Mickie James defends decision against WWE fan backlash over potential 2025 Royal Rumble return

WWE is set to present its 38th annual Royal Rumble, and fans are already fueling rumors and speculation on potential entrants. Mickie James is no stranger to the signature WWE event, where she has won championship gold, served as a special referee, and went over-the-top. After an innocent remark, James was hit with fan heat on social media, and now she's firing back in defense of the decision.

The Godmother of Pro Wrestling entered the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble in 2018 at #26, but was the 22nd elimination. Trish Stratus tossed her out at 8:24. James entered at #5 the following year, but Tamina Snuka made her the second elimination after almost twelve minutes. Mickie once again had no eliminations of her own in 2019, and the same went for 2021 when she returned to the match, entering at #19 but being the 14th exit thanks to Lacey Evans at 7:20.

WWE shocked fans in 2022 as James entered the Women's Rumble while TNA Knockouts World Champion. Rushing out in the #20 spot, the veteran star dumped Michelle McCool before Lita made her the 18th elimination at 11:40. Speculation is that she may return for another one-night appearance to join husband Nick Aldis.

James currently works as OVW's Head of Female Talent, Creative Director, and Executive Producer, but that does not mean she's immune from the annual Rumble rumors. After a fan video predicted her Royal Rumble return for next month, James responded and referred to how the video used her Obsession theme song from WWE, instead of the Hardcore Country single she and Serg Salinas created, which she's used for years. WWE even allowed the former Divas Champion to use the country music song in 2022.

"Wrong entrance music though. [cowboy hat face emoji] [red lips emoji]," Mickie James wrote.

Backlash from fans was swift. James responded less than one hour later and explained herself, but stood firm. She acknowledged the importance of Obsession, but reiterated her feelings on the current song.

"Y'all. I’m JK. I loved this entrance music. I made a lot of history with it. I just like Hardcore country more. I wrote it. I sang it. I released it. I own it & it’s royalties. I made history with it. It’s literally MY SONG. My Anthem. In every aspect. It is me. That is all," Mickie James wrote.

Mickie's last match for a major promotion came at TNA Bound For Glory in October 2023.

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WWE Royal Rumble 2025 updated lineup

World Wrestling Entertainment will present its 38th annual Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on Saturday, February 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below is the updated lineup:

• Women's Royal Rumble Match: 30 participants TBA
• Men's Royal Rumble Match: LA Knight, CM Punk, Jey Uso, John Cena, Roman Reigns, and 25 other participants TBA
• Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens (The main title and the Winged Eagle belt will both be hanging above the ring)

John Cena has confirmed that this will be his final Royal Rumble match. The Rumble will see the 16-time world champion officially begin his final series of matches in his 2025 retirement tour.