Mickie James, the legend, the icon, the woman who made “Hardcore Country” a lifestyle, rolled into WWE NXT Roadblock and did what she does best—hype up the next generation like a pro wrestling Tony Robbins. This time, her lucky protégé was Jaida Parker, who got a backstage pep talk that would make even the Undertaker sit up and nod.
James, in full motivational coach mode, told Parker to take what’s hers and to stop apologizing for it. This is fantastic advice unless you’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet, in which case, please apologize if you take the last crab leg. But in the ring? Ruthless aggression, baby!
Parker, fired up and ready to throw hands, made it clear she’s got her eyes on the prize—or rather, both prizes. She’s been closely watching the brewing showdown between NXT Women’s Champion Giulia and Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer. And if you missed her statement, don’t worry, she only repeated it about 500 times: “Jaida Parker got next!”
Mickie, ever the supportive wrestling auntie, told Parker to go for it—because it’s Stand & Deliver season, and nothing screams WrestleMania weekend like young, hungry stars declaring war on championship gold.
Legends in the Building… But a Legend Leaves
James wasn’t alone in the “Hall of Fame Legends Give Advice” department. Alongside her were Booker T, The Undertaker, and Bully Ray, all of whom could have easily formed the most terrifying Survivor Series team in history. The event took place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, which is just a fancy way of saying, “MSG, but smaller.”
However, in a twist that no one saw coming (except probably Mickie James), it was recently announced that she won’t be returning for Season 2 of WWE LFG: Legends & Future Greats. Instead, Michelle McCool—aka Mrs. Undertaker, soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer, and master of the Faithbreaker—will be stepping in.
Will McCool bring the same legendary energy? Will Parker actually take what’s hers? Will Mickie James show up at Stand & Deliver just to say, “I told you so”?
Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Jaida Parker is coming, and she’s not apologizing for it.