Mickie appeared at Big Time Wrestling “Wrestlefest” on May 16 at the Newark Memorial High School in Newark, California whrere she competed against Katarina Waters. We have thirty photos from the event.

Related Links;
- Miscellaneous » Social Networking » Facebook » Big Time Wrestling

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 indy 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.

Ringside Report 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

Source

It all makes you thankful for Mickie James and Velvet Sky. While so much seems to be “up in the air”, one thing remains constant. The Knockouts Division is on fire and these two women deserve nothing but praise. On this week’s Impact, it’s time for the match we’ve been waiting for as Velvet defends her Knockouts Championship against former champ James.

Whichever side you’re on, one thing is certain. This is a bout you’ll want to see. Sometimes mutual respect and admiration can bring out the best in someone far more than violence and aggression.

Source

The following is from the Impact Wrestling official website:

The TNA Knockouts championship will be on the line on Thursday’s huge broadcast as Velvet Sky will defend the gold against her friend (and former titleholder) Mickie James from Tampa, Florida at the USF Sun Dome.

Source

If the name Mickie James sounds familiar to you, you’ve likely seen her perform as one of the top Wrestlers of both TNA Impact Wrestling and WWE this past decade. Originally financed via a Kickstarter campaign, Mickie James’ Somebody’s Gonna Pay eventually found a home with powerful indie label Entertainment One (the label which releases Shooter Jennings and Bucky Covington albums among many chart-toppers in other genres). Working with producers RS Field and Jamie Lee Thurston, Mickie James position herself in the bluesy and rocky side of Country Music which is home to artists like Gretchen Wilson and Robin Lee before them.

The title track and lead single “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” showcases a woman who is hell bent on getting revenge while “Best Damn Night” brings a little sassy attitude over a funky Country Blues melody. “Long Way Down” and “A Good Time” are both rockin’ uptemo tunes, the first one is a song that is co-written by Craig Wiseman while the latter is a Bridgette Tatum co-write. Both songs showcase a strong artist who is more confident than ever as a vocalist. The majority of the record remains uptempo and upbeat, a style that certainly fits the professional wrestler. “Goin’ Fast” (a song co-written by The Civil Wars’ John Paul White) fits this mode as does “I Just Wanna Do My thing, one of the songs co-written by one of Mickie’s two producers, Jamie Lee Thurston.

While mostly uptempo, Mickie’s best song on her Strangers & Angels album was the title track ballad so it’s no surprise that she is able to deliver a few of those songs here. “If I Can’t Be Me,” written by frequent Gary Allan collaborator Odie Blackmon, is a smoldering torch song about staying true to yourself with a poignant refrain of “If I Can’t be me, how can I be with you.” “80 Proof” is a Miranda-like power ballad which is one of three tunes co-written by Mickie for Somebody’s Gonna Pay.

Another standout is the ‘tude-filled “I’m Gone Song,” a song which has a sound and melody that is grand and epic like quite a few 70s AM Radio ballads. Written by #1 hit Platinum songwriters Jim Collins, Tom Shapiro and Rivers Rutherford, the song is a just the kind of song that suits Mickie James. It’s different, it shows off her rockin’ side and helps create diversity for the record, an album that is quite likable and worthy of joining many a party playlist and soundtrack.

Source

We have added scans of Mickie’s second album “Somebody’s Gonna Pay including the front cover, back cover with track listing and all the producers plus Kickstarter supporters. Check out the scans now.

Related Links;
- Musicography » Somebody’s Gonna Pay » Album Scans

On the recording process of “Somebody’s Gonna Pay”; “It’s like country/southern-rock. My first album I released on my own. It was more of an independent and self-promoted type of thing. My Kickstarter helped fund about the first six songs off the new album. I was going to release a little six-song EP but my management had started shopping different songs from different labels. Then eOne Entertainment heard the music. I met with them and talked to them. They ended up liking me so we went back into the studio to record the second half of the album. It actually took much longer than I thought it would take. It took about a year to actually finish it.”

On getting signed by WWE in 2003; “It was amazing! All my dreams came true when I signed on that dotted line. My birthday is August 31st and I remember it was the best birthday present ever because I had just got signed right before. Prior to that, I had an offer to go to Japan for a couple of months. That’s one place I’ve never done. I’ve never been to Japan just to do the Japanese circuit. I was also getting offers from TNA to sign a one-year contract so I was stuck in the middle but Dr. Tom called me and he spoke to Johnny Ace. It all worked out for the best.”

On almost quitting wrestling; “I almost quit WWE when I was in developmental. Tommy Dreamer was head of relations at the time and he was just like “Look, take some time off, go home and think about what you’re doing.” I had my ECW try-out with Dreamer there. He’s just always been good to me and I love him to death. But I had frustrations of being in developmental for so long and seeing people pass you. It was that whole “Diva Search” time.”

Related Links;
- Interview » Listen

We are backstage and Brooke Hogan tells Mickie how much she likes her new album and Twitter has been blowing up about it. Mickie says that she is excited and overwelmed by it and thanks her but says that she would of appreciated getting abit more of the spotlight at Slammiversary. Brooke says that she needed to let Gail and Taryn to settle their feud, she says she knows how bad Mickie wants to be on top of the division.

Brooke then says that she will give Mickie another Knockouts Championship opportunity next week against Velvet Sky. Mickie seems very impressed by that decision and Brooke tells her to get ready, Mickie says she will be ready. Bully Ray enters and tells Mickie to go get ready girl.

Mickie James’ new album “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” dropped recently. Has everyone gotten their copy in stores and/or online? is everyone gettin’ down in the Hardcore Country backwoods holler with their moonshine and their bird dog, Buster? Yee-haw! Mickie, I’m afraid, is having a real issue with personality disorder right now. I know she’s in this whole “back to my country roots” type situation right now, but if I remember correctly back to when I was, oh I don’t know, eleven, when Mickie made her big mark on professional wrestling, she was this mega insane, wide eyed, obsessive girl hiding in the shadows, right? and when she came to TNA she was Native American.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween, but Mickie, give me a call when you’re ready to figure yourself out and get back to those crazy, evil roots that we all know and love. But seriously though, if I ever decide to have a hoedown in the royal courtyard and put my long flowing locks in pig tails, I’m so putting your new album on repeat! Kudos!

Source

Mickie has released a “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” bundle package on her merchandise store that includes her new album, temporary tattoo, bumper sticker and a photo all for just $20. Purchase your bundle now.

Related Links;
- Store » Merchandise » “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” Bundle Package

Mickie James is less a “Stand by Your Man” country singer than the “Hit Him over the Head with a Folding Chair” type. Or, you know, whatever’s handy. In the video for “Somebody’s Gonna Pay,” the title track for her new country album, the former five-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion female wrestler smashes a guitar over the head of fellow Total Nonstop Action wrestler Magnus, who’s playing a jerky pickup artist who’d just done a woman wrong. Former WWE star Trish Stratus cameos in the video as a bartender.

“I had never swung a guitar before,” says James, a Hanover County native who still lives in the area. “I had to get Jeff Jarrett to show me how to do it,” she says, referring to the TNA wrestler known for bonking people over the noggin with guitars a la Quick Draw McGraw’s masked alter ego, El Kabong. The video for “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” was produced by the same team that filmed Bucky Covington’s and Shooter Jennings’ 2012 video “Drinking Side of Country,” in which James cameos.

A fan favorite good girl wrestler who regularly appears on TNA’s “Impact Wrestling” on Spike TV, James held a release party for the new Southern rock-tinged album, her first major-label release, May 7 at Sharky’s Bar and Billiards in Innsbrook.

Released by E1 Music, “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” includes songs written by John Paul White from the Civil Wars; Rivers Rutherford, who penned No. 1 hits for Brooks and Dunn, Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney; and Bridgette Tatum, who co-wrote Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit, “She’s Country.” Performers on the album include guitarist Rob McNelley, a touring and studio musician for Lady Antebellum.

James herself co-wrote some of the songs, including “80 Proof,” which she wrote with Richmond-area guitarist Buck Reuss of 4PA. “That was pretty awesome to see something that we created here get molded and put on the album,” says James, who also co-wrote the tracks “Best Damn Night” and the album’s bonus track, her TNA theme song, “Hardcore Country.”

Wrestling fans shouldn’t fret, though: James has no plans to quit and says her boss, TNA President Dixie Carter, is supportive of her musical moonlighting.

“I’m having fun,” James says. “It’s been cool because I’ve been able to focus on my music. Dixie also managed Tanya Tucker so she knows the music industry and how that whole thing works. … I’m really excited. It’s amazing.”

Source

Mickie is scheduled to appear at All Star Wrestling Summer Heat III which is taking place at the Marshall Country High School on Saturday July 13th in Lewisburg, Tennessee. She will be taking on Brittany Love.

Related Links;
- Miscellaneous » Posters » All Star Wrestling “Summer Heat III”