Mickie James

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In this week's edition of his syndicated wrestling column, Alex Marvez has an interview with Mickie James about her departure from WWE and attempt at a country music career.  Of note:

James said she was never given a reason for her release. She also is limited in talking about the situation because of clauses in a WWE contract that expires Aug. 1. James, though, had hoped to stay with WWE for another five years while also following through on her musical ambitions.

"It broke my heart (to get released). I admit it," said James, who initially landed a WWE developmental contract in 2003 after spending four years on the independent circuit and in TNA Wrestling. "I had given so much of my life to this and sacrificed so much. I missed weddings, birthdays, my nieces being born. I starved on the road when I first tried to make it. I slept at rest stops because I didn't have the money for a hotel. I wanted it that bad.

"When you get that call (from WWE) that you're hired, it's the greatest call in the world. It's even better when you get the call that you're coming to TV (tapings) and debuting. But when you get the call saying you're gone ... What bothers me is, I could see if I didn't get a good reaction, but I would get the largest reaction of any female on the roster no matter who I was on the bill with. I still don't understand why, but that's life."

...

James isn't completely done working her magic inside the ring. She is traveling to Japan in late July to grapple for the SMASH promotion being run by former WWE star Yoshihiro Tajiri. And when her WWE non-compete clause expires, it wouldn't be surprising to see James resurface in TNA.

"For a while, I was going to say I didn't want to wrestle at all because I'm still heartbroken (about WWE)," James said. "But I do love it so much. I intend to wrestle here and there and do the shows I really want to do, especially if it's with someone who's a friend of mine or someone I never got a chance to work with."

Of course, there have been numerous rumors about the cause of her release.  Based on the company's history with Stacy Keibler and Maria Kanellis, one would think that the attempt at starting a singing career was definitely a factor, plus WWE clearly had issues with James not being as ridiculously skinny as the other women.  Also, reports of behavioral issues have been circulating since she was fired.