TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James recently shared a humorous and revealing story about how she was able to use her real name on WWE television. The 11-time world champion, who was one of the defining stars of the “Divas” era, explained that her original ring name was “Alexis Laree,” a name she had used on the independent circuit and in TNA. However, when she was called up to the main roster for her iconic “stalker” storyline with Trish Stratus, she ran into a roadblock with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
During a recent appearance on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet,” James detailed the behind-the-scenes conversation that led to her name change.
“I was Alexis Laree in OVW. I just love the name Alexis and Laree is my legit middle name, so that’s how that name came about. But I’m about to debut this crazy stalker character, and Vince is like, ‘What’s her name? Alexis Laree? I don’t like that name. It sounds like a stripper name.’ And I’m like, Oh, guess it does, doesn’t it? Yeah, okay. He’s like, ‘Well, got anything else? Got any other names?’ And I was like, ‘Uh, Mickie James?’ [He said] ‘I love it.’ I didn’t say, Oh, it’s my real name. I was like, oh, okay, great. So I was able, and probably one of the last few people, to actually be able to use their real name. I was able to use my real name. Wow, crazy. And how grateful I am for that.”
The decision allowed her to become one of the most recognizable names in modern women’s wrestling, a name she has carried through multiple runs with WWE and TNA.
