Vince McMahon Changes Mickie James' Ring Name Citing 'Stripper' Concerns

Wrestler Mickie James revealed that Vince McMahon disliked her original ring name, Alexis Laree, describing it as sounding like a stripper's name when she was preparing to debut on WWE's main roster. Instead, McMahon approved the use of her real name, Mickie James, making her one of the few wrestlers to perform under their actual name in WWE. James debuted in 2005 with a storyline involving Trish Stratus, where she played an obsessed fan turned stalker, leading to a notable match at WrestleMania 22. Despite her success, including multiple Women's Championship wins, McMahon was critical at times, notably scolding her for an infamous gesture during the WrestleMania bout. James expressed gratitude for being allowed to use her real name and recounted how she navigated the transition from OVW to WWE under McMahon's direction. These insights were shared during interviews on Insight With Chris Van Vliet and other platforms.