Mickie James’ recent interview revealed more than just a wife’s pride—it showcased the continued evolution of two wrestling veterans in new roles
As James passes the coaching torch to Michelle McCool and Aldis solidifies his place as SmackDown’s GM, the couple proves that adaptation is key to longevity in WWE.
Whether or not Nick Aldis ultimately earns the title of “greatest GM of all time,” his impact is already being felt.
And with Mickie James championing him from the sidelines, the WWE Universe may be witnessing the rise of a new legendary figure—not in the ring, but in the boardroom.
The comments made by Mickie James—and Teddy Long’s thoughtful endorsement of them—signal an important cultural moment in WWE and the broader wrestling world.
While appearance has always played a role in sports entertainment, it’s heartening to see influential voices pushing for a landscape where substance prevails.
As newer stars like Zena Sterling rise through the ranks, the mentorship and honesty from legends like James and Long could be the guiding force that shapes a better, more empowering future for women in wrestling.
Also Read: Who Is Mickie James, Nick Aldis Wife? Married Life And Children Details
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Mickie James Declares Nick Aldis the Greatest WWE GM Ever
WWE veteran and multi-time women’s champion Mickie James recently made headlines with her bold praise for her husband, Nick Aldis.1
In an interview with wrestling journalist Denise Salcedo, James didn’t hold back when asked about Aldis’ current role as the General Manager of SmackDown.
With a smile and a spark of pride, she called him the “greatest GM of all time,” even playfully taking a jab at WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long.
“Greatest GM of all time. Greatest GM of all time, sorry Teddy Long. Don’t tell him,” James said, laughing.
The lighthearted joke carried weight. Teddy Long, known for his iconic “one-on-one with The Undertaker” match announcements and a long tenure on SmackDown, has become a fan favorite.
So for James to place her husband above such a beloved figure speaks volumes about her belief in Aldis’ potential and performance.
WWE LFG Finals from @TheGarden 🗽
8/7c on @AETV 👀@WWE @WWEonAE #WWE #WWENXT #WWELFG https://t.co/h8fr7a2BLP pic.twitter.com/quLFnDvjbd— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) May 18, 2025
From Wrestler to Authority Figure: Nick Aldis’ WWE Journey
Nick Aldis, a British professional wrestler best known for his time in the NWA where he held the World Heavyweight Championship, made the jump to WWE in 2023.
While fans may have expected to see him compete in the ring, WWE had a different vision: authority figure.
Taking over as General Manager of SmackDown came as a surprise to some, but Aldis has adapted to the role with poise and presence.
His authoritative tone, composed demeanor, and wrestling experience have added legitimacy to his decisions, earning respect from fans and superstars alike.
Though Aldis had never portrayed a GM role in the past, his transition has been seamless—something Mickie James attributes to his untapped potential.
Mickie James on Aldis’ Untapped Potential
“He’s Just Getting Started”
During the interview, James expressed her unwavering confidence in her husband’s abilities.2
She emphasized that Aldis had never done anything like this before but quickly adapted to the challenge.
“It is not something he has done before. Honestly, I have faith in my husband, and I knew all he needed was the opportunity, as we all do.”
Her statement reflected a common sentiment in the wrestling world: talent often goes unnoticed until the right opportunity comes along. For James, Aldis’ current role is just the beginning.
“I don’t even think that he has scratched the surface of what I know he is capable of,” she added, hinting that even bigger things might be on the horizon for the SmackDown GM.
The Power Couple: Mickie James and Nick Aldis
Mickie James and Nick Aldis are more than just husband and wife; they are a wrestling power couple. With over two decades in the business between them, they bring a wealth of knowledge, charisma, and passion to the industry.
James has blazed her own trail in women’s wrestling, becoming one of the most decorated female performers in WWE history.
Her legacy includes multiple Women’s Championship reigns, a Royal Rumble appearance, and influence across WWE, IMPACT Wrestling, and NWA.
Aldis, on the other hand, built his legacy primarily outside of WWE—until now. Their careers have often run parallel in different promotions, but now both are involved with WWE in significant capacities: James as a coach, Aldis as a GM.
WWE LFG: A New Era of Coaching
James also used the interview to reflect on her role as a coach on WWE’s new series LFG (Let’s Freaking Go), which offers a behind-the-scenes look at WWE hopefuls and their training.
Being part of Season 1 gave Mickie the chance to mentor young talent and share her wisdom in a more structured environment. She described the experience as rewarding and hinted at how emotional it was to see the season come to a close.
“It’s been incredible to help the next generation. I know how important that guidance can be,” she said.
Michelle McCool Steps In: Season 2 Coach Announced
As Season 1 of WWE LFG wraps up, the coaching baton is being passed to another WWE legend—Michelle McCool.
The former Divas Champion and wife of The Undertaker will be taking over for James in Season 2.
James expressed nothing but admiration and excitement for McCool’s involvement.
“Michelle is going to do great. She’s got that no-nonsense attitude and tons of experience,” James noted.
McCool brings a different energy and perspective to the coaching role, and fans are eager to see how her approach will shape the next crop of WWE superstars.
Mickie James: Fan Reactions
Aldis’ GM Role Winning People Over
When Nick Aldis was first introduced as the General Manager of SmackDown, some fans were skeptical.3
After all, Aldis had never appeared on WWE programming in an authority figure role. But within weeks, many critics were silenced.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, fans praised Aldis for his believable delivery, logical booking decisions, and on-screen chemistry with talent.
His calm and collected persona stands in contrast to the often chaotic energy of wrestling authority figures, and viewers appreciate the change of pace.
Whether handling contract signings, backstage disputes, or storyline developments, Aldis brings a steady hand to the blue brand.
The Legacy of WWE GMs: Where Does Aldis Fit?
The role of General Manager has long been a cornerstone of WWE programming. From the comedic reign of Kurt Angle to the chaos of Eric Bischoff and the authority of William Regal, each GM left a unique mark.
Teddy Long, of course, stands out as one of the most beloved. His catchphrases and fair-but-firm management style won over millions of fans. That’s why Mickie James’ comparison to Long is no small feat.
Is Aldis truly the “greatest GM of all time”? Time will tell. But given the trajectory he’s on, and the confidence of those closest to him, it’s certainly a conversation worth having.
Mickie James: Beyond the Ring
While many fans associate Mickie James solely with her in-ring prowess, her role as a mentor and coach is equally impactful.
From helping talent grow on WWE LFG to supporting her husband’s rise within WWE, she’s proving that her influence goes far beyond the squared circle.
James has also used her platform to uplift others, frequently speaking about the importance of opportunity and self-belief in wrestling. Her latest comments about Nick Aldis only reinforce that theme.
What’s Next for Nick Aldis?
With his stock rising and positive reviews pouring in, Nick Aldis may soon become one of the most important non-wrestling characters in WWE programming.
Could a future storyline put him in conflict with other authority figures like Adam Pearce? Or perhaps a faction angle involving Aldis as the power behind a group of wrestlers?
WWE has plenty of storytelling opportunities at its fingertips with Aldis. And with Mickie James backing him publicly, fans will be paying even closer attention to how his journey unfolds.
Also Read: Shayna Baszler’s Cryptic Message After WWE Departure
Mickie James Speaks Out on Appearance Standards in WWE
Mickie James, a highly decorated wrestler known for breaking barriers in women’s wrestling, didn’t hold back when commenting on Zena Sterling’s ring attire.
On WWE’s talk-show segment LFG, James expressed concern that newer talents might feel pressured to dress in revealing outfits to gain attention or a foothold in the industry.
James emphasized that being a great wrestler doesn’t require sexualizing oneself. Instead, she suggested that integrity, ring skills, and professionalism should be the cornerstone of any aspiring wrestler’s career.
Her stance, though polarizing to some, was met with praise by many industry veterans—including Teddy Long.
Teddy Long’s Take: Experience Speaks Volumes
Teddy Long, best known for his work as SmackDown’s General Manager and his long career as a manager and referee, supported Mickie James’ point of view.
According to Long, James was not attacking Zena Sterling personally but instead offering valuable advice from a place of experience and mentorship.
“She is absolutely right. Any woman should not have to dress in a provocative way just to try to get a job,” Long stated. “Mickie knows better than anybody. She’s been in that spot before.”
Long’s support signals a growing sentiment within the wrestling industry: that female performers can and should define success on their own terms—without compromising their values.
The Line Between Character and Reality
Professional wrestling has always blurred the lines between performance and reality. Attire has traditionally played a significant role in character development, storytelling, and branding.
From sensational gimmicks to edgy personas, appearance often complements in-ring work. However, the industry has matured in recent years, with many fans and insiders advocating for more substance and respect behind the characters.
Zena Sterling’s wardrobe choice may have fit a character narrative, but James’ and Long’s concern lies in whether such presentation is becoming an unwritten rule for success—a standard that could perpetuate stereotypes or even discourage talented performers.
Mickie James’ Legacy and the Weight of Her Words
Mickie James is no stranger to scrutiny and expectation. Throughout her storied career, she has faced both admiration and objectification, navigating an industry that has not always been kind to women.
She is a former multi-time WWE Women’s Champion, IMPACT Knockouts Champion, and one of the few women to headline in multiple major promotions.
Despite her accomplishments, James has yet to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a glaring omission in the eyes of many fans and peers.
Her comments carry weight not just because of her accolades, but because of the resilience and class with which she has conducted herself over two decades.
WWE LFG: A New Platform Stirring Conversations
WWE LFG is a newer platform designed to showcase upcoming talent and provide engaging commentary, particularly from a female perspective.
It blends reality television elements with insider knowledge, creating a space for discussion on wrestling culture.
James’ appearance on the show was not only informative but emblematic of the changes happening in the business.
By using LFG as a stage for her critique, James highlighted how evolving platforms can become vehicles for deeper conversations—especially ones that tackle the intersection of image, identity, and performance in pro wrestling.
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Empowerment vs. Exploitation: A Nuanced Debate
The conversation sparked by James and Long touches on a nuanced issue in wrestling: where is the line between empowerment and exploitation?
Many women in the industry choose to wear revealing attire as an expression of confidence and autonomy. Others may feel it’s a requirement to gain visibility in a male-dominated space.
Both James and Long made it clear that choice and agency should be paramount. They argue that no woman should feel compelled to sacrifice her values to find success. Instead, success should be built on character, work ethic, and in-ring ability.
Reactions Within the Wrestling Community
The reaction to James’ comments has been mixed. Some younger talent expressed gratitude, seeing her as a mentor who is advocating for sustainable careers rather than temporary attention.
Others felt the critique might have been misinterpreted or overly harsh, especially if it inadvertently shamed those who choose to embrace more daring attire.
However, Long’s support helps frame the critique not as an attack, but as a moment of guidance.
As he put it: “What she is trying to do is to educate her and let her know you don’t have to do it. It ain’t gotta be like that.”
Also Read: Michelle McCool’s WWE SmackDown Appearance Possibility Explained and Podcast
