TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James recently shared insights into her experience working with WWE as a coach on the reality series LFG. During an appearance on “The Velvet Ropes with SoCal Val,” James discussed how she landed the role, the logistical challenges of her schedule, her initial feelings of intimidation, and how the process gave her a new perspective on mentoring.
James revealed that her involvement in the show was championed by WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “With Hunter, he had suggested me and really wanted me to do the show,” James stated. “When I got asked to do it, I was like, ‘Yeah.'”
Committing to the series was a significant undertaking, requiring a delicate balance between her own demanding travel, that of her husband Nick Aldis, and their son’s life. “Filming that show was a lot,” James said. “You’re trying to juggle the schedules, Nick’s schedule, my schedule, Donovan’s schedule.”
Despite the logistical challenges, James embraced the opportunity. However, she admitted to feeling a sense of apprehension when she learned who her fellow coaches would be: The Undertaker, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley. She questioned how she would measure up against their extensive coaching and training backgrounds.
“I was like, ‘Who are the coaches?’ Bubba, Taker and obviously Booker T, all Hall of Famers,” James recalled. “And they’ve been around the business. Booker has his own school. Bubba has his own school. Taker pretty much schooled the entire locker room for decades. So I’m like, where do I fit in here?”
The dynamic among the coaches, according to James, was surprisingly harmonious given their individual stature in the industry. She noted that each legendary figure brought a unique perspective and teaching style, creating a comprehensive learning environment for the aspiring wrestlers. This collaboration allowed the coaches to play to their strengths, covering various facets of performance from character development to in-ring psychology, with James herself focusing on the nuances of emotional storytelling and presentation.
Once she began working with the aspiring superstars, the experience took her back to her own developmental days in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). She related to the intense effort the talent put in to stand out. “It also put me back to OVW days of that grind of being in the system, of working every day and trying to do extra, just to be seen, just to be validated,” she said. “To get ahead and figure out, what is it going to be, that thing that’s going to set me apart and make me different?”
The dedication shown by the contestants resonated deeply with James, reminding her of her own unwavering commitment early in her career. She observed a similar drive and hunger in the LFG participants, which made her even more invested in their growth and success. This shared experience forged a bond between mentor and protégé that extended beyond the competition itself.
James also shared that the coaching role led to a deep, personal connection with the trainees, making her emotionally invested in their careers long after the show ended. “Now I feel like I had so much time and kind of intimate, real heart time with them, that I’m now invested in their forever journey,” she explained. “I get invested in people genuinely. So when I see them slipping and failing, it hurts my heart too.”
This emotional attachment, while a sign of her genuine care, was also something James identified as her primary challenge as a coach. She noted that it is “a little bit harder to take your feeling out of your own career, but when you’re mentoring someone, it’s a little bit harder.” This vulnerability highlighted her authenticity as a mentor, showcasing her commitment to the next generation of wrestling talent. Ultimately, the experience was a revelation for James, showing her a new potential path in the wrestling business. “I was like, ‘Actually, I could do this.’ I think I would enjoy it,” she concluded. “I would enjoy training people or mentoring people more than I thought I would.”
Her status as a respected veteran and mentor, solidified by her work on LFG, will be formally celebrated tonight as Mickie James takes her rightful place in the TNA Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is a key part of TNA’s biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory. James will be inducted by her close friend and fellow legend, Lisa Marie Varon (Tara/Victoria), and joins The Beautiful People (Angelina Love and Velvet Sky) in an all-female 2025 Hall of Fame class.
Fans can watch the historic induction and the entire stacked card for TNA Bound For Glory tonight, Sunday, October 12th. The event emanates from Lowell, Massachusetts, and is available to stream live on the TNA+ app, as well as on TrillerTV and traditional cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.
The event features a massive lineup of matches. The main event will see Trick Williams defend the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana. In a highly anticipated “One Final Table” match, The Hardys will defend the TNA World and NXT Tag Team Championships against Team 3D. The card also includes a 10-person intergender Hardcore War, a 20-person Call Your Shot Gauntlet, and championship defenses for the Knockouts World, International, X-Division, and Knockouts World Tag Team titles.
TNA Bound For Glory Card
Singles match for the TNA World Championship Trick Williams (c) vs. Mike Santana
“One Final Table” for the TNA World and NXT Tag Team Championships The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. Team 3D (Bully Ray and Devon)
Singles match for the TNA Knockouts World Championship Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Indi Hartwell
10-person intergender Hardcore War The System (Moose, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards, and JDC) vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Tasha Steelz, Special Agent 0, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler)
Singles match for the TNA International Championship Frankie Kazarian (c) vs. Steve Maclin
Singles match Tessa Blanchard vs. Gia Miller
20-person Intergender Call Your Shot Gauntlet The winner receives a contract for a championship match of their choosing.
Singles match for the TNA X-Division Championship Leon Slater (c) vs. Je’Von Evans
Tag team match for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay) (c) vs. The Elegance Brand (Heather by Elegance and M by Elegance)
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