HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts World Champion Mickie James will be making her WWE return at this year’s Royal Rumble.
WWE made the announcement during this week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown, billing her as the Impact Knockouts Champion.
Impact Knockouts World Champion @MickieJames will be in the #RoyalRumble Match! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TXH0jm6QgE
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2022
Impact Wrestling issued a press release following the announcement
Knockouts World Champion Mickie James Set for WWE Royal Rumble
In a stunning development, it was announced tonight that reigning Knockouts World Champion Mickie James will be one of the entrants in the WWE’s annual Royal Rumble in St. Louis on January 29.
The shocking news came on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown! and has been confirmed with IMPACT Wrestling Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore.
Speaking from Dallas, D’Amore said: “WWE wanted it, Mickie wanted it and IMPACT Wrestling’s philosophy is always to work with other major promotions to create buzz for the fans. Everything is signed and agreed with WWE and IMPACT Wrestling – the only question is whether or not Mickie will enter one of WWE’s most historic annual matches as the reigning Knockouts World Champion.”
That, of course, refers to James’ massive rematch with Deonna Purrazzo at the huge HARD TO KILL Pay-Per-View Saturday night (January 8) in Dallas.
The pair will collide in a Texas Death Match with the Title on the line. HARD TO KILL is available in North America on major cable & satellite providers and WORLDWIDE via FITE. Order now: https://www.fite.tv/watch/hard-to-kill-2022/2pafo/
D’Amore added: “There’s never been a time like this for wrestling fans. In a 12 month period, IMPACT Wrestling has worked with NWA, AAA, New Japan, AEW and now WWE. IMPACT Wrestling is the nexus of the forbidden door era.
Mickie James posted the following on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram