Mickie James dedicated her TLC match, where she’d be trying to claim her seventh women’s title in the WWE, to her son.
Current Raw champ Alexa Bliss on the other hand...
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) October 23, 2017
Okay, that wasn’t a dedication. But it was a reference to the build to Bliss/James on Oct. 22, which mostly consisted of the champ mocking the challenger for her age, and Mickie firing back by calling Alexa “biscuit butt”.
With that story as the backdrop, James came out on fire, getting in some early offense and mocking Alexa...
Needless to say, #RAW #WomensChampion @AlexaBliss_WWE didn't appreciate THIS... #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/RQS4ZjjqYB
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2017
The champ took control a short-time later, however, and worked over Mickie’s arm. The veteran wasn’ going to roll over in her biggest match in years, though. After a big comeback, both women went on the attack at the same time, resetting things after several minutes of action:
They're risking it ALL for the #RAW #WomensTitle!#WWETLC @MickieJames @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/WzW7L4GhLz
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2017
After more back and forth, it was the champion’s mind games that made the difference - but not the ones where she mocked Mickie’s age. Bliss feigned injury, luring James in to be flung face first into the turnbuckle. A DDT and a three-count later, and Alexa keeps her title.
James did get a spotlight, as Charly Caruso interviewed her in the ring after the loss. She thanked the WWE Universe for their support, and vowed to be back in a title match again.
Maybe she’ll win a seventh title whenever that happens.
Get complete TLC results and coverage of every match on the card by clicking here.