Mickie James stunned the wrestling world when she was announced as a participant in the 2022 WWE women’s Royal Rumble match. The news was so surprising because James is currently signed with Impact Wrestling and is the reigning Knockouts champion. WWE rarely opens their doors to outside talent.

Speculation began to run wild as fans wondered if they’d see any other outsiders at the Rumble. It does not appear that any stars from AEW will be participating. There are several wrestlers from Ring of Honor and the NWA whose names have been thrown around as well, but nothing has been remotely confirmed as fact.

So far, the wild fan speculation has proven to be mostly just online rumors. Mickie James entering the Rumble as the champion of another promotion is still big news. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a tidbit pointed out the answer to a question many fans were asking leading up to the Royal Rumble.

“Mickie James was on Ariel Helwani’s show and said that he expects to come out in the Rumble wearing the Impact belt.”

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Long-time fans may remember that in the 1990’s, WWE regularly had titles from other companies on their television shows. ECW, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, the USWA, and the NWA all saw their championships represented or defended on WWE TV in the mid and late part of the decade. It has been quite a while since such a thing was allowed, though.

Mickie James bringing the world championship from an organization with national television is still sinking in for many fans. It’s great news for Impact if Mickie is allowed to wear the belt on the WWE premium live event. The Knockouts title should add an interesting twist to a women’s Royal Rumble that is filled with legendary names.

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments.

Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a news contributor for Ringside News and Thirsty for News. Michael has an M.A. in Communication Technology from Point Park University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

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