Dec 01 2008
Notes On Michelle McCool and Mickie James
I find it interesting how so many wrestling fans out there seem to be amazed that Michelle McCool’s character on Smackdown is turning heel. Stuff like that happens. It makes especially more sense since it makes it easier to push Maria as a top face this way. Besides, what should be amazing the fans is that Michelle McCool has been such a heel in real life. I have already given my opinion on the past issues she has had with the other divas, and that speaks for itself.
Mickie James has realized a considerable amount of success in WWE as a four-time former WWE Women’s champion. While she remains dedicated to growing as a wrestler, she has her eyes elsewhere.
“If I was to accomplish anything outside of the continuous growth of my WWE career, it would be to star in at least one movie,” Mickie said in a wwe.com superstar-to-superstar interview with Jessica Sutta of the Pussycat Dolls. “I have always dreamed of being a star on the big screen.”
Mickie was asked about the challenges of being on the road doing so much travel for WWE and she says staying upbeat is difficult, especially when she’s worn out and fans want her attention.
“I find it especially challenging when we come off a long tour and fly into town our fans are at the airport waiting for autographs,” she said. “We are all exhausted and can’t wait to get to our hotels.”
Mickie continued: “But then I think if it weren’t for their loyalty to us, we wouldn’t be who we are today. Besides, I was once one of those adoring fans who would have been crushed if my idol just blew me off. So it makes me smile.”
Caldwell’s Analysis: WWE is really pushing for its stars to appear in movies, especially with more straight-to-DVD projects in the pipeline, so it would be nice to see WWE present one of their divas in a leading role on a future movie project. It’s a completely different ballgame trying to be a movie actor compared to simply projecting to a live audience in a wrestling ring, but Mickie seems focused on this as a future career goal.
Source: PWTorch
If Mickie approaches an acting career as seriously and with as much devotion as she has her wrestling career, I know she will create something to be proud of. Her appearance on Psych, although short and not hyped very well, was only a small indicator of what she could do, and it was not that bad. Her psycho run further proves that she can get into a character. I personally believe that the WWE needs to stick further to the wrestling, not acting, to get ratings up, but this can be a great opportunity for Mickie. One of the things that reportedly holds her back from getting a push is that she is not overly glamorous, which is a stupid reason. But starring in a movie can help Mickie move beyond that, while she is allowed to push herself further. I just hope she does not overreach.
Another interesting note about Mickie James in that interview is her response to the challenges of being on the road. The wrestlers go on tiring tours that take a lot out of them. They have a lot of stress in their lives, including personal matters and anxiety outside of wrestling. This does not give Mickie the right to be a snob to fans, but I do not see her being a snob either. I have seen footage of Mickie obviously stressed out about something, but a fan came for a picture with her, and she was there for him in a second. She took the picture, but had worries on her mind. That is devotion. As Mickie herself says, the wrestlers are exhausted from tours, and fans still want autographs. Mickie says, “But then I think if it weren’t for their loyalty to us, we wouldn’t be who we are today. Besides, I was once one of those adoring fans who would have been crushed if my idol just blew me off. So it makes me smile.” It is not easy getting in the mood for these fans, but Mickie tries. Why? Because she knows what it is like and is a caring person. She gets that smile on because she knows the fans appreciate her and she appreciates them. That is where she gets the power.
