Following her WWE release in 2021, Mickie James caused a stir on social media when she revealed her belongings were sent to her in a trash bag. Speaking on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, James detailed the incident, her initial reaction, and the fallout within WWE.
James explained that, having experienced a similar situation after her first release in 2010, she wasn’t initially as hurt as many fans were on her behalf. “I wasn’t as offended as the fans were when it happened, because I don’t think you realize how many times we’ve been offended,” she said. “I’m so numb to getting my feelings hurt, or I’m so used to, Oh, you got to separate your ego from it, and don’t take it personal. It’s just business.”
The Sarcastic Post and Fallout
Her decision to post the picture was initially driven by sarcasm and a reflection on how disposable wrestlers can feel. “So I posted, because I’m a sarcastic person, and if I was to be honest, I got two boxes with two trash bags. I still have the trash bags because I’m keeping them, receipts,” she stated. “I remembered in 2010 when I got my stuff back and I got it the same way, and 2010 me was devastated… This time, I didn’t take it personally. I’m like, of course. It’s more about the lack of thought of how you’re so disposable…”
The post quickly gained traction, leading to calls from top WWE executives. “Then Hunter called me, Stephanie text me, Johnny called me. Everybody called me,” James recalled. The incident ultimately led to the firing of Mark Carrano, WWE’s Head of Talent Relations at the time, something James feels bad about.
“I still feel bad for Mark Carano, who got fired for it, because Mark was always good to me… he’s the one who got fired. But it was just a testament to that was like a company thing of like, they just didn’t really think of how that would affect [you]…”
Vince McMahon’s Phone Call
James revealed that even Vince McMahon called her personally to apologize. “Vince called me and I spoke to him on the phone… Because I was like, Vince has never called me before,” she said. “But he was genuine. He was like, ‘You know I’ve never thought that of you, and I’ve always thought highly of you, and I’m so sorry that happened and that person is not here anymore.’ And then I was like, Oh no. Felt bad for Mark Carrano.”
James added that while she didn’t think McMahon personally intended disrespect, the incident highlighted a lack of awareness within the company structure at the time. She believes the practice has since stopped. “I don’t think anybody else will get their stuff that way anymore… I don’t think they come in Gucci bags, but they certainly don’t come in hefty bags.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Insight With Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the podcast on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the interview on Chris Van Vliet’s YouTube channel.
