23333923/mickie-james-retirement-impact-wrestling|title=Mickie James to continue wrestling in Impact, but there is a catch|website=Cageside Seats|date=September 1, 2022|access-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007195404/https://www.cagesideseats.com/impact-wrestling/2022/9/2/23333923/mickie-james-retirement-impact-wrestling|archive-date=October 7, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> She went on to win every match after this announcement, defeating [[Gisele Shaw]] at [[TNA Victory Road|Victory Road]], [[Mia Yim]] at [[Bound for Glory (2022)|Bound for Glory]], [[Taylor Wilde]] at [[Impact Wrestling Over Drive|Over Drive]], and eventually [[Jordynne Grace]] at [[Hard To Kill (2023)|Hard To Kill]] to end The Last Rodeo, winning the Knockouts World Championship for the fifth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/07/10-07-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-results-moores-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-eddie-edwards-for-the-impact-world-championship-jordynne-grace-vs-masha-slamovich-for-the-knockouts-title/|title=10/07 Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory results: Moore's live review of Josh Alexander vs. Eddie Edwards for the Impact World Championship, Jordynne Grace vs. Masha Slamovich for the Knockouts Title, Matt Taven and Mike Bennett vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the Impact Tag Titles, Call Your Shot gauntlet|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=John|last=Moore|date=October 7, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008204136/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/07/10-07-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-results-moores-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-eddie-edwards-for-the-impact-world-championship-jordynne-grace-vs-masha-slamovich-for-the-knockouts-title/|archive-date=October 8, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2022/11/18/over-drive-2022-live-results/|title=Over Drive 2022 Full Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=November 18, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119181319/https://impactwrestling.com/2022/11/18/over-drive-2022-live-results/|archive-date=November 19, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On the January 7, 2022, episode of ''[[SmackDown]]'', James was announced as a participant in the women's Royal Rumble match at [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]], while being acknowledged as [[Impact Knockouts World Champion]].<ref>{{cite web|date=January 7, 2022|title=WWE on Twitter: "Impact Knockouts World Champion Mickie James will be in the Royal Rumble match"|url=https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1479630096495489026|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Later that night, Impact Wrestling also promoted her upcoming appearance.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=January 7, 2022|title=Knockouts World Champion Mickie James Set for WWE Royal Rumble|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2022/01/07/knockouts-world-champion-mickie-james-set-for-wwe-royal-rumble/|access-date=January 8, 2022|publisher=Impact Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111093315/https://impactwrestling.com/2022/01/07/knockouts-world-champion-mickie-james-set-for-wwe-royal-rumble/|archive-date=January 11, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was the first direct crossover of any kind between WWE and Impact Wrestling. During the Royal Rumble, she entered at No. 20 with her Impact theme (''Hardcore Country'') and with the Impact Knockouts World Championship belt. She lasted just under 12 minutes in the match, managing to eliminate her former rival [[Michelle McCool]] and was later eliminated by another former rival, [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]].<ref name="wwe310122">{{cite web |title=Mickie James makes a historic Royal Rumble Match entrance: Royal Rumble 2022 (WWE Network Exclusive) |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/mickie-james-makes-a-historic-royal-rumble-match-entrance-royal-rumble-2022-wwe-network-exclusive |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=WWE |ref=wwe310122}}</ref>
On February 28, at [[No Surrender (2023)|No Surrender]], James successfully defended the title against [[Masha Slamovich]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/02/24/no-surrender-2023-live-results/|title=No Surrender 2023 Full Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=February 24, 2023|access-date=February 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225095108/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/02/24/no-surrender-2023-live-results/|archive-date=2023-02-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> James was scheduled to defend the title against Grace at [[Sacrifice (2023)|Sacrifice]] on March 24, however, it was revealed that James would not be able to defend the title due to real-life injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/03/23/mickie-james-unable-to-compete-at-sacrifice/|title=Mickie James Unable to Compete at Sacrifice|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=March 23, 2023|access-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324181641/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/03/23/mickie-james-unable-to-compete-at-sacrifice/|archive-date=March 24, 2023|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the April 13 episode of ''Impact!'' upon [[Rebellion (2023)|Rebellion]], which was filmed on tape delay on March 13, James relinquished the title as she was not medically cleared to compete.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mickie-james-suffers-broken-rib-jordynne-grace-receive-knockouts-title-match-impact-rebellion|title=Mickie James Suffers Broken Rib; Jordynne Grace To Receive Knockouts Title Match At IMPACT Rebellion|publisher=Fightful|author=Robert DeFelice|date=March 24, 2023|access-date=March 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324181641/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mickie-james-suffers-broken-rib-jordynne-grace-receive-knockouts-title-match-impact-rebellion|archive-date=March 24, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
At [[Bound for Glory (2023)|Bound for Glory]], James lost to [[Naomi (wrestler)|Trinity]] failing to win the Impact Knockouts World Championship in her final match for the company.<ref name="BFG2023">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory results: Moore's live review of Alex Shelley vs. Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey, Trinity vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/21/impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-results-moores-live-review-of-alex-shelley-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-mike-bailey-trinity-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knoc/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=September 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026144453/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/21/impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-results-moores-live-review-of-alex-shelley-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-mike-bailey-trinity-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knoc/|archive-date=October 26, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
On September 22, 2025, it was announced that James would be inducted into the [[TNA Hall of Fame]] on October 12 at [[Bound for Glory (2025)|Bound for Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/tna/mickie-james-revealed-as-2025-tna-hall-of-fame-inductee|title=Mickie James Revealed As 2025 TNA Hall Of Fame Inductee|last=Alba|first=Jon|website=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=September 22, 2025|access-date=September 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250924035008/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/tna/mickie-james-revealed-as-2025-tna-hall-of-fame-inductee|archive-date=September 24, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Return to OVW (2024–present)=== In 2024, James signed with [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) as Creative Director, Head of Female Talent and Executive Producer of OVW's wrestling shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mickie-james-joins-ovw-named-creative-director-head-female-talent-and-executive-producer|title=Mickie James Joins OVW; Named Creative Director, Head of Female Talent, and Executive Producer|work=Fightful|first=Robert|last=DeFelice|date=January 11, 2024|access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/126694-mickie-james-se-une-a-ovw-como-productora|title=Mickie James se une a OVW como productora|work=Solowrestling|first=Antonio Rubio|last=Ato|date=January 11, 2024|access-date=January 12, 2024|language=Spanish}}</ref>
===Fourth return to TNA (2026)=== At [[No Surrender (2026)|No Surrender 2026]], James made a surprise return to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, interrupting a post-match celebration to attack Ash by Elegance. Following the tag title match, James engaged in a brawl with The Elegance Brand before being assisted by Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside. On the February 19, 2026 episode of ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', Ash called out James and called her to a match the following week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ash-by-elegance-challenges-mickie-james-match-tna-impact-2-19-26/|title=Ash by Elegance Challenges Mickie James To Match For Next Week’s TNA Impact|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|publisher=411 Mania|date=February 19, 2026|accessdate=February 24, 2026}}</ref> James would then make an appearance on the February 26, 2026 episode of ''Impact''!, where she confronted Ash, and following a brawl, was attacked on the ramp by the Elegance Brand after being lured to the back after they were spotted with her son.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tnawrestling.com/news/tna-thursday-night-impact-on-amc-results-february-26-2026|title=TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC Results February 26, 2026|publisher=TNA Wrestling|date=February 26, 2026|accessdate=February 27, 2026}}</ref>
== Music career == James' first [[country music]] album, ''[[Strangers & Angels]]'', was released on May 18, 2010, on [[iTunes]]. The album was self-released with an independent team. On December 2, 2010, James released another single called, "Hardcore Country", which was also used as her entrance music with [[Impact Wrestling|TNA]] and on their [[independent circuit]] appearances. A music video for the single was first shown during James's first appearance on ''TNA Spin Cycle''. For her second album, James joined a [[Kickstarter]] campaign in order to partially fund the album. Fans who contributed donations received special items from the campaign. The online campaign was a success, with a total pledge of $16,500 out of a $5,000 goal. The funds helped to produce the first six songs from the album. The album, called "[[Somebody's Gonna Pay]]" was released on May 7, 2013, under the label [[Entertainment One]] (eOne) Music, and debuted on the music charts at No. 15 on the [[Top Heatseekers|Billboards Heatseekers]] charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1444468367/mickie-james-is-making-a-new-record|title=Mickie James is making a new record...|access-date=November 2, 2011|work=[[Kickstarter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/heatseekers-albums?page=1 | title=Heatseekers Albums| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> James also filmed a music video for the song "Somebody's Gonna Pay", from her second album of the same name. The video features former [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Champion]], [[Trish Stratus]] and James' then-fiancé [[Nick Aldis|Magnus]]. TNA founder, [[Jeff Jarrett]], was also on set of the video in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. Jarrett did not appear in the video, but taught James how to swing a guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_66189.shtml|title=News items: Former Diva at Mickie video shoot, Magnus hosting TV show, Fairplay & former WWE star taking bookings|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=October 30, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> While she worked for TNA, James also toured around the United States, holding small concerts at various venues.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
James has opened shows for [[Montgomery Gentry]], [[Randy Houser]], [[Gretchen Wilson]] and [[Rascal Flatts]]. James also performed at the 2011 [[CMA Music Festival]]. James again performed at CMA Fest in 2013, where [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] and [[James Storm]] made appearances at the event. In 2014, James collaborated with country artist [[Cowboy Troy]] and fellow wrestler James Storm on a song titled "Is Everybody Doing OK", which is featured on Cowboy Troy's album, ''King of Clubs''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetalkhouse.com/music/talks/prince-paul-talks-cowboy-troys-king-of-clubs/ |title=Prince Paul Talks Cowboy Troy's King of Clubs |access-date=May 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091307/http://thetalkhouse.com/music/talks/prince-paul-talks-cowboy-troys-king-of-clubs/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nashvillegab.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.nashvillegab.com/2014/03/cowboy-troys-new-album-king-of-clubs-is-out-today.html| title=Cowboy Troy's new album 'King of Clubs' is out today| date=March 11, 2014| access-date=July 18, 2014| archive-date=March 14, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104431/http://nashvillegab.com/2014/03/cowboy-troys-new-album-king-of-clubs-is-out-today.html| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.warnermusicnashville.com/news/cowboy-troy-to-release-king-of-clubs-march-11 |title=Cowboy Troy to Release "King Of Clubs" March 11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727013225/http://www.warnermusicnashville.com/news/cowboy-troy-to-release-king-of-clubs-march-11 |archive-date=July 27, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scrippsmedia.com/nashville-edge/Cowboy-Troy-King-of-Clubs-album-246917231.html |title=Cowboy Troy, 'King of Clubs' album out March 11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529074127/http://www.scrippsmedia.com/nashville-edge/Cowboy-Troy-King-of-Clubs-album-246917231.html |archive-date=May 29, 2015 }}</ref>
On November 19, 2016, James released a new song entitled "Shooting Blanks".<ref name="ShootingBlanks">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/shooting-blanks-single/1177145560|title=Shooting Blanks – Single|date=November 19, 2016 |publisher=[[iTunes]]|access-date=December 11, 2016}}</ref>
On October 14, 2017, James was inducted into The Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame. She also received a Nammy for "Song of the Year" for her recording "Shooting Blanks". On October 13, 2018, James won “Best Single Recording” for her song “Left Right Left” at the Native American Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/mickie-james-wins-award-music/|title=411MANIA|website=WWE News: Mickie James Wins Award For Her Music, Smackdown Intro Gets Attitude Makeover, This Week's WWE Network Additions|access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>
=== Studio albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and details ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:23em;" | Album details ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Top Country Albums|US<br />Country]]<br /><ref name="Country Albums">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mickie-james/chart-history/clp/|title=Mickie James – Chart History: Country Albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Heatseekers Albums|US<br />Heat]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mickie-james/chart-history/tln/|title=Mickie James – Chart History: Heatseekers Albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| ''[[Strangers & Angels]]'' | * Released: May 18, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Mickie-James-Strangers-And-Angels/release/2283225|title=Mickie James – Strangers And Angels (2010, CD)|work=Discogs|date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> * Label: Independent * Format: CD, digital download | — || — |- ! scope="row"| ''[[Somebody's Gonna Pay]]'' | * Released: May 7, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/somebodys-gonna-pay/633499730|title=Somebody's Gonna Pay by Mickie James|work=Apple Music|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> * Label: Entertainment One * Format: CD, digital download | 56 || 15 |- |}
===Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of singles, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:19em;" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Album |- ! scope="row"| "Are You With Me"<ref>{{Cite web |title=MUSIC |url=https://www.mickiejames.com/music |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=MickieJames.com |language=en}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |2010 |''[[Strangers & Angels]]'' |- ! scope="row"| "Hardcore Country"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Hardcore-Country-Single-Mickie-James/dp/B004JU170O|title=Mickie James – Hardcore Country – Single|work=Apple Music|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| ''[[Somebody's Gonna Pay]]'' |- ! scope="row"| "Somebody's Gonna Pay"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/somebodys-gonna-pay-single/603120423|title=Somebody's Gonna Pay – Single by Mickie James|work=Amazon|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> | 2013 |- ! scope="row"| "Shooting Blanks"<ref name="ShootingBlanks"/> | 2016 | rowspan="11" {{N/A|Non-album singles}} |- ! scope="row"| "Get Down"<ref>{{Citation|title=Get Down – Single by Mickie James|date=September 4, 2017|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/get-down-single/1273911578|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> | 2017 |- ! scope="row"| "Don't Be Afraid to Fly"<ref>{{Citation|title=Don't Be Afraid to Fly – Single by Mickie James|date=January 5, 2018|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-be-afraid-to-fly-single/1329362253|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| 2018 |- ! scope="row"| "Left Right Left"<ref>{{Citation|title=Left Right Left (feat. Ying Yang Twins) – Single by Mickie James|date=March 30, 2018|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/left-right-left-feat-ying-yang-twins-single/1363295778|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring [[Ying Yang Twins]])</span> |- ! scope="row"| "I Don't Give A"<ref>{{Citation|title=I Dont Give A – Single by Mickie James|date=April 2019 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-dont-give-a-single/1457101592|language=en-us|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> | rowspan="3"| 2019 |- ! scope="row"| "Great Minds"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/great-minds-single/1477114004|title=Great Minds – Single by Mickie James|work=Apple Music|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| "Christmas Presence"<ref>{{cite web |title=Christmas Presence – Single by Mickie James |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-presence-single/1488049497 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Apple Music}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| "With the Love of a Child"<ref>{{Citation |title=With the Love of a Child (feat. Rosevelt Sings & Holy Spirit Catholic School Tuscaloosa Choir) - Single by Mickie James on Apple Music |date=2020-04-01 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/with-the-love-of-a-child-feat-rosevelt/1504263884 |access-date=2024-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring Rosevelt Sings & [[Holy Spirit Catholic School|Holy Spirit Catholic School Tuscaloosa Choir]])</span>
|2020 |- ! scope="row"| "Grown Ass Woman"<ref>{{cite web |title=Grown Ass Woman – Single by Mickie James |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/grown-ass-woman-gaw-single/1567397825?uo=4 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |work=Apple Music}}</ref><br/> {{small|(with [[Chapel Hart]])}} | 2021 |- ! scope="row"| "Pissed"<ref>{{cite web|first=Manolo Has|last=Pizzazz|title=Mickie James' friends advance to America's Got Talent finals|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2022/8/22/23315671/mickie-james-retirement-tease-country-music-friends-advance-americas-got-talent-finals|work=Cageside Seats|date=August 22, 2022|access-date=November 8, 2022}}</ref> | 2022 |- ! scope="row"| "Sandbar Sunsets"<ref>{{Citation |title=Sandbar Sunsets - Single by Mickie James on Apple Music |date=2023-08-04 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/sandbar-sunsets-single/1696359016 |access-date=2024-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> |2023 |}
===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of music videos, showing year released and directors ! scope="col" style="width:16em;"| Title ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:18em;"| Director(s) ! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="col" colspan="5"| As lead artist |- ! scope="row"| "Somebody's Gonna Pay" | 2013 | Blake Judd |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dK8T0mDixE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/_dK8T0mDixE| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Mickie James – Somebody's Gonna Pay|website=YouTube| date=April 11, 2013|publisher=MickieJamesVevo|access-date=March 14, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| "Left Right Left"<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring Ying Yang Twins)</span> | 2018 | rowspan="2" {{n/a|Unknown}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAco6MU5LXM| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/IAco6MU5LXM| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Mickie James – Left Right Left|website=YouTube| date=April 5, 2018|publisher=MickieJamesVevo|access-date=March 14, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| "I Don't Give A" | 2019 |<ref>{{cite web|last1=Haulotte|first1=Kellie|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/04/mickie-james-releases-new-music-video-for-her-single-i-dont-653296/|title=Mickie James Releases New Music Video For Her Single 'I Don't Give A'|website=WrestlingInc|date=April 19, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> |- |}
===Guest appearances=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ ! scope="col" style="width:16em;"| Title ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Other artist(s) ! scope="col"| Album |- ! scope="row"| "Is Everybody Doing OK"<ref name="nashvillegab.com"/> | 2014 | [[Cowboy Troy]], [[James Storm|"The Cowboy" James Storm]] | ''King of Clubs'' |}
== Other media == James, along with [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Ken Anderson]], represented [[WWE]] at the [[2008 Republican National Convention]], in an effort to persuade fans to register to vote in the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 Presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wweconventions08/conventionspreview|title=WWE at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions|date=August 22, 2008|access-date=September 13, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On April 13, 2008, James, along with [[Layla El|Layla]], [[Melina Perez|Melina]] and [[Kelly Kelly]], appeared as guest trainers in ''Over the Ropes''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/celebrityfitclub|title=Celebs get fit with the Divas|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=July 25, 2008|date=April 12, 2008}}</ref> On September 5 of that same year, James appeared on the [[USA Network]] show ''[[Psych]]'', portraying a villainous [[roller derby]] girl called Rita "Lethal Weapon" Westwood, in the episode "Talk Derby to Me".<ref name="psych">{{cite web|url=http://www.ramblingsofatvwhore.com/2008/09/05/wwe-diva-mickie-james-will-psych-you-out-tonight/|title=WWE Diva Mickie James will Psych you out tonight|date=September 5, 2008|access-date=September 6, 2008|publisher=Ramblings of a TV Whore|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908042721/http://www.ramblingsofatvwhore.com/2008/09/05/wwe-diva-mickie-james-will-psych-you-out-tonight/|archive-date=September 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/06/psych-talk-derby-to-me/|title=Psych: Talk Derby to Me|date=September 6, 2008|access-date=November 4, 2011|last=Keller|first=Richard|work=AOLTV|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004222827/http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/06/psych-talk-derby-to-me/|url-status=dead}}</ref> James made a special appearance on ''[[Redemption Song (TV series)|Redemption Song]]'' which is hosted by [[Chris Jericho]] along with [[Candice Michelle]], [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]], and [[Eve Torres]]. It was originally aired on November 12, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_31518.shtml|title=Under The Microscope – 4/17 WWE Smackdown: Brand Split delay, Matt Hardy's Leg Drop on Jeff, Karaoke records, Bruce Pearl raps instead of R-Truth (w/Video)|date=April 20, 2009|last=Stevens|first=Lee|access-date=September 16, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In 2012, James was featured in [[Bucky Covington]]'s music video for his song "Drinking Side of Country".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mickie-james-attends-the-2013-cmt-music-awards-at-the-news-photo/169997525http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63659.shtml|title=TNA KO in new country music video|date=July 24, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=July 24, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In June 2013, James starred in a [[Dr Pepper]] advert, which featured "One of a Kind" individuals talking about the role of Dr. Pepper in their lives.<ref>[http://www.diva-dirt.com/2013/06/10/in-video-mickie-james-stars-in-new-dr-pepper-promo/ Mickie James in new Dr Pepper Promo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010654/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2013/06/10/in-video-mickie-james-stars-in-new-dr-pepper-promo/ |date=December 3, 2013 }} diva-dirt.com. June 10, 2013.</ref> James joined the cast of ''The Last Match: A Pro-Wrestling Rock Experience'' for their national tour in April 2024.<ref name="Black 2024 i345">{{cite web | last=Black | first=Matt | title=Mickie James To Star In 'The Last Match: A Pro-Wrestling Rock Experience' On Tour | website=Yahoo Entertainment | date=March 15, 2024 | url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mickie-james-star-last-match-135313679.html?guccounter=1 | access-date=March 31, 2024}}</ref> Mickie James also appeared in the Red Paint Film "[[Days of Sodom: A Crow Fan Film]]" which was filmed and directed by [[Cody Faulk]].<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Alex DiVincenzo|date=2026-04-27|title=‘Days of Sodom’ – Watch ‘The Crow’ Feature-Length Fan Film Now|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3948236/days-of-sodom-watch-the-crow-feature-length-fan-film-now/|website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Video game appearances !Year !Title !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- |2006 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=2006-09-04 |title=SmackDown vs. Raw '07 Roster |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/04/smackdown-vs-raw-07-roster |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> |- |2007 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Roster {{!}} Roster |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2008/roster/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=The SmackDown Hotel |language=en-gb}}</ref> |- |2008 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Roster (Raw, SmackDown, ECW, Legends, DLC) |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2009/roster/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=The SmackDown Hotel |language=en-gb}}</ref> |- |2009 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown vs. Raw 2010: The Full Roster Revealed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-the-full-roster-revealed/1100-6233617/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2010 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |last=PK |date=2010-09-09 |title=THQ Reveals WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 Roster |url=https://insidepulse.com/2010/09/09/thq-reveals-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011-roster/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Inside Pulse |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2017 |''[[WWE 2K18]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Here is a list of every Superstar confirmed to be on the WWE 2K18 roster |url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref> |- |2018 |''[[WWE 2K19]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the first 75 Superstars joining the WWE 2K19 roster |url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k19/article/wwe-2k19-roster-reveal-episode-one-recap |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref> |- |2019 |''[[WWE 2K20]]'' |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gartland |first=Dan |date=2019-10-10 |title=Full 'WWE 2K20' Roster Revealed |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/10/10/wwe-2k20-full-roster-list |access-date=2024-06-27 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> |- |2020 |''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2020-08-16 |title=WWE 2K Battleground's Full Roster Revealed, AJ Styles and Finn Balor Confirmed for Launch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k-battlegrounds-full-roster-revealed-aj-styles-and-finn-balor-confirmed-for-launch |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> |- |2022 |''[[WWE 2K22]]'' |<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Ben Wilson |date=2022-05-23 |title=WWE 2K22 roster guide tracking every confirmed wrestler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-roster/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=gamesradar |language=en-GB}}</ref> |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+Film !Year !Title !Role !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- |2026 |''[[Days of Sodom: A Crow Fan Film]]'' |Tara Dawson |<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Alex DiVincenzo|date=2026-04-27|title=‘Days of Sodom’ – Watch ‘The Crow’ Feature-Length Fan Film Now|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3948236/days-of-sodom-watch-the-crow-feature-length-fan-film-now/|website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref> |}
== Personal life == Through her mother, Mickie James is half-[[Native American]] of the [[Mattaponi]] Tribe of [[Virginia]] which is one of six core tribes of the [[Powhatan]] Confederation .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rvamag.com/community/sports/wwe-women-and-wrestling-the-evolution-of-richmonds-mickie-james.html|title=WWE, Women, and Wrestling: The Evolution of Richmond’s Mickie James|first=Daniel|last=Berti|publisher=RVA Magazine|date=October 1, 2018|accessdate=February 25, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Hoffman">{{cite web|url=http://blog.chron.com/nocrying/2009/04/mickie-james-the-bumpy-life-of-a-diva/|title=Mickie James: the bumpy life of a diva|author=Hoffman, Ken|publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]]|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=April 2, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2012|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233925/http://blog.chron.com/nocrying/2009/04/mickie-james-the-bumpy-life-of-a-diva/|url-status=dead|quote=I'm also Native American...}}</ref><ref name="WWEPowhatan">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/mickie-james-native-american-music-awards-hall-of-fame|title=Mickie James to be inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame|author=WWE.com staff|work=[[WWE]].com|date=October 4, 2017|access-date=February 24, 2023|quote=James, a Powhatan...}}</ref><ref name="Varsallone">{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article245647485.html|title=Mickie James wears many hats, but she wants to add a belt at In Your Face Monday on WWE Raw|first=Jim|last=Varsallone|work=[[Miami Herald]]|date=September 13, 2020|access-date=February 24, 2023|quote=James, 41, is from Richmond, Virginia. She is part Native American of the Powhatan tribe.}}</ref>
When James retires from wrestling, she plans to own a farm and become a [[horse trainer]].<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/mickiejames/bio/|title=Mickie James's Bio|access-date=October 13, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417041701/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/mickiejames/bio/|archive-date=April 17, 2010}}</ref> She owns three [[Morgan horse]]s named Rhapsody, Bunny and Casanova,<ref name="dish" /> as well as two dogs, one named Butch and a [[Miniature Pinscher]] named Elvis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/divasdogshoes|title=Paws-tively preposterous or purr-fect? Divas weigh-in on pet shoes|author=Kara A. Medalis|date=April 15, 2008|access-date=April 16, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Outside of wrestling, James received her [[Associate of Arts]] degree in [[business administration]], and studied for her [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in operations management.<ref name="dish">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish0309|title=Diva Dish: Kiss and tell|author=Jen Hunt and Kara A. Medalis|date=March 9, 2007|access-date=November 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
James has a [[tattoo]] of a symbol meaning 'love' on her ankle, and a dragon that wraps around it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/divas|title=Divas dish on their ink|access-date=December 15, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> She is a fan of [[Equestrianism|equestrianism]] and [[American football]], supporting the [[Dallas Cowboys]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mickiejames.com/news/104341|title=Mickie Answers 25 Questions|publisher=mickiejames.com|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=October 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027064522/http://mickiejames.com/news/104341|archive-date=October 27, 2012}}</ref>
In 2007, James was engaged to fellow wrestler [[Kenny Dykstra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania23/2007/03/21/3797847.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031702/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania23/2007/03/21/3797847.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Mickie & Jeff "train" for Wrestlemania 23|date=March 21, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} In December 2010, James started dating English professional wrestler [[Nick Aldis]] and on September 25, 2014, they had their first child.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CS6bWyrxVE|title=Nick Aldis on: dating Mickie James|website=[[YouTube]]|date=December 30, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Fishman14">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article4027658.html |title=Pro Wrestling: New mom, former TNA Knockout, WWE Diva Mickie James returning to ring Nov. 30 in North Carolina |date=November 20, 2014 |last=Fishman |first=Scott |access-date=November 22, 2014 |work=[[The Miami Herald]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121203632/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article4027658.html |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> James and Aldis got engaged in December 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/90416/good-christmas-for-former-wwe-stars.html?p=1|title=GOOD CHRISTMAS FOR FORMER WWE STARS|date=December 26, 2014|access-date=December 28, 2014|website=PWInsider|author=Johnson, Mike}}</ref> and married on December 31, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/__PZ38LrJE/|title=Matt Roberts on Instagram: Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Nick Aldis on the New Years Eve marriage this evening! Honored to photograph the wedding and be a part of the big evening! @themickiejames @nickaldis 📷@pwbphoto|author=Roberts, Matt|website=[[Instagram]]|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Her son would make a televised appearance on the February 27, 2026 episode of ''[[TNA Impact!]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tna-impact-results-2-26-mickie-james-appearance-mike-santana-and-leon-slater-team/|title=TNA iMPACT! Results (2/26): Mickie James Appearance, Mike Santana And Leon Slater Team|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|publisher=Fightful|date=February 27, 2026|accessdate=February 27, 2026}}</ref>
On November 28, 2022, James' brother, Wayne, his 16-year-old stepdaughter, and her best friend, died in a car accident which also involved Wayne's wife, who was left in critical condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/11/28/wwe-legend-mickie-james-loses-brother-and-niece-in-fatal-car-crash-17840311/ |title=WWE legend Mickie James heartbroken after brother and niece die in car crash |date=November 28, 2022 }}|title=WWE legend Mickie James heartbroken after brother and 16-year-old niece die in car crash | author= Mcgeorge, Alistair|website=[[Metro.co.uk]]|date=November 28, 2022|access-date=August 29, 2024</ref>
== Championships and accomplishments == === Music === * '''[[Native American Music Awards]]''' ** [[Native American Music Awards#Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] (2017) ** The [[Jim Thorpe]] Sports Award (2019)<ref>{{cite web | title=James receives, Thorpe Award, Hosts NAMA tonight! | url=https://www.mickiejames.com/post/james-receives-thorpe-award-hosts-nama-tonight| publisher=Mickie James.com | date= November 2, 2019| access-date=February 26, 2021}}</ref>
=== Professional wrestling === [[File:MickieChamp.jpg|thumb|200px|James is a six-time women's champion in WWE, winning the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]] five times, along with one reign with the [[WWE Divas Championship]]]] [[File:TNA Slammiversary Mickie James vs. Angelina Love w Winter.jpg|thumb|200px|In TNA / Impact Wrestling, James is a five-time [[Impact Knockouts World Championship|TNA / Impact Knockouts World Champion]]]] *'''Association Biterroise de Catch''' **ABC Women's Championship (1 time, current) **Max Soulié Cup (2024) **Jean Corne Cup (2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=367440 | title=Mickie James Winner Jean Corne Cup 2023 | date=July 8, 2023 }}</ref> *'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]''' **Women's Wrestling Award (2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/the-cac-congratulates-mickie-james-on-being-named-the-2023-women-s-wrestling-honoree | title=The CAC Congratulates Mickie James: 2023 Women's Wrestling Honoree | date=May 28, 2023 }}</ref> * '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]''''' ** Woman of the Year (2010)<ref name="Baltimore">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2010 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095538/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Covey Promotions''' ** CP Women's Championship (1 time)<ref name=covey/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://coveypro.com/titles.html|title=Covey Pro Women's Championship|publisher=Covey Promotions|access-date=October 12, 2011}}</ref> ** Covey Pro Hall of Fame (2014)<ref>[http://www.coveypro.com/hof.html Covey Promotions Hall of Fame] Covey Promotions. Retrieved April 23, 2014.</ref> * '''[[CyberSpace Wrestling Federation]]''' ** [[CSWF Women's Championship]] ([[NWA Shockwave Women's Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/wtcswf.html | title=CSWF WOMENS' TITLE HISTORY | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=Solie.org}}</ref> * '''Dynamite Championship Wrestling''' ** DCW Women's Championship (1 title)<ref>[https://www.angelfire.com/de3/dcw/TitleHistory.html Dynamite Championship Wrestling – DCW Women's Title History] angelfire.com.<br />{{cite web | url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/ltdcw.html | title=DCW LADIES' TITLE HISTORY | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=Solie.org}}</ref> * '''Florida Championship Wrestling''' **FCW Women's Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url= https://solie.org/titlehistories/wtfcw.html | title=FCW WOMENS' TITLE HISTORY | access-date=March 3, 2021 | publisher=Ripner.net}}</ref> **NAWF Indian Tribal Women's Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url= https://ao.net/~ripner/fcw.html | title=FCW - Florida Championship Wrestling | date=October 22, 2001 | access-date=March 3, 2021 | publisher=Ripner.net}}</ref> * '''Ground Xero Wrestling''' ** GXW Women's Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gogxw.com/champions|title=gxw-wrestling|website=gxw-wrestling|access-date=August 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816022447/https://www.gogxw.com/champions|archive-date=August 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Impact Championship Wrestling''' ** ICW Super Juniors Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/sjticw.html | title=ICW SUPER JUNIORS TITLE HISTORY | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=Solid.org}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-05.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – May 2003|access-date=July 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> * '''[[International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom]]''' ** [[IPW:UK Women's Championship]] (1 time)<ref name="IPWUK">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=143647|title=IPW:UK UK Super 8 2016 – Day 2|access-date=October 10, 2016|publisher=Cagematch.net}}</ref> * '''Midwest All-Star Wrestling''' ** MAW Jackpot Junction Championship (1 time, current)<ref>https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=446563</ref> * '''[[Maryland Championship Wrestling]]''' ** [[MCW Women's Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/wtmcw2.html | title=MCW WOMENS' TITLE HISTORY | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=Solid.org}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85767.shtml|title=Show results – 6/19 MCW in Glen Burnie, Md.: Mickie James wins Women's Title, Mick Foley guest host for Ladies Night, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 20, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2015}}</ref> * '''Premier Wrestling Federation''' ** PWF Universal Women's Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwflegacy.blogspot.com/2014/03/premier-womens-federation-action-on-may.html?m=1 | title=Premier Womens Federation Action on May 16! | date=March 25, 2014 | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=PWF Legacy}}</ref> * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** [[PWI Stanley Weston Award|Stanley Weston Award]] (2024) ** [[PWI Woman of the Year|Woman of the Year]] (2009, 2011)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mickie James |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/profiles/mickie-james |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=Www.ewrestlingnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=2011 Woman of the Year|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=3|pages=72–73}}</ref> ** Ranked No. 1 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI Women's 150|PWI Female 50]]'' in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2009.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2009|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> * '''[[Southern Championship Wrestling]]''' ** [[SCW Diva Championship]] ([[SCW Diva Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web | title=SCW DIVA TITLE HISTORY | url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/wdtscw.html | access-date=March 4, 2021 | publisher=Solid.org}}</ref> * '''[[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling]]''' ** [[Impact Knockouts World Championship|TNA/Impact Knockouts World Championship]] ([[List of Impact Knockouts World Champions|5 times]])<ref name=Lockdown2011/><ref name=Impact090111Tapings/><ref name=ThirdReign/> ** [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#One Night Only|TNA World Cup of Wrestling (2013)]] – with [[Christopher Daniels]], [[James Storm]], [[Frankie Kazarian|Kazarian]], and [[Kenny King (wrestler)|Kenny King]] ** [[Impact Year End Awards|Impact Year End Award]] (1 time) *** Knockouts Match of the Year ([[Impact Year End Awards#2021 Impact Wrestling Awards|2021]]) {{small|vs. [[Deonna Purrazzo]] at [[Bound for Glory (2021)|Bound for Glory]]}}<ref name=impactawards21>{{cite web|title=Best of 2021 Part 1 Recap|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/12/23/impact-wrestling-best-of-2021-part-1-recap/|work=[[Impact Wrestling]]}}</ref> ** [[TNA Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2025)<ref>https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/mickie-james-tna-hall-of-fame-induction-set/</ref> * '''Ultimate Championship Wrestling''' ** UCW Women's Championship (1 time)<ref name="TH">{{cite web|url=http://bodyslamming.com/wwe/mickiejames.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813171629/http://bodyslamming.com/wwe/mickiejames.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 13, 2006|title=WWE Superstars – Mickie James|access-date=November 4, 2007|publisher=bodyslamming.com}}</ref> * '''Ultimate Wrestling Federation''' ** UWF Women's Championship (2 times)<ref name="TH" /> *'''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'']]''' **[[Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]] (2009) * '''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' ** [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]] ([[List of WWE Women's Champions (1956–2010)|5 times]])<ref name="champ2"/> ** [[WWE Divas Championship]] ([[List of WWE Divas Champions#Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/divas-championship|title=WWE Divas championship|newspaper=WWE|access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref>
== Luchas de Apuestas record == {{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}} {|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center" !width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager) !width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager) !width=20% scope="col"|Location !width=20% scope="col"|Event !width=15% scope="col"|Date !class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes |- |Mickie James (hair) || [[Madison Rayne]] ([[TNA Knockout Championship|title]]) || Cincinnati, Ohio || [[Lockdown (2011)|TNA Lockdown]] || {{dts|2011|04|17}} || <ref name=Lockdown2011/> |- |Mickie James (career) |[[Jordynne Grace]] ([[Impact Knockouts World Championship|title]]) |[[Atlanta, Georgia]] |[[Hard To Kill (2023)|Hard to Kill]] |{{dts|2023|01|13}} |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/13/impact-wrestling-hard-to-kill-results-powells-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-bully-ray-in-a-full-metal-mayhem-match-for-the-impact-world-championship-jordynne-grace-vs-mickie-james-in-a-knocko/|title=Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill results: Powell's live review of Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray in a Full Metal Mayhem match for the Impact World Championship, Jordynne Grace vs. Mickie James in a Knockouts Title vs. career match, Trey Miguel vs. Black Taurus for the X Division Championship, four-way for the Impact Tag Titles|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=January 13, 2023|access-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114033148/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/13/impact-wrestling-hard-to-kill-results-powells-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-bully-ray-in-a-full-metal-mayhem-match-for-the-impact-world-championship-jordynne-grace-vs-mickie-james-in-a-knocko/|archive-date=January 14, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |}
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" ! scope="col" width=24%| Organizations ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col" width=30%| Category ! scope="col"| Nominated work ! scope="col" colspan=2 class="unsortable" width=14%| Result |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4"| [[Native American Music Awards]] | style="text-align:center;"| 2017 | Song/Single of the Year | "Shooting Blanks" | {{won}} |- | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| 2018 | Best Country Recording | "Don’t be Afraid to Fly" | {{nom}} |- | Best Single Recording | "Left Right Left" | {{won}} |- | Best Music Video for a Concept | "Left Right Left" | {{nom}} |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == <!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only. --> {{Commons category|Mickie James}} * {{official website}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * {{IMDb name}}
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