In any other situation, Mickie James would be looking forward to SummerSlam and competing at one of WWE’s highest profile events.
2019 is no ordinary situation though.
With rehab from ACL surgery the order of the day, the multi-time Women’s Champion is not with her fellow Superstars in Toronto this weekend. SummerSlam goes on, but James’ return to the ring, and to the biggest party of the summer, is eagerly anticipated.
What exists now, is anticipation for 2020. One year from now, James will have recovered from her surgery; which makes one wonder - what could lay ahead for the ultra-talented Superstar?
Looking back at Mickie’s history at SummerSlam may give the answer.
In 2007, James made her SummerSlam debut, facing off with 11 other women in a bid to be named the number one contender to Candice Michelle, then Women’s Champion. Though James was able to score a couple eliminations, she herself was thrown to the outside by longtime rival Melina. The screaming siren, however, couldn’t finish things off and it was Beth Phoenix who was the last woman standing.
2008 saw James enter as WWE Women’s Champion and team with Kofi Kingston, who held the Intercontinental Title. The pair has both of their straps on the line against Santino Marella and Phoenix, and unfortunately came up short.
Still, James has fond memories of the event.
“To have been part of such a historic match - a rare two-championship match in WWE - was incredible,” James said. “Kofi was fresher to the roster then and it was amazing to see the fire he had. I’m not surprised by his success and it was amazing to work with the future WWE champ.”
2009 again saw James compete in a battle royal, only this was exclusive for the fans live in attendance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Beth Phoenix won this battle royal as well.
So where does this leave the future? Numerous possibilities exist for Mickie James, with a rich roster of women; but there may be one target truly in her eyes.
“I don’t know what it is, but the Glamazon sure has had my number over the years at SummerSlam, but we have never met one on one at this huge pay-per-view event,” James said. “Maybe with Beth returning to do some matches lately, she and I could meet next year and settle things once and for all…”