WWE is running a set of tapings right now for NXT in the build up to NXT’s next TakeOver special event – NXT Take Over: Toronto. During the taping for one of the episodes tonight, NXT General Manager William Regal named Asuka’s newest opponent against whom she will defend her NXT Women’s Championship – Mickie James.
That’s right, former WWE Women’s Champion Micke James will be making her return to the WWE and she will be wrestling Asuka for NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Take Over: Toronto as WWE’s Twitter page made it official.
Mickie James tweeted the following:
Mickie James last appeared on WWE Television on the 23 April 2010 edition of Friday Night Smackdown taking part in a tag team encounter teaming up with Beth Phoenix to take on the duo of Layla and Michelle McCool collectively known as ‘LayCool’. This match was taped three days prior to her official release from the WWE
Mickie James rose to prominence during her initial run with the company when she debuted as the obsessed fan/ stalker of the then WWE Women’s champion WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, eventually feuding with her and defeating the seven-time WWE Women’s champion at Wrestlemania 22 in a classic women’s match.
After her departure from the WWE, she had two separate stints with Total Non-stop Action wrestling in which she became a three-time TNA Knockout’s champion. James also made appearances in various promotions on the independent circuit following her WWE exit, most recently competing in Chikara on 3 September 2016.
Mickie James is currently married to fellow professional wrestler Nick Aldis, known to TNA fans as Magnus.
Since the call-ups of Nia Jax, Bayley and Alexa Bliss and Carmela to the main roster following the WWE draft , Asuka is left without a credible challenger for her NXT Women’s Championship. Currently, NXT’s women’s ranks are replete with rookies like Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, and Liv Morgan among others.
The former 5 times Women’s Champion’s return to the WWE after more than 6 years will definitely provide the NXT women’s division with the proverbial ‘shot in the arm’. Currently, we have no details regarding the contract situation of Mickie James. We are unaware whether it is a one-off appearance like Jushin Thunder Liger or she is back in the fold. We will keep you updated regarding the same.
NXT’s 13th special event titled NXT TakeOver: Toronto will take place on November 19th, 2016 at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Following are the confirmed matches on the card:
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship
Asuka (c) vs Mickie James for the NXT Women’s Championship
Finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag team Classic tournament
