Mickie James Talks TNA Return, Future in Pro Wrestling

The former Knockouts Champion discusses her comeback and what's next in her storied career.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In an interview with Busted Open, Mickie James opened up about her recent return to TNA (now known as Impact Wrestling) at their No Surrender event. She spoke about the excitement of being back in Nashville, the growth of the Knockouts division, and her future plans in the wrestling business.

Why it matters

Mickie James is a TNA Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated female wrestlers in the company's history. Her return to the promotion after a few years away has generated buzz among fans and raises questions about what's next for the veteran performer.

The details

James last competed for TNA in 2023 and had not stepped into a ring for a match since July 2025. In the interview, she discussed the personal connection she has with Ash by Elegance, another Knockouts star, and how it felt to be back in the locker room with both familiar and new faces. James expressed uncertainty about her future but said she will always be involved in wrestling in some capacity due to her deep passion for the sport.

  • Mickie James returned to TNA at their No Surrender event in 2026.
  • James last competed for TNA in 2023, when the company was still known as Impact Wrestling.
  • James' last match was in July 2025.

The players

Mickie James

A former TNA Knockouts Champion and Hall of Famer who recently returned to the company after a few years away.

Ash by Elegance

A current Knockouts star in TNA with whom Mickie James has a personal connection.

Tommy Dreamer

A veteran wrestler who can attest to the personal relationship between Mickie James and Ash by Elegance.

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What they’re saying

“It was good to be back. I mean, obviously, any time TNA is in Nashville — this is the birthplace of TNA. It's also the birthplace of hardcore country — but, it's 20, 30 minutes from my house so I was really excited to be back and see everybody. There's so many familiar faces backstage but also a lot of new faces.”

— Mickie James (Busted Open)

“The Knockouts division has really grown since the last time I was there, and it was really, really cool to see. But obviously, I've been watching Ash (by Elegance) from afar and it's much more personal than that and I think Tommy (Dreamer), you can attest to this because I remember a time when Ash was released where she was really — she came to me.”

— Mickie James (Busted Open)

“Wrestling is one of those things, it's in your blood and I'm so competitive and you just constantly go, 'Well, what if? What if?' I think that, for me, whatever opportunity that feels right and feels good in the space — I will always be involved in wrestling in some capacity because I just love it with my whole heart. I've dedicated over half my life to it at this point. I'm very, very passionate about it.”

— Mickie James (Busted Open)

The takeaway

Mickie James' return to TNA/Impact Wrestling has generated excitement among fans and within the company, as the veteran performer remains passionate about the sport and open to new opportunities that feel right for her. Her personal connections and the growth of the Knockouts division suggest she could play a significant role in the promotion's future.