a part of the Smackdown Live brand
As for James, her career as a country singer began back in 2010, when she self-released her debut album Strangers & Angels. Three years later she would release her sophomore album entitled “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” under the umbrella of l Entertainment One (eOne) Music on May 7, 2013, and making its debut at #15 on the Billboards Heatseekers charts. Throughout her career, James has opened for artists Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, and Rascal Flatts. She has also worked with artists such as Cowboy Troy, Ying Yang Twins, Grammy Winner Josh Kear, Jamie Hartford, Jamie Lee Thurston, Craig Wiseman, Michael Higgins, and Larry Haack to name a few.
James will be performing on Friday Night be performing as a part of the Redneck Riviera, and after her performance, James will meet and greet fans at midnight.
As for both James and Perry’s characters on WWE TV, they are currently apart of the Smackdown Live brand but have been used sparingly.
During a recent phone interview with Perry, I asked her about the Veteran leadership that both James and Natalya Neidhart bring to the WWE Women’s locker room.
They are incredible! Nattie has helped me with my confidence and has taught me so much in the ring. She has helped guide me, I wrestled every day with her on SmackDown Live Events because we were both villains. As for Mickie, this is the first time; I’m in the same locker room as her. She was just drafted to Smackdown Live, and she is already helping me within in the last month that she has been a part of the brand. I am very grateful to have someone that is this well seasoned in the business in the locker room. She is always offering ideas about story ideas, how to further my character and helping me in the ring. I am like wow because her knowledge of the business is phenomenal. Mickie is a true student of the game, and it’s vital to have these people in the locker room because that is who we learn from when it comes to wrestling psychology, and storytelling because we are stories tellers. We are also entertainers, who are putting smiles on people’s faces.
James will be out immediately with an injury to her ACL, which she suffered last week at a live event in Waco, Texas against fellow WWE Superstar Carmella. James confirmed on Instagram live and also shared she didn’t know when she will go under the knife and when she would be returning.
“I just want to ensure you all that I’m okay, and I’m fine. It is my ACL, which stinks. And I had that confirmed, I had an MRI done here in Nashville. I don’t know how long I’m going to be out, I don’t when I’m going to have to get surgery, but it’s going to be a while, and that’s really, really unfortunate but I’m trying to find the silver lining. In the meantime, I just want to thank you all for your love and support,” said James.
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We wish James a speedy recovery.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.
