Sources report that Mickie James was seen hugging & talking to The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) with AEW in Atlanta Airport early Monday morning after this week’s Super Bowl. Mickie, Nick, & Matt worked together briefly in TNA, and it seemed to be just a friendly exchange. However, with so much interest in AEW recently, and reports of so many WWE wrestlers asking for their release & not resigning we can speculate that they would be interested in a talent like Mickie knowing the value of the knowledge she could bring to a brand new company. Especially taking into account that her return to WWE has been less than expected & unfair to the legacy this future Hall of Famer already holds.
During her first stint with the WWE from 2005- 2010, James won the Women’s Championship on five different occasions and had numerous classic matches and storylines with the likes of WWE Hall Of Famers, Trish Stratus, Lita, Ivory, and Jacqueline. Other storylines with Michelle McCool and Layla the infamous “Piggy James” segment, and the work that she did with former WWE Superstar Melina.
James would exit the WWE for the first time on April 22, after being released after WWE informed her that they were looking to “move in a new direction with their women’s division.”
After her release, she did spend some time on the Indy Circuit with promotions such as Women Superstars Uncensored, Maryland Championship Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Elite, Global Force Wrestling and TNA to name a few. In November of 2013, WWE brought her back to be a trainer at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida for a week; she also attended the NXT live event in Tampa, Florida.
James would not return to the WWE until October 2016; the company would send her to their development, brand NXT to compete against Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship. In December of 2016, it was announced that James had signed a multi-year contract with the WWE. In January of 2017, she appeared on Smackdown during a Women’s Championship Match between Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss, in “La Luchadora” gimmick. She established her character as a heel. Not too long after Wrestlemania 33, she was drafted to Raw. James has been booked for a couple Women’s Championship matches against Bliss and Ronda Rousey since she made her return to the company, but other than a tag team match with Alexa Bliss to face Trish Stratus and Lita, she has been a mid-card at best.
If Mickie is looking to transition to AEW, maybe they will be able to utilize her talents as they build their women’s division.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
