WWE LFG on A&E has been picked up for a second season. However, not all of the hosts of WWE LFG are coming back. Season 1 LFG coach Mickie James is being replaced by Michelle McCool. Michelle McCool is a 2025 WWE Hall of Famer and wife of LFG coach The Undertaker. As a result, many fans online are upset about Michelle McCool on LFG Season 2.
Mickie James Replaced on LFG Season 2
A&E recently expanded its relationship with WWE by airing new shows for their late-winter lineup. One of the most highly anticipated shows was WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats)
WWE LFG follows prospect superstars in the Performance Center. Much like The Voice, WWE LFG pairs legends with “future greats.” However, instead of Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, future WWE talent has the likes of Shawn Michaels and Mickie James.
Well, they had Mickie James. Mickie James was the only female coach on WWE LFG Season 1. All other coaches were male, which included Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and The Undertaker. All of the male coaches will be returning to WWE LFG Season 2. However, Mickie James has been replaced by Michelle McCool
Michelle McCool to Join WWE LFG
Michelle McCool was announced to be the replacement for Mickie James on LFG Season 2. This news came as a shock to many, especially when it was announced that this was allegedly a request from The Undertaker.
Michelle McCool and The Undertaker are married. Undeniably, The Undertaker is the biggest star on WWE LFG. When negotiations for season 2 were underway, The Undertaker requested that Michelle McCool be added to WWE LFG.
It’s been reported that The Undertaker didn’t specifically request that Mickie James be removed. WWE has been criticized by fans for only having one female coach and replacing James with McCool.
In fact, in the clip below, The Undertaker stated that Michelle wanted to coach, which he wasn’t expecting. He followed up by saying, “That may cause Mickie some problems down the road.”
Michelle McCool on LFG Season 1
As you can see, Michelle McCool already made a splash on WWE LFG. In fact, she did a cameo in season 1 as a guest coach. Michelle McCool did recommend that Mickie James’ protege, Dani Raye, use Hell’s Gate as a finisher. Hell’s Gate is The Undertaker’s finishing submission.
This recommendation is played up in the storyline. The Undertaker acted offended that Dani Raye asked to use his move. However, he ended up giving her the okay. Dani Raye used Hell’s Gate in a recent episode to get a win.
Michelle McCool and Mickie James: A History of Disrespect
Mickie James has had a history of disrespect in WWE. Michelle McCool has been involved in many of these instances. Let’s take a closer look!
Piggy James
In 2010, Mickie James feuded with Michelle McCool and Layla (LayCool) over the WWE Women’s Championship.
For weeks, LayCool would make fun of Mickie James’ weight. They would call Mickie “Piggy James.” The duo would dress up farmers and make cartoons of Mickie James, poking fun at her weight and equating her to a pig.
While this storyline culminated in Mickie James beating Michelle McCool for her fifth WWE Women’s Championship at Royal Rumble 2010. However, the angle left a lasting impression on both women.
Michelle McCool recalled apologizing to Mickie James every week. She describes Mickie as a total pro, agreeing to all the hurtful things LayCool would say.
Trashbag Firing
Mickie James returned to WWE in 2018 and had a run with the company for a couple of years. The veteran was released with many other talents on April 15, 2021.
When Mickie received her items back from the Performance Center, they were all in a trash bag. Mickie tweeted that it was a fitting end to her career.
https://x.com/MickieJames/status/1385313791131389952
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon apologized to Mickie James. They also fired Mark Carrano, the Head of Talent Relations at the time.
Hall of Fame Snub
Mickie James is a multi-time Women’s Champion. Her first WWE Women’s Title victory at WrestleMania 22 against Trish Stratus is still considered one of the greatest women’s wrestling matches of all time.
It’s only natural that Mickie James enters the WWE Hall of Fame. She’s been featured on the WWE main roster (on-and-off) since 2005, putting in many years of service to the company.
Michelle McCool entered WWE through the Divas Search in 2004. She made her main roster debut in 2008. She started dating The Undertaker during this time. Michelle McCool returned on May 1, 2011, to grow her family with The Undertaker. Many criticize that she hasn’t put in the work that Mickie James has, and she doesn’t deserve to be in the Hall of Fame before Mickie.
Replacement on WWE LFG
In recent years, WWE invited Mickie James to participate in the Royal Rumble. She was allowed to be mentioned as the TNA Women’s Champion. In addition, James came down the aisle to her own song, “Hardcore Country,” which had never been done in WWE before.
Since then, her husband has signed with WWE. Nick Aldis is the General Manager of SmackDown.
By being cast alongside the likes of The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, many thought Mickie James was finally getting her flowers. However, the replacement of Mickie James with Michelle McCool has caused many to feel the veteran has been disrespected once again.
