Zena Sterling is finally addressing the controversy that sparked a major debate in the wrestling worldthis time, with complete grace.
It all started on the March 30, 2025 episode of WWE LFG on A&E, when WWE legend Mickie James gave blunt feedback on Sterlings ring gear. While critiquing Zena in front of the panel, Mickie said she liked the look but had major concerns about how revealing it was.
I like your new gear, James said during the episode. I lived during the Diva era, and we fought very, very hard to not have to wrestle in lingerie anymore. Since because I am a female, I can speak on this. Its very frustrating when women go out there and wrestle and all I see is their ass. I cant look past thatits all I see. Its very distracting.
She continued, You want to be taken seriously as a wrestler, but you are pretty much wrestling in jazzed-up lingerie. And thats my opinion. And thats coming from someone whos had their ass on TV a lot.
The comments immediately caught fire online, with fans split. Some agreed with James take on presentation and professionalism, while others called her out for hypocrisy, citing the revealing gear she wore during the Diva era herself. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the entire season.
But Zena Sterling didnt add fuel to the fireinstead, she offered a classy and mature perspective during her Busted Open Radio interview with Bully Ray on May 20, 2025.
When asked what she took away from working with Mickie James, Zena said, I think the biggest thing that she taught me would be the gear side of things.
Bully followed up, referencing the viral debate: That was one hell of a topic on social media. Your gear and her opinion on your gear.
Zena acknowledged the moment with calm composure: Yes, absolutely.
Pressed further on whether she saw Mickies side, Zena made her stance clear: I do, yes, absolutely. I see her perspective and I 100% respect her opinion and everything that she told me about my gear. But yeah, she just showed me ways that you can go out there and be appealing to the audience without, you know, putting a bad image on the business.
When Bully mentioned Mickies specific use of the term over-sexualizing, Zena agreed again: Yes.
Sterlings reaction stood in contrast to the explosive online discourse, and showed a level of maturity that fansand criticscouldnt ignore. Instead of clapping back or dragging things out on social media, she made it clear she values the guidance from veterans, even when it stings.
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Do you think Zena Sterling handled Mickie James critique the right way? Should veteran wrestlers be calling out gear choices on national TV? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
