During Friday's WWE SmackDown, Charlotte Flair and WWE announced a host of names for the women's Royal Rumble match. Among the names set to return are The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella), Mickie James, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly and Summer Rae. Mickie James was released by WWE in April 2020 and was infamously sent a trash bag full of her belongings.
She is the reigning IMPACT Knockouts Champion, which was acknowledged by Pat McAfee on SmackDown and by WWE on social media. IMPACT executive Scott D’Amore said on IMPACT's website, “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.”