Former WWE star and TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James has recalled the conversation that led to her being able to use her actual name throughout her pro wrestling career.
Although there are a few exceptions to the rule, such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Jade Cargill, most stars use an alternative name in the pro wrestling world, especially in WWE. James was also one of the lucky few to compete under her birth name, with the former Alexis Laree only using that name in the early stages of her in-ring journey. According to James, it was a very notable figure who called for the change, as they were not happy with the name Alexis Laree:
While speaking with Chris Van Vliet, the former Women’s Champion recounted a conversation with Vince McMahon prior to her debut. With McMahon not a fan of the name, James suggested her real name as an alternative, without letting the former Chairman know:
“I was Alexis Laree in OVW. I just love the name Alexis and Laree is my legit middle name, so that’s how that name came about. But I’m about to debut this crazy stalker character, and Vince is like, ‘What’s her name? Alexis Laree? I don’t like that name. It sounds like a stripper name.’ And I’m like, Oh, guess it does, doesn’t it? Yeah, okay. He’s like, ‘Well, got anything else? Got any other names?’ And I was like, ‘Uh, Mickie James?’ [He said] ‘I love it.’ I didn’t say, Oh, it’s my real name. I was like, oh, okay, great. So I was able, and probably one of the last few people, to actually be able to use their real name. I was able to use my real name. Wow, crazy. And how grateful I am for that.”
Former WWE And TNA Women’s Champion Mickie James Now A Hall Of Famer
At Bound For Glory weekend, the 5-time Knockouts Champion was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame, an honour which many fans felt was well deserved. Debuting in WWE back in 2005, James was introduced to the fans as a stalker for Mickie James, which led to James winning her first Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 22 by defeating Stratus. James went on to win the Women’s Championship 5 times along with 1 reign as the Divas Champion.
Following a brief run in TNA at the start of her career, James made her return to the company in 2010, before returning to WWE for another run in 2016. James last competed in July 2025, defeating Mila Smidt to win the ABC Women’s Championship in Frankreich, Germany.
Also in the interview, James noted that while she can still go in the ring, she would be happy if her in-ring career ended tomorrow:
“Hell, yeah! I could do 10 more. But it’s also with the career that I’ve been so blessed to have, and the moments that I’ve been able to have and the people that I’ve been able to work with, I could retire tomorrow and be a happy woman. I don’t have anything else, I think, to prove in the wrestling business, but I also love it, and there’s nothing like it.”
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Featured image: WWE
