Impact's Mickie James Among Participants Announced For WWE Women's Royal Rumble

Reigning Impact Knockouts champion Mickie James is one of 19 names announced for the Women's Royal Rumble match.

WWE listed James among a list of entrants that include Raw, SmackDown, and outside performers on Friday night.

Impact VP Scott D'Amore said of James' appearance, “WWE wanted it, Mickie wanted it and IMPACT Wrestling’s philosophy is always to work with other major promotions to create buzz for the fans. Everything is signed and agreed with WWE and IMPACT Wrestling – the only question is whether or not Mickie will enter one of WWE’s most historic annual matches as the reigning Knockouts World Champion.”

James was released from WWE last April. Following her release, she revealed that the company sent some of her belongings to her in a garbage bag with her name taped to it. Following backlash from both fans and wrestlers alike over that gesture, WWE fired talent relations VP Mark Carrano.

James is scheduled to defend the Impact Knockouts title against Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas Death match at Hard to Kill on Saturday night in Dallas.

Other outside names confirmed for the match include The Bella Twins, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, and Summer Rae.

Raw's Nikki ASH, Rhea Ripley, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Queen Zelina, and Carmella, and SmackDown's Aliyah, Natalya, Naomi, Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, and Charlotte Flair are also set for the match.