From 2005 to 2010, Mickie James established herself as one of the top female wrestlers of the entire roster. Originally coming from WWE's then-developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, James immediately drew attention upon her WWE main roster debut, as she was portrayed as being obsessed with Trish Stratus. After several months as a babyface, James eventually turned heel on Stratus and defeated her for the Women's Championship at WrestleMania 22.

Following her initially title win, James would win the Women's Champion four more times, defeating Lita, Melina, Beth Phoenix, and Michelle McCool, as well as one reign as Divas Champion, defeating Maryse.

Unfortunately for James, the latter part of her initial WWE run displayed her quite poorly, as she descended from a top position in the company, as well as commenced a feud with LayCool, with McCool and Layla calling her Piggy James. Following James' 2010 departure, she would appear in TNA and become a top talent from 2010 to 2015. During her stint she won the Knockouts Championship on three occasions.

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In a recent interview with WTVR, James commented on the change in the WWE women's division since she departed.

"For these women to be able to do the one of a kind, first time ever types of matches...to come back and be a part of that is just very humbling," said James. "It's exciting because you can just imagine what the generations to come are going to be able to do."

James also explained how she is considered a veteran backstage, and how the female talent look to her for advice.

"A lot of the girls that I'm working with now grew up watching me," James stated. "I along with the girls that I was working with were kind of their inspiration to then follow their dreams. To know that, it warms my heart."

James returned to WWE after a six-year absence, competing for the NXT Women's Championship in a losing effort against Asuka. She returned on the main roster in 2017.

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