4 Things Mickie James can do if she returns to WWE - New authority figure, major feud with Rhea Ripley

Could a former champion make her way back to WWE? That is what many fans believe may become a reality following the news that a former Divas Champion is officially a free agent.

The star is multi-time women's champion and former Divas Champion Mickie James. James has been with IMPACT Wrestling for the past few years but reports state that she's no longer with the promotion. She has also been removed from their roster page.

This naturally leads many to believe she could return to World Wrestling Entertainment. Not only has James had two memorable runs with the wrestling juggernaut, but her husband, Nick Aldis, recently debuted for the promotion.

While nobody knows what the former Divas Champion's future entails, it can be fun to imagine the possibilities. This article will look at a handful of directions her career could take if she were to return to World Wrestling Entertainment in the near future.

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#4. She could become a co-WWE General Manager

Most wrestling fans associate Mickie James with in-ring competition. That is understandable, as she's one of the greatest female superstars in WWE history and pro wrestling history. That said, there's no guarantee her return will lead to in-ring action.

Mickie James is 44-years-old and a parent. While she can still go at a high level, she has teased retirement a few times. Instead of returning as an in-ring talent, she could rather have a different on-screen role in WWE: a General Manager.

There were reports indicating that she was considered for the role of co-General Manager of SmackDown alongside her husband, Nick Aldis. Now that she's officially a free agent, Mickie could be brought in to help run the show alongside the British star. Perhaps she could focus on the women's division, helping it reach new heights.

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#3. Mickie James could help fight off Damage CTRL

Damage CTRL may very well be the most dominant faction in WWE today. While they've been a unit to be reckoned with from the beginning of their time together at SummerSlam 2022, recent changes have made them seemingly unstoppable.

The core three members of the faction include Bayley, the injured Dakota Kai, and the WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY. The returning Kairi Sane joined the faction at Crown Jewel, and Asuka shockingly joined the group on the latest edition of SmackDown.

Right now, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Shotzi are trying to stand up to four of the most decorated and successful women in wrestling: Sane, SKY, Asuka, and Bayley.

Mickie James could return to aid the babyface brigade and help end Damage CTRL before it takes over the entire promotion. Her veteran wisdom with the athleticism and skillset of Charlotte Flair, Bianca, and Shotzi could be formidable.

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#2. James could challenge Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley

Mickie James is no stranger to success both in and out of WWE. She captured six titles during her time in World Wrestling Entertainment alone. She also won the Knockouts World Championship five times while in TNA Wrestling.

If James wants to pursue gold, it could be argued that the top prize in the industry for female stars is the Women's World Championship. The current holder of that coveted prize is the undeniable and extremely talented Rhea Ripley.

Ripley has defeated anybody, including Charlotte Flair, Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria, Raquel Rodriguez, and several other top-level performers.

Can the veteran outsmart the super-athletic and powerful Ripley? The fight would be one for the ages.

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#1. She could join NXT to fight the stars of tomorrow

Lyra Valkyria

While main roster gold would be great for Mickie to capture, there are other titles she can win beyond major world championships. Perhaps most notably, James could challenge for the NXT Women's Championship if she were to return to WWE.

The reigning NXT Women's Champion is Lyra Valkyria. The Irish star has been climbing the WWE ranks since her debut on NXT UK. Her steady rise culminated with a victory over her mentor and legend, Becky Lynch, winning the coveted prize from the former WrestleMania headliner.

Lyra has proven she can hang with or defeat legends and veterans such as Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch. Still, Mickie's veteran knowledge could be too much for Valkyria. Regardless of how the bout goes, Mickie joining the NXT brand could be huge for the women there and thus help develop the next crop of stars.