Mickie James Reflects on Controversial WrestleMania 22 Moment

One big thing: Mickie James explains the infamous crotch-grab spot with Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22

Mickie James recently opened up about the controversial moment during her match with Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22, where she grabbed Stratus’ crotch and made a suggestive gesture to the camera.

The details:

• James revealed the spot was not approved beforehand.
• She initially thought the moment would be well-received backstage.
• The reaction from management was negative, leaving James feeling “defeated.”
• James admits she “didn’t read the room right at all.”

Why it matters:

This moment has become one of the most talked-about incidents in WrestleMania history, showcasing the fine line between pushing boundaries and crossing them in professional wrestling.

By the numbers:

• WrestleMania 22 took place in 2006.
• The event drew an attendance of 17,159 fans.
• It was James’ first WrestleMania match.

The backstory:

The match between James and Stratus was the culmination of a months-long storyline where James played an obsessed fan turned rival of Stratus.

What they’re saying:

“I asked if I could lick my finger. In the moment, it felt like this was the right choice for everything, to me. I honestly thought I was going to come back and get high-fives,” James said in a recent interview on “Ring the Belle.”

The bottom line:

While the moment initially caused backstage heat, it has since become a defining part of James’ career and a memorable WrestleMania moment for fans.

How do you think this moment impacted Mickie James’ career in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.