Mickie Knuckles

Mickie Lea Knuckles didn't start out to be a professional wrestler. She was, in fact, working as a math, creative writing and voice teacher before checking into pro wrestling. Mickie actually won several awards for her vocal talents during high school and shortly beyond. Mickie has been a fan of wrestling since the age of five.  

Breaking in the business

Mickie was invited to attend an IWA-Mid-South show near her home. After the show, she introduced herself to Ian Rotten, the company's owner. Ian was impressed with Mickie's size...and her name. He felt it was a natural for the business. Ian hired Mickie to work security for IWA, as well as serving as a referee. Mickie began to train under Ian Rotten and Chris Hero. Mickie holds two very special honors: Last person to graduate from the Ian Rotten Wrestling School and the person who was lucky enough to face Ian in his retirement match. 

The IWA-Mid-South area

Mickie began her wrestling career on August 2, 2003. Her first opponent was Hailey Hatred. During the match, Hatred Powerbombed Mickie onto some steel chairs. Mickie's neck was injured in the move and she ended up taking a few months off to recover. She would return for the Ted Petty Invitational Tournament in November of 2003. While she was eliminated, by Ian Rotten, in the first round, Mickie was the first woman to ever participate in the special tournament.  

Mickie faced off in numerous Intergender matches, due to the lack of women in the organization. Ian Rotten began to import more female talent to expand his organization. Mickie was set as the cornerstone of the women's division. Mickie was entered into the tournament to crown the first NWA Midwest/IWA Mid-South Women's champion. She was defeated in the semi-finals by Mercedes Martinez. The other women in the tournament were truly impressed with Mickie's dedication and training.  

On June 11, 2005, Mickie would challenge MsChif and Alison Danger for the combined titles and winning them. Promoter Ed Chuman declared the match was unsanctioned and, six days later, returned the belts to MsChif. Ian Rotten took exception to the decision and split the women's titles into two different championships. He re-awarded the IWA Mid-South Women's title to Mickie. Mickie would drop the belt to and regain it from her very first opponent, Hailey Hatred. Her second reign would run approximately 17 months, until she lost to Chuck Taylor, a man. Chuck was, at the time, the IWA Heavyweight champion. When he learned that he would have to defend the title against Mickie, he insisted that she also put her belt on the line. Mickie would eventually regain the belt from Chuck, starting her third championship run. 

Mickie would lose the title to Daizee Haze on May 2, 2008 during a Three-way match that also included Sara Del ray. Before Mickie could invoke her rematch clause, she broke her leg after a nasty landing. She was performing a Flying Crossbody off a platform and struck her leg on the landing, breaking the femur bone. She return to the ring until January, 2010. 

Other Indy appearances

During her time in IWA, Mickie also worked other indy promotions. She participated in ChickFight 3, losing to Mariko Yoshida in the finals of the tourney. Mickie also participated in both the King of the Death Match and Queen of the Death Match Tournaments in 2006 and 2007. She won the first Queen of the Death Match by defeating Mayumi Ozaki in a "No Ropes, Barbed Wire, Fans Bring the Weapons, Steel Cage Match" Mickie had already survived an "Unlucky 13 Staple Gun Match" and a "Taipei Death Match" to advance to the finals. After the win, she was attacked by LuFisto. Mickie would swear revenge and return, a year later, to exact it at the 2nd Annual Queen of the Death Match Tourney. Mickie would have to come back from the Losers' Bracket to face LuFisto in the finals.  LuFisto took the win, in the finals, in one of the most brutal matches on record: a "No Ropes, Barbed Wire and Electrified Light Tubes Death Match". Due to her broken leg, Mickie would have to pass on future Queen of the Death Match Tournaments. 

Mickie also made several appearances in CHIKARA. She partnered with Eddie Kingston in the They were involved with 2005's Tag Grand Prix. While they did not win, they impressed the fans and the company brass. Mickie was invited back to take part in Young Lions Cup 3. She became the first female to ever compete in the prestigious tournament. She would compete in Tag Grand Prix 2006 with her mentor and friend, Ian Rotten. Mickie was included in CHIKARA's "Best of CHIKARA" DVD.  

From Mickie to Moose

TNA recruited Mickie as part of their expanding Knockout division in 2008. She attacked ODB, Gail Kim and Roxxi during a match against The Beautiful People. Mickie was set as the "Bodyguard" of the group of lovelies. She was rechristened "Moose". The name played up the Sorority angle of The Beautiful People, plus set Mickie apart as not being a direct member. Moose would join Velvet Sky and Angelina Love at Slammiversary 2008 in a losing effort against Kim, ODB and Roxxi. Moose would then be set in a feud against ODB in what Moose called her "Bimbo Brawls". Moose would also battle Roxxi in the same type of "Hardcore Match". That match would help launch Roxxi's "Hardcore Honey" persona. The same week that Mickie/Moose signed a contract with TNA, she broke her leg. She's been sidelined ever since. She is expected to return to action, very soon. Rumors are running rampant that Angelina Love may bring Mickie/Moose back into TNA to aid her in her feud with The (Reformed) Beautiful People. 

In Conclusion:

Mickie Knuckles has been a top star in the indies for several years. A freak accident has kept on the sidelines for over a year and a half. She is almost ready to return to full-time action. If you want to see Mickie in action, be sure to check out all the video clips over at ClickWrestle.com. You can also check out her bio, match results and photos at OnlineWorldofWrestling.com. If you'd like to send get well wishes to Mickie, you can sign her guestbook at her own website: MickieKnuckles.com 

--Jay Shannon

Jade89512@yahoo.com