Mickie James Discusses Heartbreak Over Losing Impact Knockouts Title Due To Injury

Mickie James has opened up on just how hard it was to relinquish the Impact Knockouts Championship ahead of Rebellion.

Originally scheduled for a three-way match at Rebellion against Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo if she was fit to compete, Mickie James was instead forced to lay down the belt ahead of the event due to injury, leading to a singles match between the pair to crown a new title holder which ‘The Virtuosa’ went on to win.

In a discussion with Busted Open Radio, Mickie James has talked about just why it was so heartbreaking to have to step aside and allow a new champion to be crowned.

It is heartbreaking. It’s not how I wanted this whole thing to end, for sure. I’m so grateful for everything and these matches I’ve had. It’s been some of my best stuff ever. I’ve had so much fun and I really tested myself and had some of the best matches I think I’ve ever had. The women now are incredible, and that’s just it. I don’t know. I’m a bit heartbroken and sad, but it’s okay. I’m so grateful for my career.

Continuing on, Mickie James gave credit for her recent run giving her some power back, and notes that whilst it’s irritating what has happened, everything happens for a reason.

I’m so grateful for this last IMPACT run. I don’t want to come off as cocky, but I do feel these matches I’ve had, have been some of my best, as far as testing myself and reminding everyone and regaining my own sense of power back, in a way, to believe in myself again. I’m so thankful for that opportunity and I want to be able to defend the championship and have killer matches. We all have to lose the championship at some point, even if it is three years later. It felt very storybook-ish.

Maybe this is a big hook in the turn that I didn’t see coming. I can sit back and focus on some other things and reset and get my strength back. I’m frustrated, I’m irritated. It’s okay. Things always happen for a reason. We’ve been going long enough that, a lot of times, we look at things and what happens, a younger me would have been devastated.

Now, I’ve learned enough to know that I’ve had a lot of setbacks and resets, and with every cut-off comes a new opportunity and something you didn’t even realize could fill your time and passion. I’ll be home, writing songs, working out, getting strong.

The new title holder is certainly a fan of Mickie James, as Deonna Purrazzo recently discussed what she admires about the star.

With thanks to Fightful for the transcription.