Impact Wrestling Knockout Says Mickie James Was Her Idol

Impact Wrestling's Kiera Hogan spoke with Interactive Wrestling Radio for an interview recently. You can see the full interview above, and highlights below.

Making her national TV debut with Impact Wrestling:
"Of course! I've literally been so excited, so nervous. I'm just overwhelmed with so many emotions because I can't believe it is finally time for my first match to air on TV. I'm so excited!"

Why a young lady would get in the wrestling business:
"First, I think you need to love this sport. I love wrestling. I started watching in 2005, 2006. The women drew me in. Just to be able to do something as cool as this. It is kind of like stunt work with acting … There is so much that goes into this. I feel like you have to love this sport before you can do it."

Mickie James being an influence:
"Yeah, Mickie James was my idol. She is my everything. But, definitely her story line with Trish Stratus was my absolute favorite. It drew me into wrestling. It was one of the best story lines, I think, ever. It was something so different for the women. I'm so in love with the theatrics of wrestling. Mickie James influenced my everything from every day life to when I was in high school. I've been able to tell her this which is a plus for me and being able to be on the same card as her. She's just amazing. I love her so much! (laughs)" She continues, "I met her when I was 16. I met her every year after that so she saw me grow in wrestling as I got further and further into my career. That weekend, I was able to be on that first SHIMMER with her and was able to really talk to her. She was just so proud of me. She's almost like my second mother because I'm able to tell her, "Look, Mom! I've accomplished more!" (laughs) She's literally the most down to earth person ever. She's such a sweetheart!"

Her only being 4'11:
"I feel like it is neutral. It is not a benefit and it is not a defense. I feel like me being smaller, people think I'm not going to do as well as I usually do. I think I'm actually able to prove myself. Some people think I'm taller from my pictures. But, I'm only 4'11 and a half! (laughs) I don't feel like it is a total disadvantage."