A la TIME’s Person of the Year list, Diva Dirt has compiled a countdown of the women we feel have best embodied the zeitgeist of the year in women’s wrestling. To compile this list, the Diva Dirt team have tracked the headlines here at Diva Dirt over the past 12 months, followed the lively fan debate on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, considered the impact that the women have made within the industry, and taken into account personal achievements as well. More information on the Women of the Year list here.
MICKIE JAMES
The Centerpiece
Seasons may change. Titles may switch. Some will come and some will go. Ultimately, one thing tends to stay the same, and that is that, no matter what, or where she goes, Mickie James is always the centerpiece.
In her first full year in TNA after joining the company in 2010, Mickie James quickly got into the thick of things and has stayed consistently in the spotlight for the past 12 months. Competing on nine out of 12 pay per views, James has in many ways been the glue that has held the Knockouts division together in 2011.
As the centerpiece of the Knockouts roster, Mickie has been in several Knockouts Championship storylines. Beginning the year in a months-long feud with Madison Rayne, many expected the former six-time WWE champion to quickly take the gold in the pair’s first encounter at January’s Genesis pay per view, however, Mickie wouldn’t hold the belt until April, giving chase to Rayne over three pay per view matches. Finally winning the title inside a steel cage while also putting her hair on the line, Mickie became the first woman in history to hold the WWE Women’s Championship, WWE Divas Championship and the Knockouts Championship.
After successfully defeating Rayne in a rematch in May, James then feuded with Angelina Love and Winter, dropping the title to Winter in August only to win it two weeks later, and then lose it a further two weeks after that. Though the quick title changes certainly didn’t help the credibility of the belt, when all is said and done, in the history books, James will go down as an eight-time women’s champion.
Despite losing the belt a second time, James managed to stay in contention, competing in a four-way match at October’s Bound for Glory before pinning six other women in a gauntlet match to earn another shot at the Knockouts Championship. This time, she’d face the new champion and fellow former WWE Diva, Gail Kim at December’s Final Resolution. The feud continues as of this writing.
Though Mickie had a fairly tumultuous 2010 due to her WWE release (she herself has admitted she saw herself finishing her career there), the Hardcore Country Knockout has rebounded better than even she could have hoped for as the centerpiece of the Knockouts division, a position that will likely be hers as long as she wants it.
Mickie has proven that there is life after WWE by making history in mainstream female wrestling and continuing to be as popular as ever. It’s a big undertaking to be the face of a division and be relied upon to keep it going for the entire year, but for James, this role seems to be ‘old hat, new surroundings’. TNA obviously sees Mickie as its Knockouts breadwinner hence her continued success and their willingness to rely so much on her. Additionally, Mickie was selected as the only currently contracted female to appear on TNA’s new television project in India, another vote of confidence. James has acclimatized well and has quickly been thrown into everything from being on TV nearly every week and, very importantly, being a big part of the company’s marketing with numerous media interviews, appearances etc.
Mickie James was the MVP of the Knockouts division in 2011.
PREVIOUSLY:
- The Women of the Year 2011: Mercedes Martinez (#7)
Click here for the full Women of the Year countdown
50 Comments
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Mickie has had quite the year in TNA, it was like watching her shine all over again. Mickie will forever be in my top favorites of all time and I concur with this ranking.
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Mickie deserves this, she’s been prominently featured all year and has been a top knockout for sure! I wonder who the top 5 will be
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Wow #6. What a flop list. Seriously I expected her to be top 3 at least. #6???? If gail is in the top 5 then I’m done with this list.its officially a flop.
Smh.pissed at her spot. She had a tremendous year.
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
LOL. I like how it’s a flop because your favorites aren’t in the top 5, if your unhappy with this list. Go make your own.
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
I will lol. Its my opinion so idc what you say. I’m only dissapointed cause I thought she would’ve been higher but I don’t really care this list is just another list that doesn’t matter. Its not like I’m serious about it. Just dissapointed like many other ppl were about the other choices.
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
LOL! “Idc what you say.” Very intelligent response, it’s called having a different opinion. Seriously every time a woman is named on this list, someone always has to say she should have been ranked higher. Okay, so make your own list. This clearly isn’t facts, it’s opinions by Melanie & co. also based on their criteria. So why waste your time commenting? If it doesn’t matter? LOL I can’t even with some people on this site.
Jamesgangforever Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
@bromero329 i agree she defiantly deserves to be higher on the list. I surely didn’t think that she would be number six. Don’t think I am saying this because of what my username says. I just feel like she has done a little more than to just get #6 on this list.
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
@johnmarco no disrespect but shut up. Trying to be smart I see. Well but I feel like she should’ve been higher. And that’s why I said I’m just dissapointed but its not like I’m seriously mad about a list .anyways if you can’t deal with ppl then just don’t start stupid comments. Let ppl write what we want. I comment on ppls opinions and because I want to give my opinion on the wrestler like everyone else does so just back off. Go do w.e you do.
Anyways have a nice life. Peace.
Jamesgangforever Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
@bromero329 calm down
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Yea. I’m done lol. Anyways I agree with you.she should’ve been top 3. Most likely kelly will be top 3
Hopefully gail is not in this list
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
First, it’s Jhonmarco. Not that complicated! Shut up? Um, wow you really make great points! Like wow I’m stunned :) your allowed to write what you want & I’m allowed to reply to it. Hence the reply button, how’s my comment stupid? Because it’s not yours? Very mature. Good stuff ;)
Mike in Like Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Settle down children, and don’t take that as me trying to be condescending or rude. Does it not seem futile to continue to bicker over a list that has no impact on these ladies or more importantly you who is so upset with it. What if Gail is in the top 3? Stop being a hater and just relax. It’s not the big deal you continue to make it out to be each time another listing is posted.
TJÉ TC Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
I respect the list and all your opinions, but IMO Mickie should be on the top TWO list!
It makes me wonder now about who will be Diva Dirt’s top female…
Mike in Like Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Not that it matters who is number one, but if I had to take a guess I would say either Gail Kim or Kelly Kelly. I even dare to think Trish Stratus could be number one since she had the match at Wrestlemania. Not that my personal opinion concurs with any three of those being number one. Though I thought I’d lend my speculations.
Mike in Like Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
EDIT: I respectfully withdraw Trish Stratus from that list, I momentarily forgot she’s already been ranked lol.
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Ooh you’re cool marco
I agree mike. But I as a wrestling fan thought mickie had a great year.but yea you’re right.its just a list. Ill just stop there and be happy for mickie
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
um okay?
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Was talking to mike
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
I was talking about the first part you wrote “your cool marco.”
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HARDCORE COUNTRYYYYYY!!!! Fan since 06 and im just as much of a big fan today as i was years ago.
I was upset Mickie got release from wwe and i didnt want her to go to tna at 1st but it seemed TNA was a HUGE BREATH Of AIR for Mickie. During her last run in wwe she look’d so tired and bored lol ( Dont blame her either) when she arrived to TNA is like we got a whole new Mickie James , girl comes to impact and ppv’s looking like a Million bucks. Im lovin TNA mickie and i dont want her back in WWE! Even though if she was to ever go back to wwe we would start getting 4 minute matches again..lol TNA is where Mickie belongs…TNA is Mickie James!
TheGamergirl22 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
TNA really shows their talent and are slowed down, also love her theme even though I hate country.
Yeah Mickie James is where she should be.
bromero329 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Haaarrrrdcore country! Pumps me up more than her wwe theme lol
Jamesgangforever Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
@bromero329 & melina&mickie4ever I know right. As soon as her music hits I start singing it. Great to have someone who loves mickie just as much as I do.
TheGamergirl22 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
aren’t I mean
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I’m so shocked to find out who will make the top 5. Jessica is bound to be in it with all the praise she keeps getting from DivaDirt.
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Great choice, she seems much happier in TNA so good for her :) I can’t wait for the top 5. I know we’re getting Kelly Kelly, Sara Del Rey, & Jessicka Havok in there, which makes me happy knowing 2 of the very best are getting thie due.
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This is so messed up that Kelly Kelly is going to be in the top five and not Mickie. I know that K2 won the Divas Championship this year and that is good for her and it is obvious that she is popular with the crowd and I do respect K2 even though I don’t like her, but at the end of the day she will NEVER be a Mickie James.
Jamesgangforever Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Also kelly defended the world championship and how many female wrestlers can say that but still she is no Mickie James.
KellyEve Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
I not agree with that the list is good ranked, so if u dont like it you can make one as said JHONMARCO, Kelly deserves to be, higher that Mickie James and she deserves the top 5
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Although I am one of those who thought she would be higher, I wont dwell on it. Mickie has had a great year, the best out of any TNA Knockout in my opinion. I can’t wait to see her in January at Fan Interaction and then in a match!
Top 5 will be:
Kelly Kelly
Velvet Sky
Sara Del Rey
Jessica Havok
Manami Toyota?
If Gail Kim is in it then… meh.
KellyEve Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Velvet sky is number 8
HollyRobinsonWWE Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Kelly is obvious. I think Del Rey, Havok and Toyota as well since DD has given them all plenty of praise and awards this year. Last one maybe Vickie? I’d be surprised if she didn’t appear.
HollyRobinsonWWE Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
But then it’s also pretty shocking if Gail doesn’t show up in a top 25 at all, considering not only her TNA return but her exit from WWE was pretty big news for weeks around here as well. Not sure I’d put her in the top 5, but that’s all we’ve got left now.
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I think mickie had a great year I became a fan since she brought out psycho mickie I wish she will bring out psycho mickie out soon. I would love to see her on a heel role but I know TNA won’t really want to because she is a top babyface but it would be cool to have her as a heel.
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James for numba 1!!
Seriously Mickie has done WAY more for the Knockouts Division with her presence than kellys title win has done for her division.
Ehh wonder why Mickie is not top 5? =D
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Let’s not forget that Sara Del Rey & Jessicka Havok can still be number one! I see Kelly coming in at #5 or 4.
Ryan Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Del rey has done a lot not sure who Havok is tho
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Look up Jessicka Havok WSU on youtube. Her promos alone are so intense! Her matches scream power, she’s just so bad-ass!
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No
KELLY
NATALYA
EVE
ANGELINA LOVE
KAITLYN
LAYLA
yet!
LMAO i wonder who will be on the top 5 list, for sure some Indie ladies will be in there too, so I’m thinking, who will not make my list? I just hope Nattie is in there!
Chryst Voegele Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Eve & Kelly will in this list for sure!
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This is a good spot for Mickie. Loved the write-up, too!
She has had a great year in TNA, hoping 2012 will be even better!
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Erm… only 6th? O_o
I Seriously hope that some shimmer talent will pop up in the top 5 and maybe even have Manami Toyote for her lifetime reward and accomplishements being on the top of all.
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my top 5 are:
K2
Manami Toyota
Eve
Sara Del Rey
Jessicka Havok
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This is an absolute outrage! If you look at the most popular topics listed by Diva Dirt on the right hand side of their site. ‘Mickie James’ is the most popular topic and finally surpassed Michelle McCool as the most newsworthy female wrestler today (using font size). If that doesn’t signify the impact she’s had on female wrestling this year, I don’t know what does!
Seriously, the only woman to hold every mainstream women’s title in the US! I don’t know what could be a greater personal achievement than that! Clearly the Knockouts must be considered #6th rate if she was the ‘MVP of the Knockouts’.
Clearly Diva Dirt wants to go with an indy centric top 5, just like PWI, but in which case, Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes Martinez, and Madison Eagles should have been ranked much higher! If they give a look at some of the Mexican/Japanese talent that would be pretty good, but I think it’s ridiculous if Kelly Kelly/Eve are above many of the talents already ranked (as much as I personally like Eve), mainly because the Diva’s division has very little impact nowadays given how limited their exposure is. Not to mention that Kharma & Beth Phoenix were the only ones who really had an ‘impact’ there (albeit short-lived).
At the end of the day it’s just a silly countdown, but it still reflect badly on it when a lot of us can’t see the logic/justification of the rankings. Rather than giving the appearance that these rankings are following some sort of objective criteria, why not just be forthcoming and say that they’re purely just the Diva Dirt team’s personal opinions. It might make people get less upset when their favorites aren’t objectively considered ‘impactful’.
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
TBH I hope Eve doesn’t make the top 5 just because she didn’t do much this year. She did some things, but nothing compared to others. They’re taking other things into consideration, such as interactive on social media & personal achievements. At least we’ll get girls like Sara Del Rey in the top 5 (really hoping she’s number 1).
Piggie James Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Meant to reply here lol (instead of below).
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Sara Del Rey as #1 would be perfectly fine, and given that DD gave her wrestler of the year it’s likely. I figure (given by who hasn’t been ranked yet as others have done), that the other 4 will be Eve, Kelly, Jessicka Havok, and Gail Kim. I highly doubt Eve will be omitted, since all Divas/Knockouts championsihp holders this year have been ranked so far except for her and Kelly.
I have a suspicion that #1 could be Gail Kim too, since she was easily the most talked about woman this year. But I really don’t know what criteria DD is following, since they haven’t been really adhering to the one they set out. Just have to wait and see I suppose!
Jhonmarco Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Unfortunately I only think Sara, Jessicka, & Kelly deserve to be there. Ah well.
HollyRobinsonWWE Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at
Eve is not going to be in the top 5. Top 25 I could see but I just can’t see them placing her among the elite the way Melanie and Steven talked about her year in the report cards.
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Mickie should be higher she has had a fantastic year and has done more than most if not all Knockouts and Divas.