Last October, I sat down with WWE Superstar Mickie James before the Evolution Pay Per View for The Hype Magazine. During the interview, I asked the six-time WWE Women’s Champion numerous questions from her response to former Women’s Champion and one-half of the Tag Team Champions Bayley praising her for her locker room leadership. To Charlotte Flair’s progression as a performer in the ring over the years. Also, during the interview, James named two tag partners she would like to tag within both the attitude and current era. She picked her road traveling buddy Alicia Fox as the Superstar from today’s generation and Lisa Marie Varon from the attitude era.
“People would think that I would probably pick Trish or Lita for the Attitude era, but I am going to say Lisa “Victoria” Marie Varon because she wasn’t the lady to mess with.” She is tough as nails. Lisa was “The Bad-Ass” before the term “Bad Ass” was implemented. As for this era, I would pick my friend Alicia Fox. She’s my road partner, travel partner, and my ride or dies,“ James said.
The conversation of Tag Team Championships being implemented into the Women’s Division was a big topic before the Pay Per View. When the Evolution card leaked back in September, it featured there would be a Fatal 4-Way Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships – Alicia Fox & Kelly Kelly vs. IIconics vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville vs. Beth Phoenix & Natalya, debuting the Tag belts at the Pay Per View would have been brilliant on WWE’s but it didn’t happen. Instead, the company higher-ups decided to debut the belts in January on Monday Night Raw, named the event January on Monday Night Raw, January on Monday Night Raw, and named the event that they would be captured. That is the February Pay Per View Elimination Chamber featuring six teams Sasha Banks and Bayley, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan, Nia Jax and Tamina, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, and the team Naomi and Carmella. Sasha Banks and Bayley would come out of the match victorious and be crowned the first-ever Women’s Tag Team Champions in WWE history.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Lisa Marie Varon to get her response to James selecting her as a tag team partner.
“It is always flattering when your co-workers name you for “who do you want for matches, tag partners, and last matches” questions are brought up. In this business, we have our best matches with our best friends. We are very similar in personalities, and we have fun. We have a great time when we wrestle, and it is not stressful. We used to joke with each other in between moves, she is fantastic, and I’m so proud of her for still being in the industry because she represents many of us,“ the former Women’s Champion told me.
Earlier this year, Varon announced that she would officially retire at the end of 2019 after capping off a Hall of Fame career in wrestling.
I hope she will get that call from WWE before she hangs up her boots for good.
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.
