Mickie James to attend WWE World during WrestleMania 42 week 

Mickie James announced on X that she will attend WWE World on April 17 during WrestleMania 42 week. 

The interactive fan convention heading into WrestleMania already features an extensive range of current and former WWE stars. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, AJ Styles and more are confirmed to make an appearance. 

James is also set to be present for FlankerMania Week – Golden Era on April 18. The convention will take place at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, Las Vegas. Other WWE veterans including Trish Stratus, Lisa Marie Varon and Jazz will headline the event. 

James last competed in WWE at the 2022 Royal Rumble where she entered the classic battle royal match wearing her TNA Knockouts Championship around her waist. Earlier this year, James made her TNA return at No Surrender and attacked Ash by Elegance.

Meanwhile, the match card for WrestleMania 42 continues to grow stronger each week. The latest edition of Raw added more high-profile matches. Gunther’s unsuspecting attack on Seth Rollins led to an official match being announced. Finn Balor will get his revenge on Dominik Mysterio after being kicked out of The Judgment Day. Additionally, Penta announced a ladder match for his Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.

Daily Update: WWE notes, Jeff Jarrett documentary, Mickie James

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this issue:

  • A detailed look at the WBD/Paramount/Netflix situation, what the latest decision of WBD to Paramount entails, the keys to why this is happening, business notes, how this affects AEW and can it get approved.
  • A look at the UFC and WWE business in 2025 and in the final quarter of this past year. We look at the numbers, what they mean, why WWE was more profitable in 2025 than UFC and the key thing that can change that in 2026, Mark Shapiro talks ESPN value to WWE, lots of news about the business of the White House show, UFC fighters upset over pay, why WWE wrestlers are so underpaid but not publicly upset over, and business initiatives going forward
  • The violence in Mexico and tons of wrestling shows canceled this past week
  • We look in depth at the Janel Grant speech from last week, what we learned, what she said, and where everything stands.
  • Update on the build for WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, business notes, ticket sales and favorites for the weekend.
  • An updated look at AEW Revolution and business notes
  • The retirement of AJ Styles looked at
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings from the past week, including comparisons with a year ago, competition, demos and much more.
  • Notes from Arena Mexico
  • CMLL attempts to break a North American record next week
  • Cinderalla tournament in Stardom
  • Fantastica Mania notes
  • The life and times of former Olympic wrestler Bobby Douglas, his coaching career, his beating Dan Gable, and two notable pro wrestlers he coached
  • College wrestling sets an attendance mark already this season
  • Who had the most top ten matches of the year over a career according to Cage match.
  • City builds a bust memorializing top 80s star
  • WrestleMania week schedule
  • Former MMA fighter and pro wrestler running for Governor
  • Robbery of the ring truck for an indie group
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW and TNA shows over the next two months.
  • How many subscribers does Paramount need to make up for UFC expenses
  • More talk on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
  • Stand & Deliver moves and why
  • When Roman Reigns and Brock Ldesnar are booked for TV in the Mania build
  • Pro wrestler who is active in Japan competes this weekend for the U.S.national team in anther sport
  • Notes on a newcomer to WWE who started this week
  • More notes on value of Dwayne Johnson’s TKO stock

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Ricky Saints/Joe Hendry segment that closed NXT last night.
  • Brock Lesnar has recorded an interview for an upcoming episode of the Barstool Sports podcast Spittin Chiclets.
  • While speaking with Undisputed, Bill Eadie (Demolition Ax) credited the fans for playing a big role in Demolition’s WWE Hall of Fame induction:
    • We owe our career to the fans and to the unselfish sacrifice of our families. As for fan support, we have always said that without their support, there is no drive to excel.
    • The fans drive the sport. They give you a reason to do your best. They drive you to do your best. After all these years of support, we truly believe they were a great part of the decision making to induct us into the Hall of Fame.
  • Rey Fenix congratulated his brother Penta on winning the Intercontinental title: “Congrats brother, you will always be my favorite luchador, i love you @penta_zero_miedo I miss sharing the ring with you, but now I think; would it be good to relive old times?”
  • The Undertaker revealed the official poster for AAA Rey de Reyes 2026.
  • Busted Open Radio has an interview with Bayley.
  • Bayley noted that she’s received an “insane” amount of applicants for her upcoming Lodestone women’s wrestling seminar in Las Vegas:
    • Insane response to this. I wish I didn’t have to make a cut off, but unfortunately space is limited in the building. And I want to ensure that everyone attending gets an equal experience. Thank you for your understanding.  Going through emails this week!
  • TV Insider asked Xavier Woods how it feels to now have been in WWE for more than 15 years:
    • I’m 22 years in wrestling, and that is shocking to me. I’ve very much enjoyed myself. I think I’ve had the chance to show what I can do in a lot of situations and with different opportunities. It has given me the chance to go and perform in places like Japan, Australia, the U.K., and South America, and other places I may have never got to have been in my life. We were able to build what we were able to build with the New Day and inspire a generation to be themselves. We have shown wrestling doesn’t have to be seen in one specific way. It can be fun at the end of the day. That’s what we are here to do at the end of the day, have a good time. It feels great.
  • Charlotte Flair made an appearance at last night’s Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche NHL game.
  • WWE Vault uploaded the “WWF Desire” music video from 2001.

Other Wrestling

Mickie James addresses in-ring future following TNA appearance

Mickie James isn’t sure what her future in the ring looks like, but she remains open to wrestling again if the right opportunity comes up.

James, who was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2025, returned to the promotion for a surprise appearance at No Surrender last Friday. She got into it with The Elegance Brand at the show and stood tall alongside Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside, possibly setting up a future match if James decides to compete again.

On Busted Open Radio today, James followed up on her TNA appearance and addressed her in-ring future. She’ll always be involved in wrestling in some capacity, though she doesn’t know what’s next for her.

“You know, I’ve been doing a lot. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching too, everything from doing the [WWE] LFG and being kind of that mentor space,” James said. “Wrestling is one of those things, like, it’s in your blood. And I’m so competitive, and you just constantly go like, ‘What if? What if?’

“I think that for me, whatever opportunity that feels right and feels good in the space, I would probably be — I mean, I will always be involved in wrestling in some capacity, because I just love it with my whole heart. I’ve dedicated over half my life to it at this point. I’m very, very passionate about it.

“And so, I don’t really know. And I think that’s kind of a weird place for me, and a scary place for me, but it’s also helped me sit back and kind of be open to anything that feels good and feels right. And if it doesn’t feel good and feels right, that’s okay too, you know?”

No Surrender took place in Nashville close to where James lives. She told Busted Open that everyone backstage was great to her.

“It was cool to be back in the locker room,” James said. “And I was, you know, not worried, but you always wonder, like, ‘Oh, how are people going to feel, even behind the scenes and that stuff?’ And the locker room was awesome. The girls there were awesome. They were so great.

“And, yeah, it was just good to be back in the mix for a second. Honestly, it was nice to just knock some dust off the old high heels, you know? The high-heel working boots.”

Now that TNA is on AMC, James said she’s excited that the promotion will have a bigger audience. She is also happy that the roster will be able to participate in some crossover promotional opportunities with other shows on AMC.

James will be making an indie appearance in West Virginia on February 28 when she serves as the special guest referee for an MCW Pro Wrestling tag match. It will pit Gia Scott & Simone Valentina against Maia Martinez & Notorious Mimi.

Mickie James makes TNA return at No Surrender, confronts champions

Wrestling veteran Mickie James shocked fans when she made her surprising TNA return at No Surrender in Nashville, Tennessee.

In the fourth match of the night, The Elegance Brand (Heather by Elegance and M by Elegance) defeated Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside to retain their Knockouts tag titles.

Shortly after the match, fans witnessed TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James make a surprising return before shifting her focus to Ash by Elegance. However, as James attacked her, The Elegance Brand made the save and ganged up on the veteran. However, Hartwell and Brookside soon came to James’ aid.

James, 46, has not wrestled since July, 2025, when she defeated Mila Smidt to win the ABC Women’s title. James is also a five-time TNA/Impact Knockouts World Champion and was even inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory 2025. Her last TNA/Impact match dates back to 2023, where she suffered a defeat against Trinity/Naomi.

Mickie James says husband Nick Aldis is ‘far from done’ in the ring

Mickie James believes her husband Nick Aldis still has more to offer as an in-ring competitor.

Since 2023, Aldis has served as the general manager of WWE SmackDown. The former NWA & TNA World Champion has never competed in a WWE ring but would like to do so at least one time, believing his career is worthy of that distinction.

James, appearing as a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, praised the work Aldis is doing as an on-screen character. She thinks Aldis rivals Teddy Long as the greatest WWE general manager of all time. James does not believe her husband is done in the ring, though.

“Oh my God, yes. Oh, he’s far from done,” James responded when asked if Aldis has another run in him. “I mean, I think if he was ever given — and I would pray for like the perfect opportunity and story or whatever — but I think that if he’s ever given an opportunity to put on his boots and get out in that ring, I know it would be a dream come true for him, obviously.”

Despite never having a WWE match, Aldis has gotten physical in his GM role, like taking an RKO from Randy Orton. There was speculation that the 38-year-old Aldis could potentially be Orton’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens was forced off the card due to injury, but TNA star Joe Hendry ended up being the person to face Orton.

“It would be a dream come true,” James said about the possibility of Aldis competing at WrestleMania. “I don’t think you get into this business without dreaming of a WrestleMania moment. Or if you do, I don’t.”

As far as her own career, James said she is not retired and is always ready if the right opportunity comes up. She feels blessed for everything she’s done in wrestling. If for some reason she were to retire tomorrow, she would do so as a happy woman.

James was recently inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and told Van Vliet that she hopes she’ll have the honor of being a WWE Hall of Famer one day.

Daily Update: R-Truth, Jay White, Mickie James

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The new issue of the  Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site:

  • In depth with the changes in ratings, are pro wrestling and MMA being undercounted, are they less popular than we thought, how the changes have happened, streaming, how this relates to baseball, football, and other entertainment shows.
  • John Cena’s last matches, and the surprises in current WWE booking plans for now until December.
  • A look at Crown Jewel and WrestleDream, the cards, how the shows look and the current interest level in them.
  • Favorites in the betting in all the major future matches
  • A look at The Smashing Machine, the heyday of Mark Kerr, the box office and what we’ve learned, comparisons with Iron Claw, the performances by Dwayne Johnson Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader and the Pride Grand Prix in 2000 with Sakuraba vs. Gracie and key what ifs that people don’t talk about
  • All In Texas attendance and how much the state will be paying AEW based on the deal, plus original plans for that week and three shows that were once thought and talked about but didn’t happen with two international promotions.
  • Full coverage of UFC 320, what’s next for the winners, the business side of things and match-by-match.
  • The most complete and detailed look at the ratings for all the major shows as well as comparisons with last year, segment-by-segment notes, demos and more.
  • Expectations of when a major milestone in history of buildings that house wrestling will be reached and when 1 million fans in one specific building attending wrestling in a year is expected
  • King of Pro Wrestling thoughts
  • New Japan’s last major show looked at
  • 40th anniversary of a landmark tag team event taking place
  • Hulk Hogan’s widow looking at medical malpractice suit
  • Death of the former Sabrina
  • Dave Bautista makes surprising revelation
  • Mistico vs. Bandido in Xalapa
  • Renee Dupree talks the old WWE locker room
  • Bound for Glory notes
  • Lots of injury and contract updates
  • The story of Ultimo Dragon’s ten belts and Mercedes Mone beating that record
  • Sting’s son has his first match
  • Advance tickets sales for the WWE & AEW shows over the next two months
  • The strange secret suspension of  Conor McGregor
  • More on the White House show
  • MMA fight of the year on the Dana White Contenders Series
  • Has the WWE boom period ended or is it ending?
  • The WWE product right now
  • Jimmy Jacobs talks differences in backstage at WWE and TNA

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • R-Truth told CBS Sports that he thinks it would have been a selfish move to continue going by Ron Killings instead of returning to his R-Truth character:
    • It went where it was supposed to go. Ron Killings created R-Truth. Those hundreds of millions of fans who spoke and up-roared. They wanted R-Truth back. Ron Killings was the rebellious one who spoke up for R-Truth.
    • Ron Killings has been around for years, but people had never come together in lockstep like that. They did that for R-Truth. You feel me?. I wanted Ron Killings to go where he was supposed to go. He made a statement; he had eyes on him. When John Cena came back, R-Truth came back. Ron Killings was the cavalry.
    • I think [Ron Killings] was a selfish-type deal, more of a selfish move. I had more than 100 million views that wanted R-Truth. If numbers are real, that was the power of numbers.
  • Bleacher Report and the New York Post also have interviews with Truth.
  • In the Bleacher Report interview, Truth was asked who he thinks can be the next John Cena in WWE:
    • Man, there’s a lot of guys. NXT is full of talent, man. Trick [Williams] is there, Carmelo [Hayes] is up here now, they got Je’Von [Evans], there’s so much talent there, man. I don’t want to, like, put no names or specific things on people, I like to just watch and let everything blossom and bloom. There’s a lot of things that a lot of people still have to pay attention to and see, as far as characters go, a lot of people still coming into their characters. But there’s gonna be guys, you’ll see another almost like Cena, you’ll see another almost like everybody else. But I don’t like to put no names on anybody, there’s a lot of them that you need to keep your eyes on.
  • Chelsea Green told Woman’s World magazine that she and Matt Cardona want to have children one day, but plans to do so are paused at the moment:
    • We put it on pause when I was asked to come back to WWE. This was an opportunity we both knew we could not turn down. If I turn it down, I’m going to end up having kids and resent the family life.
    • So here I am. I’m 34. I’m dying for babies. My husband wants babies… but duty calls. I’m making money. I’m living my dream. But hey, you never know. In a couple months, if it happens, God willing, it happens. I’ll just have to take my babies on the road with me!
  • Omos has partnered with cologne company Zaharoff to produce his own fragrance named “IBERE.”
  • New Evolve Women’s Champion Kendal Grey posted today:
    • Two years ago today, I walked into WWE not knowing what to expect. Now I can’t imagine my life without it.
    • The memories, the friendships, the lessons — all of it has meant so much, more than I can put into words. Just so grateful
  • The Miz appeared on Kittle Things with Claire & George Kittle.
  • Peter Rosenberg was a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
  • Rhea Ripley reacted to photos from throughout her career on a new episode of WWE Break It Down.

Other Wrestling

  • Jay White – who has been sidelined since March due to injury – returned to social media today after a long absence. He tweeted the following: “Ready?”
  • Bleacher Report asked Kris Statlander if she plans to go after the AEW Women’s Tag Team titles:
    • Absolutely. One of my trainers [Brian Myers] is a former tag team champion, so tag team wrestling, it’s not my bread and butter, but it’s something that I hold so near and dear to my heart.
    • I love love love a really good tag match more than anything in the world. To be able to carry that legacy from my trainer, and being the first woman to hold all three [AEW women’s] titles would be the most insane thing to ever happen.
    • I love being able to do the first of anything, but I also love being able to do anything at all that I have the privilege of doing.
    • We were all there when he ended his losing streak and they won the tag championships. Him and Matt Cardona. All of the students were there when that happened and it was such a really cool moment. It was a really special moment for all of us to be there for that.
  • The Battleground Podcast has an interview with The Young Bucks.
  • Denise Salcedo spoke with Jamie Hayter.
  • Orange Cassidy was a guest on Casuals with Katie Nolan.
  • This week’s AEW Unrestricted podcast is a WrestleDream preview episode.
  • Lio Rush will face off against Leon Cage at an event for Attack! Pro Wrestling in Cardiff on December 12.
  • Mickie James reflected on her induction into the TNA Hall of Fame:
    • Standing on that stage and being welcomed into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame was one of the most humbling and magical moments of my career.
    • Thank you to @ThisIsTNA & @RealJeffJarrett for giving a young Alexis Laree her first real opportunity & to @TNADixie for welcoming me back & helping bring #HardcoreCountry to life
    • Thank you @carlossilva for the incredible honor bestowed upon me & for a beautiful ceremony at such a historic event for the company
    • @THETOMMYDREAMER thank you for believing in me, for fighting for me, and for always seeing the woman and the wrestler I’ve tried to be.  To my sister, my ride-or-die, @REALLiSAMARiE [Victoria/Tara] thank you for inducting me — there’s no one else I’d rather share that moment with. You’ve been my partner in crime through it all, and I love you so much.
    • To the entire Knockouts Division — past, present, and future — you are the heart and soul of this company. You’ve broken barriers, told stories, and made magic every single time you stepped through those ropes. I’m so proud to stand beside you all.
    • And finally, to the fans — you’ve been with me through every high, every low, every reinvention and every return. Your love, your chants, your unwavering support… it means the world. I wouldn’t be here without you
    • This honor isn’t just mine — it’s ours.
  • A bridge located on Highway 8 near Calgary, Alberta, Canada has been named the “Stu Hart Memorial Bridge” in honor of the late Stu Hart. Bret Hart appeared at an official naming ceremony for the bridge and said the following:
    • When I think of the award or the honor of a bridge being named after my father, when I think of my dad, I think (of) someone that’s very strong, solid, sturdy as a rock.
    • In a lot of ways, it’s very symbolic for my father to be honoured with a bridge, because he was a bridge in many ways to so many people and so many things, from wrestling to just his roots in Canada, and his special pride with his wrestling product.

Nick Aldis: Mickie James is ‘a no-brainer for every Hall of Fame’

WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has released a statement on his wife Mickie James’ pending induction into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame.

James is set to be inducted tonight at Bound for Glory. Aldis’ statement says James is a “no brainer for any Hall of Fame.”

Aldis wrote:

“Tonight, TNA recognizes Mickie James for her extraordinary contributions to TNA and to Professional Wrestling by way of her induction into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame. Key word: CONTRIBUTIONS.

This woman has endured hardships, setbacks and unfair treatment at different times in her career that would have put a lot of people in therapy for the rest of their life, but she didn’t complain, she didn’t bitch and she didn’t play politics. She laced ’em up tight and kept moving forward. Moved on to another territory. Learned a new hold. Reinvented herself. Because she’s a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER first. Trained correctly, dues paid in full. Treated no different than the boys, because she is “one of the boys.

When you talk about “evolving” women’s wrestling, or if you’re a woman kicking ass and making a ton of money today, just remember to put some respect on the names of the women who actually laid the groundwork and showed the proof of concept; women who stood ten toes down and took pride in their craft first; their work in the ring, their promos, their gimmick. Their beauty and femininity were a part of the package, not the whole act. Mickie James is absolutely one of those women.

When you get in this business, the veterans teach you to leave the business better than you found it. In the case of Mickie James, mission accomplished. 5 x WWE Women’s Champion, Divas Champion, 5 x TNA Knockouts Champion. The only woman in history to hold all those championships. And most importantly, has made every woman she’s been in the ring with better. That’s what it means to be great. The bar got raised when she came along. Maybe I’m biased. Or maybe I’m just right. She’s a no-brainer for every Hall of Fame. She’s also fine af. Back woods or up town”

Aldis and James were married on New Year’s Eve 2015. The couple welcomed a son, Donovan Patrick Aldis, the year before.

Victoria (AKA Tara from TNA Wrestling) will induct James at tonight’s ceremony. James will be the fourth Knockout inducted into the HOF as a solo act, following Gail Kim, Awesome Kong, and Traci Brooks. The Beautiful People’s Velvet Sky and Angelina Love will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame tonight as well. Tommy Dreamer is scheduled to do Sky and Love’s induction.

James was a five-time Knockouts World Champion in TNA and had five runs with the WWE Women’s Championship and one with the Divas Championship. She received the Women’s Wrestling Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2023.

Aldis’ statement is below:

Mickie James reveals who will induct her into TNA Hall of Fame

A former WWE and TNA women’s champion will be inducting Mickie James into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame this weekend.

This Sunday (October 12), James will be honored with a TNA Hall of Fame induction at Bound for Glory 2025. We now know that Lisa Marie Varon — formerly known as Victoria in WWE and Tara in TNA — will be the person inducting her.

“Someone who was pretty synonymous with the whole introduction of Hardcore Country. And I think that we made som incredible, historic moments together — and that would be our dear friend, Lisa Marie,” James announced in an interview with SoCal Val.

James said she personally chose Varon to do the induction speech. She didn’t know if Varon’s WWE legends contract would cause any issues, but the request was quickly approved by TNA, which has a close working relationship with WWE.

Along with being past colleagues and in-ring rivals, James and Varon are good friends and used to host a podcast called GAW TV together.

The Knockouts division will be the focus of this year’s TNA Hall of Fame class with The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky) also being inducted.

Bound for Glory is being held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts on Sunday. Trick Williams vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship will headline the pay-per-view.

Here’s a look at every TNA Hall of Fame inductee since the honor was established:

  • 2012: Sting
  • 2013: Kurt Angle
  • 2014: Team 3D (Bully Ray & D-Von)
  • 2015: Jeff Jarrett, Earl Hebner
  • 2016: Gail Kim
  • 2018: Abyss
  • 2020: Ken Shamrock
  • 2021: Awesome Kong
  • 2022: Raven
  • 2023: Mike Tenay & Don West, Traci Brooks
  • 2024: Rhino, Bob Ryder
  • 2025: Mickie James, The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky)

TNA announces first 2025 Hall of Fame inductee

TNA Wrestling is set to honor Mickie James at Bound for Glory 2025.

The promotion announced today that James will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory on Sunday, October 12. The pay-per-view — which is traditionally TNA’s biggest event of the year — is being held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts.

In their announcement, TNA praised James as “one of the most accomplished, decorated wrestlers of all time.” She is a five-time Knockouts Champion for TNA, along with having several title reigns from her WWE career.

“The surprise announcement was made today during a live episode of Notsam Wrestling Live! on SiriusXM. While James was being interviewed by hosts Roberts and Tommy Dreamer, TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva made an appearance and shocked James with the Hall of Fame announcement,” TNA wrote.

“James is the first announced member of the class of 2025 for the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame, which was established in 2012 and has honored 12 individuals and two groups (4 members): 16 total inductees. James is the fourth-ever Knockout inducted into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining Gail Kim, Awesome Kong and Traci Brooks.”

James last wrestled for TNA in 2023 and still occasionally competes on the indies.

She posted a tweet reacting to today’s announcement:

Bound for Glory will be headlined by Mike Santana challenging for the TNA World Championship (currently held by Trick Williams). The card is also set to feature one last match between TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys and their iconic rivals The Dudleys.

Here’s a list of every inductee since the TNA Hall of Fame was established:

  • 2012: Sting
  • 2013: Kurt Angle
  • 2014: Team 3D (Bully Ray & D-Von)
  • 2015: Jeff Jarrett, Earl Hebner
  • 2016: Gail Kim
  • 2018: Abyss
  • 2020: Ken Shamrock
  • 2021: Awesome Kong
  • 2022: Raven
  • 2023: Mike Tenay & Don West, Traci Brooks
  • 2024: Rhino, Bob Ryder
  • 2025: Mickie James

WrestleCon Supershow live results: Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh, Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean

The annual WrestleCon Supershow as part of WrestleMania week in Las Vegas returns from The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing live on Triller+.

Mickie James returns to action for the first time since September 2024 when she battles Maki Itoh for the first time ever. The 45-year-old James has gone into semi-retirement since departing TNA in October 2023.

In a bout that seems too strange to be true, Minoru Suzuki will go one-on-one with former pro boxer and occasional wrestler Butterbean with former UFC star and former WWE wrestler Dan Severn as special guest enforcer.

Two singles matches will see Mascara Dorada against Ninja Mack, and reigning MLW Champion Matt Riddle against Matt Makowski.

A fun trios bout is also on tap as TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste takes on Hechicero, Michael Oku & Flip Gordon.

There will also be a ten-man mystery tag team match.

Our live coverage begins at 6 PM Eastern.

**********

The WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial SuperShow 2025 with Kurtis Adonis welcoming us to the show, thanking fans on behalf of the family of the late Mark Hitchcock before throwing to a very nice video tribute. Nick Knowledge & Veda Scott are on the call, as the Ten Man Lucha Libre Tag will open the show.

Arez, Latigo, Toxin, El Bendito & Canis Lupus vs. Gravity, Spider Fly, Aero Panther, Fight Panther & El Vengador

(The Lucha multi-man tradition continues for the SuperShow, as this was an action-packed opener to get the crowd going, as they showed respect in the post-match, throwing money into the ring. I wasn’t familiar with everyone involved in this match, but this certainly made me plan on seeking out the work of all the luchadores involved going forward.)

Vengador & Latigo open things up with a series of switches and quick pin attempts until a stand off led to Arez & Fight Panther really pick up the pace, blocking strikes a plenty before both flipped out into a double pose. Toxin in now with Gravity, who got a chant from the crowd before he moonwalked forward into an arm drag. Cazadora arm drag sent Toxin outside and bailed before Gravity could dive. Spider Fly & Latigo jump in, as Spider stood on Latigo’s shoulders, backflipped off into a wild dive. Lupus & Bendito try to attack, but Spider again did a springboard, but was caught and flung in mid-air. It was a 5 on 1 beat down on Gravity, who tried to make the save for his partner, as Latigo hit a launching senton for two. Vengador was lit up with chops before he finally turned the tide with a double handspring cutter and enzugiri to break free and tag Aero, who hit a TKO/DDT combo.

Aero & Fight Panther showed off their athleticism with wild double dives on Bendito & Lupus, as back inside, Arez, Latigo & Toxin hit a triple dropkick on Vengador. Spider & Gravity flew in with double arm drags that led to double dives, as Spider Fly just made it, narrowly avoiding clipping the apron on the way down. Vengador hit a crazy pop-up flipping Awful Waffle for a near fall on Arez, as locomotion corner attacks ultimately led to Lupus hitting a pop-up Code Breaker. 5-way superkick attempt was dodged, as the Panther brothers hit a Torture Rack into a flipping Code Breaker for two. Everyone fought for a suplex, which led to Arez & Spider climbing on the pile and hitting a corkscrew suplex onto everyone in a great looking spot.

Team Gravity went up to all four corners and hit stereo dives until Bendito put on the brakes, lost his footing for his initial dive attempt, but got it eventually. Lupus planted Fight Panther with a spinning sitout avalanche slam from the corner, as Aero made the save and hit a dive onto a pile outside. Toxin connected on a pumphandle neckbreaker, Arez followed a top rope double stomp on Spider to get the win.

Match Result: Arez, Latigo, Toxin, El Bendito & Canis Lupus defeated Gravity, Spider Fly, Aero Panther, Fight Panther & El Vengador

-Kurtis Adonis welcomed special ambassador Sean Mooney (who simply does not age) to the ring. Mooney said this show is always full of surprises, thanks the fans for being here and plugs his signings at WrestleCon and the WrestleMania 9 documentary on Peacock.

Ninja Mack vs. Mascara Dorada

(A lot shorter of a match than you’d expect, but they delivered on exactly what you’d hope, flips in droves. This almost felt like an appetizer of what these two were capable of against each other, but I assume both have more matches this Mania weekend.)

Much different start to this match than you’d expect, with lock-ups and armbars aplenty. The pace quickens, as both did handstands into backflip head scissors into a stalemate. Test of strength led to Dorada pulling Mack up to the top, neither letting go, until Dorada tried a super rana, only Mack landed on his feet. Both trade pin attempts and kip up into another stalemate. Pump kick sent Dorada outside, as Mack tried a double handspring flip outside, which Dorada side stepped and hit a corkscrew dive of his own. Up the stage they went, as Dorada hit a wild hurricanrana, sending Mack tumbling down the stairs. Big time air off the stage by Dorada, clearing three rows of chairs and fans.

Back inside, Mack connected on a desperation kick to regain control followed with a series of sunset flip attempts for near falls. Dorada floated over, tried a piledriver, Mack escaped into a sit-out powerbomb for two. No water in the pool, as Mack crashed and burned on a 630, as Dorada capitalized with a spinning facebuster, going up and hitting a Shooting Star Press for the win.

Match Result: Mascara Dorada defeated Ninja Mack

TJP vs. Cheeseburger vs. 1 Called Manders vs. Vaughn Vertigo vs. Mike D Vecchio vs. Super Crazy vs. ? in a Lucky #7 Sin City Scramble

Scramble rules, as every 2 minutes, a new competitor will enter the match, but no pins or submissions until everyone has entered. Vertigo & TJP start things off, as we get an exchange of head scissors, as Vertigo ultimately tried a pin attempt and the ref made the count, so I guess those rules are out the window already? Super Crazy was in 3rd and got a nice ovation before hitting a twisting elbow drop on Vertigo before folding him up like a pretzel. TJP broke it up, but was hit with another Crazy elbow drop for his troubles. Mike D Vecchio in 4th and quickly showed off his skills with a huge lariat turning Vertigo inside out and sprung out the corner to take out TJP. Vecchio connected on a stalling vertical suplex on TJP, who was saved by Vertigo and both dropped Vecchio with a double suplex. Fresh off his tour and Unified World Wrestling Title win in wXw, 1 Called Manders is 5th, as he & Vecchio collided like two bulls. Vertigo avoided an Oklahoma Stampede and hit a Swanton onto the back, but Vecchio returned to wipe Vertigo out. Crazy returned and hit a moonsault to the floor, until Vecchio one-upped him with a Shooting Star onto the pile. Cheeseburger in 6th to a huge ovation as Vecchio gave him free shots and Cheeseburger took them. Misdirect thrust kick led to a variation of Shotei’s handed out to everyone.

TJP & Cheeseburger slowly raise to their feet until lucky number 7 is Danhausen, who walks out with his jar of teeth. Many fans cheered Danhausen, but there were some boos as well. Danhausen tried to curse Cheeseburger, who fought off giving a Shotei to himself, as TJP tried a Tornado DDT, but Danhausen hit a Northern Lights into the corner. Danhausen hurt his own hand trying to chop Vecchio, so a foot stomp and dropkick was successful. Vertigo ate a GTS, as Danhausen cursed Manders, who collided with Vertigo and sent outside. Danhausen dumped the jar of teeth into Vertigo’s mouth, hit a pump kick and won the match.

Match Result: Danhausen defeated Vertigo to win the Scramble

Matt Riddle vs. Matt Mako

(I feared this would be strictly a comedy match with all the Matt chants in the early going, but it turned into a nice hard hitting back and forth battle. Mako put up a strong fight in this, as he had a series of near falls and submissions, but it was not meant to be.)

Matt Forever and One More Matt chants from the crowd to start, as both scramble on the mat, Riddle wanting a cross-arm breaker, but Mako was able to grapevine the leg into a pin attempt for two. Let’s Go Matt & You Suck Matt dueling chants confuse the competitors, as Mako ramps up the kick battle first, but switches to chops, busting the chest of Riddle open. Mako countered a chop into a spinning arm breaker, forcing Riddle to scramble to the ropes. Both exchange stiff forearms and chops until Riddle hits a gut wrench suplex and series of brotons. Fisherman Buster spiked Mako for two, as Riddle started a Matt chant, which only caused Mako to hulk up with forearms.

After the ref backed off Mako in the corner, Riddle was able to lock in a triangle in the ropes, before hitting a series of flying forearms and overhead throws. Riddle took Mako up in the corner for an Avalanche Fisherman’s Buster, as Mako is busted open pretty good under the eye. Flowing Bro twisting senton connected, but Mako kicked out. Riddle went for it again, but was cut off by Mako, who hit a Spanish Fly into a cross-arm breaker in mid-air. Riddle kicked his way free and hit the Gotch Style Tombstone for the win.

Match Result: Matt Riddle defeated Matt Mako

Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh

(I thought this would be a lot better, but whatever the heck that middle portion of this was, didn’t really do James any favors, as it just randomly turned her heel. Once they got going, it was ok, but that middle did a number on the fans and they didn’t seem to be all that into it going forward.)

Itoh sang and danced her way to the ring, as both she & James received strong ovations, but Itoh refused a handshake. Both trade takedowns and headlocks, as Itoh escaped a head scissors into a Cutest in the World pose. James easily won the test of strength and stomped on Itoh’s fingers before they exchanged wrist locks and standing switches into the stalemate. James again wanted a handshake, but Itoh refused, so James grabbed the mic. James said people came to wrestling to see some wrestling, but guys and girls in the back are looking for their 5-star notice. James said Meltzer has never put her over and won’t tonight, as she entertains. James said she hasn’t wrestled in a year, then did a weird shuffle and sort of put over Itoh as a Hardcore Pop Star. James told Itoh the fans wanted a sing-off, which only got a little applause, call me crazy, but I think they want wrestling?

Itoh took the mic and sang for the crowd acapella. She passed the mic to James, who had no idea what Itoh said, but assumes it was awesome. James did a version of her theme song insulting Itoh and got booed, as it was pretty bad, so she cracked Itoh with the mic in the throat (not sure how that wasn’t a DQ?). James hit a series of running boots, as Itoh flips her off, so James drove her into the buckle, which Itoh kept no selling. Itoh fired off a headbutt of her own and hit the Kokeshi for two. Itoh hit the face wash in the corner and hit a top rope cross body for another near fall. James countered a DDT into a flapjack, but missed a top rope Thesz Press, allowing Itoh to sink in a half crab. James pulled the hair to escape, so Itoh bit at the fingers, no sold a Mick Kick into a rolling headbutt. James escaped a fireman’s carry, they trade near falls, James hits a thrust kick and awkward DDT to win. James flipped off Itoh for good measure.

Match Result: Mickie James defeated Maki Itoh

Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean – Special Enforcer: Dan Severn

(Was this good, absolutely not, it was a trainwreck, but if you knew even half of the health issues Butterbean has gone through in recent years, this was incredible he was even able to do this amount. That said, give Minoru Suzuki all the awards possible, as he sold his ass off the best that he could. The highlight of this was the way too brief stare-down with Suzuki & Don Frye, which could be the best part of this entire show so far, hell, maybe the entire weekend.)

The Entourage of Rick Bassman, Tom Howard & Don Frye accompany Butterbean to the ring. Commentary reminds us that Butterbean is the reason we thankfully don’t do the Brawl for All anymore after he KO’d Bart Gunn at Wrestlemania 15 in 35 seconds. This match will be done in rounds, as Suzuki no sold some midsection shots before trading chops. Body shots from Butterbean until the end of the round, but Suzuki didn’t let go and Severn finally stepped in.

Round 2 was only 2 minutes, as Suzuki got a single leg takedown, as both held onto heel hooks for the majority of the round until time wound down. 60 second rest period we’re told, as Butterbean starts throwing shots to the midsection and Suzuki flew back to the corner. Suzuki pulled Butterbean to the outside and the two slugged it out until Suzuki grabbed a chair and Butterbean’s Entourage stepped in. Suzuki went back to the ring, but we’re told Severn counted both men out of the ring, the crowd was booing loudly.

Post-match, Severn & Bassman held back Butterbean as we got a briefly awesome face-off with Frye & Suzuki. The crowd chanted One More Round, as both men wanted it. Severen reminded the ring announcer it was a double count-out, which, again, got loud boos. That was just it, Butterbean’s music played and he walked to the back with his crew.

Match Result: Minoru Suzuki & Butterbean went to a double count-out

TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste) vs. Flip Gordon, Hechicero & Michael Oku (w/Amira)

(This action-packed main event was obviously match of the night, as everyone got in their time in. The only person to get booed at any point during the match was Gordon as the match went on, but I didn’t think he did anything actually wrong, his stuff looked good, as did everyone else’s. The fans got their Sabre & Hechicero interactions and we seemed to get a little Oku & Sabre tease to close the show.)

Bad Dude & Oku dueling chants from the crowd to start, but it was Oku who won an early exchange over Haste. Tito & Gordon in for a chop battle, until Gordon tried a Lionsault, was caught and mowed down by a Tito shoulder tackle. Sabre tagged in and called out Hechicero, who gladly obliged, taking Sabre down and wrenching the leg after escaping a key lock. The counters are fast and frequent, as Hechicero had a visible pin on a head scissors, but the ref never caught it. Sabre looked for a cross-arm breaker, but Hecichero escaped into a surfboard variation. Sabre easily escaped and stomped down onto the elbow violently. Hechicero backed Sabre into his corner, zoning in on Sabre’s left leg before tagging in Oku. Quickly up top, Sabre dodged a dive and clipped the leg during a leap frog attempt, allowing TMDK to make fast tags, keeping Oku grounded.

Haste punted at the shoulder of Oku before doing a Rick Rude hip swivel, as Tito followed with a slingshot senton and short arm lariat for two. Blind tag from Sabre, who lit up Oku with uppercuts, as Haste was back in to pick up the pieces. Oku fought his way free out of the corner and laid out Haste with a Tornado DDT that led to a Gordon hot tag, which was more lukewarm, as there wasn’t much of a reaction. Whole bunch of flips led to a springboard missile dropkick and springing side kick to Haste. Rolling fireman’s carry and moonsault for a near fall, as Haste fought back with a pump kick and a Falcon Arrow variation.

Tito makes the tag and cleans house, taking out Gordon with a huge dive. Back inside, Tito hit a Frog Splash for a near fall, but Gordon answered with a springboard Sling Blade and got booed for it. Hechicero tagged in with a running knee in the corner, but took too long to follow-up, allowing Tito to hit a combo of kicks that led to Sabre returning. Both countered each other so much, as Hechicero avoided the Euro Clutch and got a rolling cradle of his own for two. Both exchange heavy shots until Oku tagged in, was quickly flipped over, as Sabre wanted a Euro Clutch, Oku countered and sank in the half crab, but Sabre got the ropes.

Both up, as Sabre slapped the hell out of Oku, who faked a slap, but opted for a punt to the legs in response. Sabre answered by snapping the neck between his feet, but tried another and Oku countered with a dragon screw. Romero Special from Hechicero, as both Gordon & Oku hit a double face buster, as Gordon followed with a Lionsault for two. The match broke down, as Sabre countered a twisting Sling Blade into a cross-arm breaker, but Oku flew in with a Frog Splash. Haste & Tito tried a double press slam, but Oku countered into a double DDT. Gordon took out Sabre with a dive, Hechicero followed with one on Tito & Haste, as Oku finished with a Fosbury Flop. Gordon missed a 450 on Sabre back inside, as Sabre scrambled and violently snapped the arm back, causing Gordon to tap.

Post-match, Sabre shook hands with Hechicero & Gordon, but Oku wasn’t so accepting, as Sabre had his eye on Oku’s RevPro title, putting it on Oku’s shoulder before leaving.

Match Result: TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste) defeated Flip Gordon, Hechicero & Michael Oku

Mickie James to face Maki Itoh at WrestleCon Supershow

Fans attending WrestleMania week in Las Vegas will be able to see Mickie James in action at the 2025 WrestleCon Supershow.

James is returning to the ring for a match against Maki Itoh at this year’s Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow on Thursday, April 17. The event has a start time of 3 p.m. Pacific and will stream live via Highspots.TV.

When she faces Itoh, the 45-year-old James will be wrestling her first match in seven months. She only wrestled a few times in 2024 and has not competed in the ring since September. She is currently featured as a coach on “WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats),” a reality-competition series that airs on A&E. The show has been renewed for season two, but Michelle McCool is listed as a coach for the new season instead of James.

WrestleCon has also announced that James will be appearing at their convention on the Friday (April 18) and Sunday (April 20) of WrestleMania week.

James vs. Itoh is a first-time-ever matchup. Itoh, who has become popular with international audiences through her social media presence, regularly competes for Tokyo Joshi Pro in Japan and GCW in the United States. She worked some matches for AEW from 2021-2023 as well.

The Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas is hosting this year’s WrestleCon Supershow. There have now been two matches confirmed:

  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean (with Dan Severn as special guest enforcer)
  • Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh

Mickie James joining OVW in creative director & executive producer role

Mickie James has a new wrestling home: Ohio Valley Wrestling.

First reported by Fightful on Thursday, the five-time WWE Women’s Champion and five-time Impact/TNA Knockouts Champion will become OVW’s creative director, head of female talent, and executive producer for all of the company’s shows.

James confirmed the news in a tweet on Thursday afternoon:

OVW, the former developmental territory for WWE from 2000-2008, rose to some prominence in 2023 when the Netflix docuseries “Wrestlers” on both the company’s history and a look at their current behind-the-scenes situation debuted. It has not been announced whether it will return for a second season. They also have a weekly live TV show in addition to pay-per-views.

Last November, it was reported that James was taking a break from Impact/TNA while remaining on good terms with her longtime home. The 44-year-old hasn’t wrestled since failing to defeat Trinity for the Knockouts title at last October’s Bound for Glory.

James wrestled in OVW from 2004 through 2006 when she was known as Alexis Laree.

Report: Mickie James taking ‘a break’ from Impact Wrestling

Mickie James is no longer listed as an active competitor on the Impact Wrestling roster.  

Her profile has been removed from the company’s roster page. PWInsider is reporting that James is taking “a break” from Impact, citing sources within the company. 

It was also noted that the relationship between James and Impact remains strong, she’s considered a company legend, and could return “at any time.” 

James is believed to have been working without a contract in Impact since returning in 2021. In June, it was reported that she was still a free agent despite regularly appearing on Impact programming and winning the Knockouts title. 

Fightful would later report that Impact considers James as “a woman of her word” and that “there’s never been any real concern of her going back on commitments.”

James was forced to vacate the Knockouts title in April due to injury. She returned in September and would unsuccessfully challenge Trinity for the title she never lost at Bound for Glory 2023 on October 21. 

 

Impact Wrestling live results: Bound for Glory go-home show

Tonight’s Impact Wrestling is the last stop on the road to Bound for Glory.

Before facing each other for the Knockouts Championship, Trinity and Mickie James will be tag team partners tonight. They’re joining forces to take on Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey is set for a big match against Will Ospreay at this Saturday’s pay-per-view. Before that, Bailey goes one-on-one with Samuray Del Sol.

A tag team match with Rhino & PCO facing Moose & Brian Myers is airing tonight. Bound for Glory will feature a Monster’s Ball match with Rhino, PCO, Moose, and Steve Maclin.

Heath vs. Kenny King is also set for tonight’s show, along with a no DQ match between Crazzy Steve and Black Taurus.

We’ll also get the final build toward Alex Shelley and Josh Alexander’s Impact World Championship match at Bound for Glory.

Tonight’s Before the Impact match is KiLynn King vs. Jody Threat.

BFI Preshow

George Iceman, in a room that echoed like a cave, told us that Bound for Glory may have a surprise guest showing up.

KiLynn King defeated Jody Threat

Decent match that saw King further established in a singles role, and Threat was able to maintain some heat due to King faking an injury to get the advantage.

Impact Wrestling – October 19, 2023

Impact opened with the familiar music of Mike Bailey, as he faces off against Samuray del Sol in a warmup match for Bound for Glory.

Mike Bailey defeated Samuray del Sol

Very good match from Bailey and del Sol here, with Bailey again showing that he is a guy you can count on to have a great match any time you put him out there.

The crowd was into this right away, as they knew it was going to be a good match. After an initial fist bump after an exchange, del Sol got upset as Bailey kept one upping him, so he refused a handshake. After eating a kick he was able to hit a torneo into an armdrag off the top rope. Bailey went for a suicide dive, but del Sol jumped onto the apron and ducked down, causing Bailey to fly through the ropes and crash to the floor.

Bailey and del Sol both went for handsprings at the same time, but Bailey was able to use a series of kicks out of it before hitting a sole butt, a kick to the back, and a running shooting star press for a 2-count. Bailey went for a thrust kick, but del Sol bent backwards to avoid it, then hit the ropes and both wrestlers hit a single leg dropkick in the ring. This exchange caused both to role to the floor and hit single leg dropkicks at the same time again, causing them to hit the mat.

Bailey ate a kick to the face by del Sol, and after another exchange of kicks on the apron, del Sol went to the top rope finally hitting a leaping enziguri on his own that sent del Sol to the floor. Bailey hit a double jump corkscrew moonsault to the floor on del Sol to a huge reaction from the crowd. Bailey went for Ultima Weapon, but del Sol cut him off and hit a body scissors into a driver off the middle ropes for a 2-count.

Bailey hit a standing Spanish fly for a 2-count, then hit a thrust kick before going for a tornado kick, but del Sol blocked it. Bailey got nailed with a pump kick in the corner, but followed del Sol out and hit a twisting kick before hitting Ultima Weapon for the pinfall. Great match.

–Dango was with Oleg Prudius and Alpha Bravo, and they briefly buried the Flying Elvises, only getting Sonny Siaki correct as a member, while confusing the other two with 3 Count from WCW. He then asked how anyone could get a dancing gimmick over. Dango claimed that Prudius beat up John Wick and that Alpha Bravo would dive on a grenade for his comrades.

–ABC were backstage and claimed that The Rascalz were using the 5 D’s (Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge) but that they couldn’t run at Bound for Glory when they cash in their title shot.

Kenny King (w/ Sheldon Jean) defeated Heath

This was fine. Nothing special, but a perfectly acceptable TV match despite the blatant interference from Jean right in front of the referee multiple times.

Heath started this match brawling with King around the ring. Heath suplexed King in from the apron and said, “Come on, Memphis!” to the crowd that has not been very good throughout this taping. Heath clotheslined King to the floor and Heath twisted his ankle on the landing. King worked over the ankle for the next few minutes. Heath hit a boot to the face in a the corner and a clothesline off the middle ropes for a 2-count, but King went right back to the ankle, dropping Heath again.

Both wrestlers went to the ropes to hit clotheslines and they both went down at the same time. Heath hit a leg lariat and a powerslam for a 2-count. Heath took a swipe at Jean, letting King roll him up with his feet on the ropes, but the referee caught him. Heath hit a spinebuster for a 2-count. Heath dropped Jean again, and turned around into a kick from King. King then hit the Royal Flush for the win.

–Kazarian was backstage after his match last week with Eddie Edwards, and he said that he never hated Edwards, but that they were actually brothers trained by the same man. He said that now Eddie Edwards has to respect him, they were going to take Impact Wrestling to new heights. We’ll have to see if Eddie Edwards feels the same later, I assume.

Crazzy Steve defeated Black Taurus in a No DQ Match

This was actually a really good hardcore match that told a good story. Steve was excellent here, and Taurus was awesome as always.

Taurus went right after Steve, hitting a code breaker to the arm of Steve, and grabbed a chair out from under the ring. Steve dodged a swing from Taurus, then took the chair and said, “I hope this hurts you forever!” before hitting Taurus in the back with it. Little kids in the front row cheered Steve hitting Taurus with chairs. I guess Crazzy Steve is for the kids.

Steve setup several chairs on the floor and bridged folded chairs across them. Steve setup two more chairs in the middle of the ring and tried to suplex Taurus across them, but Taurus countered and hit a Knighfall backbreaker through the chairs for a 2-count. Taurus tried to suplex Steve off the apron and through the chairs, but Steve fought out. Taurus hit two sling blades in response.

Steve hit a drop toe hold on Taurus, sending him crashing into the garbage can. Taurus grabbed the legs of Steve in a position for an Alabama slam, but spun Steve around, and Steve turned this into a Canadian Destroyer attempt for a 2-count. Taurus tried to hit a monkey flip on Steve, who was against the ropes, and Steve turned it into a back body drop to through the chairs to the floor. Unfortunately, Taurus did not land on his back, but on his tailbone.

Steve pulled a fork out of his Feast or Fired briefcase and went for the eyes of Taurus again. Taurus blocked it, and tried to turn the fork on Steve himself. Before he could, Steve screamed that he was sorry, leading to Taurus dropping the fork, but trying to hit a move anyway. Steve raked the eyes, put the briefcase on Taurus’ throat and face, and drove him into the turnbuckle before hitting Belladonna’s Kiss for the pinfall.

–We got a set of short promos with people talking about how they were planning to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet, like the old Royal Rumble promo videos. I liked this.

–Gia Miller was backstage with Mickie James & Trinity, talking about their match with Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans tonight. They talked about how both of them wanted to win tonight, and it wouldn’t be effected by their match at Impact Bound for Glory.

The Most Professional Wrestling Gods (Moose & Brian Myers) defeated Rhino & PCO

The ring announcer accidentally called Moose, “Bruce Moose” when he merged Brian and Moose into one word. I’d accept the tag team name of Broose rather than their actual name, but alas. Rhino and Myers started the match with the fans chanting “Rhino’s gonna kill you!” and he smiled and nodded with an evil grin. Not much happened here until Moose and PCO started exchanging chops in the ring, which was fun.

Rhino came in and threw Moose face first into the turnbuckle 10 times to the delight of the fans, and Moose rolled to the floor. This allowed Myers to sneak in and get some heat on Rhino, choking him on the ropes and hitting a Russian legsweep for a 2-count. Moose accused the referee of counting too slow. Rhino blocked a suplex from Moose and hit one of his own, tagging out to PCO, who went right after Myers, hitting a DDT and hitting a lung blower in the corner before hitting a legdrop off the middle ropes.

Moose made the save and cussed at PCO, and PCO hit a Cactus clothesline to the floor. PCO hit an inverted DDT on Myers and called for a moonsault, but Moose pulled Myers out of the way. Moose checked on Myers, but ate a belly-to-belly suplex before calling for a Gore. Rhino went for the Gore, but Steve Maclin pulled him from the ring and smashed Rhino into the ring post. Maclin went to hit a move on Rhino, but Bully Ray ran down and made the save. PCO then hit a cannonball dive on Maclin but ate a spear back in the ring from Moose for the win.

–MK Ultra promised to destroy Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz at Bound for Glory.

–An excellent hype video aired for Will Ospreay & Mike Bailey. Some of the highlights showed the Walter Pyramid in California where New Japan has run some shows, and I think that would be a cool venue for Impact to run a PPV from someday. At 5000 seats, it might be a bit ambitious, but it could work.

–Rhino met Ray backstage and said that he didn’t trust him and didn’t need his help.

I don’t often add reaction notes before a promo segment, but holy cow, this was great. Shelley and Alexander were fantastic here, and they did an excellent job selling how important this match was to the both of them.

–Scott D’Amore did a pretape interview with Alex Shelley & Josh Alexander to talk about their match at Bound for Glory. D’Amore was going to ask Alexander the first question, and Shelley interrupted and said that maybe the champion should talk first. Shelley was taking this very personally because Impact was a company he built, and Alexander said that he was taking nothing away from Shelley.

Alexander said that Shelley wanted to make sure Alexander was 100% because Shelley would not go easy on him. Alexander said that Shelley was cracking under the pressure and it can be seen in his behaviour. Alexander said that Shelley was accusing him of thinking Shelley was a transitional champion, but Alexander thought Shelley was saying that because Shelly believed deep down that he was a transitional champion. This led to Shelley leaving the set and running across the arena to brawl with Alexander as D’Amore tried to break it up. This was awesome.

Trinity & Mickie James defeated Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans (w/ Jai Vidal)

Evans & Shaw jumped their opponents before the match began, but Trinity and James both his Thesz presses. Evans and James started the match. Evans and Shaw tried their best to top James but were unable to with everything they tried. Trinity tagged in and hit a legdrop doing the splits for a 2-count. Shaw and Evans isolated Trinity and hit a double suplex for a 2-count.

Trinity was about to make a tag, but Shaw hit James with a forearm to prevent it from happening. Evans and Trinity struggled as Trinity tried to make the tag again, but the referee missed it because Shaw was distracting the referee. Shaw got a lot of heat from the local audience here, as it can’t be denied that the fans here were into Trinity. One of the few acts that got a universally loved reaction on this show, which they were dead for many others.

Trinity managed to hit a kick from the middle rope to drop Evans and finally make the tag to Mickie James. James ran in and with the help of Trinity was able to hit the MickDT on Evans for the pinfall, as the two babyfaces celebrated before their match at Bound for Glory.

–James and Trinity raised each other’s hand, but James kept held of the Knockouts World Championship, not letting Trinity leave as the show went off the air.

Final Thoughts

A good go home show for Impact. They pushed all the major stories, even for matches that didn’t need much build like Ospreay and Bailey (though they could have given Bailey more wins along the way before the match), and the card for Bound for Glory has something for everyone on the show. I am very much so looking forward to it, and can’t wait to be back here Saturday recapping it live.

Impact Wrestling Bound for Glory – October 21, 2023

  • Impact Hall of Fame Ceremony for Traci Brooks, Mike Tenay, & Don West
  • Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs. Tasha Steelz & Deonna Purrazzo
  • Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey
  • Impact World Tag Team Championship: The Rascalz (c) vs. ABC
  • Call Your Shot Gauntlet
  • Monster’s Ball: Moose vs. PCO vs. Rhino vs. Steve Maclin
  • X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs. KENTA
  • Knockouts World Championship: Trinity (c) vs. Mickie James
  • Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Josh Alexander

Mickie James: WWE SmackDown GM role ‘perfect’ for Nick Aldis

Mickie James believes her husband Nick Aldis’ new role on WWE programming is a perfect fit. 

James appeared on the Under the Ring podcast recently and was asked for her opinion on the new General Manager of WWE SmackDown. 

“I can’t tell you how excited I am for Nick,” James responded. “He’s worked a really, really long time and there’s been opportunities that, you know… perhaps he thought it would never happen, or we thought it may never happen.”

“I feel like it’s his time now and I’m so grateful that he’s finally gotten an opportunity and I know he’s going to kill it. He’s so great on the microphone as it is but I think this GM role is perfect because he can be cocky and people can love him or they can hate him. I’m so excited for him and he deserves it more than the world.”

“I was crying when we got the news and I’d been waiting for, obviously, the news to come out and was trying to keep it as much of a secret as possible so it was a big surprise. It’s amazing and it’s amazing to see him finally living the dream and living his dream. We’re obviously a couple and we are a team but I’ve had so many opportunities and so many amazing things in my career and I feel like a lot of people don’t even know how good he is and now they’re going to see.” 

Triple H announced Aldis as the new General Manager of SmackDown on last week’s show. Aldis has been working backstage as a producer for the company since August but has also said his in-ring career is not finished

Aldis was pulled from a Dungeon Wrestling show in Calgary on October 27 as it conflicts with next week’s SmackDown. Our own Dave Meltzer addressed Aldis’ ability to fulfill his independent dates in the October 16 Daily Update

“Regarding Nick Aldis doing indies, the reason he pulled out of the Calgary show was because it was on a Friday so there was no way he could fulfill that commitment,” Meltzer wrote. “Our impression is that he is allowed to fulfill prior commitments as long as they aren’t on Fridays but as far as taking new dates, we don’t know the answer to that. Obviously, time will tell.”