Mickie James Talks Trish Stratus' Influence, Facing Velvet Sky Tonight, Dixie Carter, More

Former two-time TNA Knockouts Champion and recording artist, Mickie James, was the featured guest on this week's edition of Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by The Big Mosh & "The Chairman of the Board" Todd Vincent. Here are interview highlights, courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com's Aaron Carnevale:

How the release of her new album is being received by her peers and by TNA: "They have been really accommodating. TNA got the album a couple days prior to the official release date, and Dixie (Carter) has been totally cool since Day 1. She already knew this is what I wanted to do. They have been amazing."

Why she wants Velvet Sky at 100% for their TNA Knockouts Championship Match this Thursday night: "I a little bit worried because I'm worried about her knee. She wasn't 100% last time, and I really want to get in there and go. Even if I do win it, I will know that she wasn't at 100%."

The influence of Trish Stratus on her career: "She taught me so many little things. She is an amazing individual. The fact that she took time out of her moment at her (WWE) Hall of Fame speech to recognize so many women that have been a part of that along the way just shows what kind of person she is."

Source: Monday Night Mayhem