Mickie James appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show” to discuss her upcoming Royal Rumble appearance.
Mickie was asked, ‘When were you first approached about being part of The Royal Rumble?”
“It was a few weeks ago and Scott (D’Amore) had called me first just to kind of see where I was at and if I was interested,” Mickie shared. “I think immediately I was excited because I think this historically has never happened before for WWE to do this or have anyone participate in the Rumble, especially to acknowledge the championship.”
“It’s really cool, and it shows a different amount of respect. I just feel really great about it. Plus I think in my mind, the last thing most people bring up or talk about was on the other end of the spectrum, so it’s cool not to have that be the thing, or the last thing, or whatever that is.”
Ariel asked, “Did they reach out to Scott or did he reach out to them to pitch them?”
“I feel like Johnny (Laurinaitis) reached out to Scott first just to talk to him professionally, because this has never been done before by them. Definitely they talked first to see if this was going to be something they could work together with. Impact worked together with WWE in the past for other things like when Flair went in the Hall of Fame, Christian Cage, and all that stuff, so it wasn’t unforeseen that it could possibly happen.”
“I think that’s why Scott first reached out to me to see what my interest was, and then obviously we were all able to make this happen somehow. I think it was going to be a surprise. We talked about it having it as a surprise, but the response back from the announcement kind of has blown my mind. I think it’s pretty incredible. It’s different, kind of historic, and then for me to be the person they’re doing it with is really cool.”
“When Scott called you and told you about this phone call from John Laurinaitis of WWE, what was your immediate reaction?”
“I was shocked,” Mickie said. “I think I was very shocked because I know it’s not really ever been done, especially for the women. I also feel like everyone from that camp, because honestly we’ve talked and there’s been apologies, I’ve still maintained a good relationship with everyone in that sense. Professionally, I think it’s just something to be able to do and hopefully open the door for future possibilities as well.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit “The Ariel Helwani Show” with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
