RingSide Report

World News, Social Issues, Politics, Entertainment and Sports

Somebody’s Gonna Pay: TNA Knockout Mickie James Speaks – Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus, WWE, TNA, Music & More

Exclusive Interview by Geno McGahee

“Rock your country soul!” – Mickie James

In professional wrestling, names like “The Rock,” “Hulk Hogan” and “Stone Cold Steve Austin” are often those mentioned regarding the topic. The males are the typical headliners and for a long time the females in the game were nothing more than eye candy or a side show. This has changed over the past twenty years, but it has still proven more difficult for a woman to become a performer of such note that they fall into the same category as the Hulkster or The Rock.

Trish Stratus and Chyna paved the way, and following in the footsteps and quickly establishing herself as a key player in the sport was Mickie James. She began her career in 1999 on the indie circuit and earned her way to an opportunity in the WWE in 2005, where she became an obsessed fan of Stratus. She was incredibly likable as the nutty character and the fans responded well, leading to a title-winning victory at Wrestlemania 22.

James now is one of the top TNA Knockouts, conquering every wrestling organization along the way, but her talents do not end inside of the squared circle. Her new album “SOMEBODY’S GONNA PAY”, shows her artistic and musical talents. When blended with her charisma and fan base, this CD promises to be a success.

RSR sat down with the TNA Knockout to talk about the business of pro wrestling, her musical ambitions, and life in general. Ladies and gentlemen…I present Mickie James…

GM: You have a new CD coming out “Somebody’s Gonna Pay.” What can the listeners expect from the CD and how satisfied are you with the finished product?

I hope my fans Love this new album. I’ve poured my heart and soul into it. I don’t know what they can really expect. I hope they can pop it in the car and just take a ride with it. Those were always the best albums to me. I’ve been blessed with so many great people in the making of it. My producers Jamie & And RS, the production of the album, the songs & amazing songwriters, the musicians, my management Jeff & Al who helped guide me through the making of it, and Van Fletcher with my Label eOne Music Nashville who were all willing to take a chance and believed in me. They are all so incredible.

In my opinion I really can’t say there’s a weak song on the whole album. The mix of styles from a swampy blues to the soulful ballads, and of course the country rock just blend so well. It shows a whole different side of me. All of me…which is pretty awesome.

GM: Your music appears to be strictly country. Is this what the fans can expect from your musical work or do you plan to branch out into other genres?

Well, that depends on how you look at today’s country music. To me it’s an awesome mix of country, southern rock & soul. Rock your country soul! I know I certainly don’t fit into the typical country mold. But I’m ok with that because after all… Molds were meant for breaking! I don’t really plan to, but then often times my life has never taken the path I tried to plan for. It has kind of made its own way as I’ve taken chances on the paths I’ve been given. Some have worked out well. Some not so much. But each of them have been an amazing lesson of an even better destination.

GM: What do you think of the current country music scene?

Country music has always been my first love of all Genres. That’s as true now as it was growing up with it. It is ever changing as is society and life. I love it, and to me, there is no other style that can tell a story to a melody like it. I don’t think there’s one style that describes today’s country music scene. There’s the rocking country, the traditional, and the more pop side of country. I love that because it gives a little bit for everyone’s tastes.

There are so many songs, from yesterday and today that I can relate to. Those songs take me to a special place in my life and make me feel those same feelings all over again. That is humbling.

GM: The mainstream seems to have a hard time taking professional wrestling seriously. Do you feel that wrestling is a hindrance to your success in the musical field and to be taken seriously?

I can see what you mean by that. Wrestling is a unique industry in itself because we are live performers. We have one take to get it right, to tell the story, and make it incredible. But, because its sports entertainment, it doesn’t really fall into acting, theatre, or sports. When in reality it’s a beautiful blend of all three. I can also see how people may not originally take me seriously, whether it’s their perception of wrestling or the fact that I’m crossing over from another industry. But I would hope, and pray that when they hear my music, their opinions would change. The fact is that music and wrestling are two totally different passions and parts of my life that I love equally with all my heart. I also recognize that had I not been fortunate enough to have made the name I have for myself in the wrestling industry, I wouldn’t have been able to meet and do all these amazing things in the music industry. So I think it’s a blessing for all aspects of my careers.

GM: You have many interests that include singing, wrestling, and a love for raising animals. What do you consider your biggest love and why?

Love! Love is my biggest love… Everyone wants and needs love… Love is unconditional… Love is everywhere… Love is forever… I just love love… I think Ms. Monroe said it best because at the end of the day. “I’m just a small town girl, with great big dreams,” and truly “All I want is to be loved… for myself and my talents.”

GM: I’ve noticed that the WWE has used women strictly as eye candy for the male viewers, while TNA has done more with showcasing the in ring ability and the sport side of the game. Do you feel that you are showcased better with TNA?

I can’t say that I agree with you….at least in my own personal experience. I hate comparing the two companies because it’s like comparing apples and bananas. I love them both but they’re two totally different pieces of fruit. I had one of the best female storylines ever when I was in the WWE. In fact I don’t think there was a storyline that I’ve ever had that I didn’t try to make memorable. In TNA I’ve had my first ever cage match and main-evented the show all in one night. This is the wrestling business. It’s always changing. Everyone has their place. There will always be a need for the Ms. Elizabeths and the Sensational Sherris, but they are two totally different types of performers. However, in the end, it always, always, always comes back to the wrestling. I am confident in who I am in that ring… and no one can ever take that away from me!

GM: When it comes to the world of pro wrestling, you stand out as one of the most consistent and notable female wrestlers. Why do you feel that you’ve had longevity while others have not?

Wow! Well first off, Thank you. You’re far too kind! I think I owe most of my success to the people I’ve shared these moments with, both in the ring, behind the scenes, and all along the way. I learned long ago that you are only as good as your dancing partner. I am sill learning everyday. Arn Anderson once said to me as we were working out in the ring, “Peanut, the day I stop learning, is the day I need hang them up for good.” I’ve held that very close to my heart in all aspects of my life, because that is what life is. One big lesson. I think that because this has always been a strong passion of mine. I’ve always strived to be the absolute best I can be. I am still raising the bar for myself every time I go out there. And no matter what has been thrown at me, I’ve tried to own it, make it my own, and the best I could possibly make it. But, had I not had the right people in there with me, it nor I wouldn’t have been as successful as I have. I think that real passion, genuine devotion and determination, as well as believing in yourself goes a long way. Because if you don’t believe in yourself and are willing to give your all everyday… than how can you expect the world to believe in you and give you all they have in return.

GM: In TNA, you have guys like Hulk Hogan and Sting that still show up and take the stage. There have been continual complaints that they along with others of that generation don’t want to give up the spotlight and sort of railroad other talent. Have you encountered this sort of thing from any of the more notable male wrestlers and how do you get beyond it if you have?

I find this so disheartening. People love to complain as much as they love to make excuses for their own shortcomings. The truth is, if and when you are given an opportunity, and you completely own that moment, then you cannot be denied. The fact is the reason why we don’t have as many stars today as we did then is fear. Fear to break the mold…to be something different…to be you! The world doesn’t want another Hulk Hogan, the Rock, Or Stone Cold, because we already have them, and they will live forever in our hearts and through history. We want… We need the stars of TODAY, that people connect with TODAY, not this cookie cutter mold of what they think a wrestler is supposed to be. Generic trunks and a great body are a dime a dozen… personality & characters is where you make your way! When you dare to break the mold, when you Dare to be You, with respect yet no reservations or excuses, That is when you will find your way.

GM: The WCW-WWE Monday Night Wars were immensely popular and brought out the best in both companies, bringing more viewers than ever before. What does TNA have to do to compete with the WWE and recreate this situation?

I don’t know the answer to that. I don’t think anyone really does. I feel that the industry as a whole is in desperate need of head to head competition. Not just for the viewers but for the performers as well. That’s when we are at the top of our game. Because true performs settle for nothing but being the absolute bests. Otherwise you are just complacent and become bored yourself. I think we at TNA are doing a fabulous job of not comparing ourselves to WWE. But being or own entity. Like I said before, you can’t compare the two because they’re completely different products. But I also believe going on the road is one of the best decisions we could’ve ever made. The response has been incredible and I think TV shows that. There is nothing like performing in front of a live and rowdy crowd. I work best under that type of pressure. It’s a thrill that I can’t describe and makes a world of difference.

GM: What was your best experience in wrestling and what was your worst?

LOL. Well that is hard to say as I’ve had many incredible experiences along the way and my career is far from over. Even those worst experiences I learned from, and I needed to grow as an individual and a performer. But I will say this, my greatest day in professional wrestling, will now and forever be Wrestlemania 22. The culmination of 8 years of hoping, praying, dreaming, learning, as well as disappointments, heartaches and breaks, all for that one moment. Trish and I had one of the greatest Female storylines ever going in and it was done right because of all the people that made it happen that way, who believed in us. And when it came to that moment, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and sister!

In my heart I believe we truly made history on that night. My first Wrestlemania, my first championship, my mom in the front row who stood by my side the whole way through, it was the very first time I realized I had truly made it. It was a dream come true and I am forever grateful. I cried like a baby on my hand and knees, overwhelmed, praying and thanking when it was all over. That is something that no one can ever recreate, or take away. I wish I could’ve put that feeling in a bottle to hold onto and share forever.

GM: TNA really has an old school feel to it. Is there less scripting…more leeway with your character, your interviews and so on with this organization?

Yes and No. I have always been given a fair amount of creative control in all my characters. I feel that I made it a point to talk with the writers and try to make it all the best I could. The thing is when you are performing, you are the one that has to go out there and say or do these things. And if it comes off as unnatural or forced then it will never work. The only way to avoid that is to make it your own, which I’ve always made it a point to do. Whether I was successful in most of it is ones opinion. I have tons of respect for all the writers and the creative side of the business. But I can’t do their job. Just as I don’t expect them to try to do mine. Its a mutual respect for the sake of the show as a whole and the story you’re trying to tell. We may not always see eye to eye but we always find a way… and hopefully the right way… To make it spectacular!

GM: You did some acting. Is this something that you see yourself doing in the future? What sort of films would you like to do?

Oh absolutely, if the chance was ever to come again. I have so much fun acting. I am an actress already. The person you see in that ring, although very close to home, isn’t the person you see at home. I am not that strong, I am not that happy all the time, I am human just like the person standing next to me, but to be able to become a character, to play pretend, and to live in the spotlight if even for a moment. That is indescribable. With acting as well you must become this character you’re portraying, dive into their mind, who they are, how they feel, and why. It’s certainly a challenge I embrace and thoroughly enjoy. I would love to do it again and again.

GM: Anything that you would like to say in closing?

I would just like to say thank you. Thank you to all who took the time to read this. Thank you to all my fans who have stood beside me on this rollercoaster of a ride I call my life. Who support me through it all. I’ve aways tried to be real with you in the sense that without my fans, there would be no Mickie James. I hope you know and understand how much that means to me. Because that type of love, loyalty, and respect can not be bought. And it’s something that can’t ever be taken away.

If I have inspired anyone along the way, to chase their dream, to believe in themselves, and to reach for the stars, then I know I’ve done something in my life. That lets me lay my head on my pillow every night with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. I am far from perfect, I know that, I just strive to be me, and the best me I can be. I do hope you all enjoy my new album “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” as much as I enjoyed making it. Please keep up with me on twitter @MickieJames Facebook.com/MickieLJames and of course MickieJames.com to see where am at, and what I’m up too, and hopefully I will see you all on the road. I love you all! xoxox ~ MJ

Leave a Reply