Jazz’s Return Adds More Steam To Women’s Division
by Phil Speer

The following was posted on WWE.com on Feb. 3, 2004

The women’s division on RAW got an injection of intensity with the return of Jazz.

Arguably the best female mat technician, the two-time former Women’s Champion returned on the Jan. 5 episode of RAW after missing six months due to problems in her right shoulder - a dislocation, a partial tear and a chipped bone - which didn’t require surgery but did entail several weeks of rehabilitation.

Today, Jazz says, "Everything is cool. I’ve been ready (to return) for the last four months. Thank God I’m finally in the mix of things again. I’ve been waiting impatiently. I’m ready."

Jazz had been appearing on non-televised events for a few weeks leading to her early-January return on RAW from The Pyramid in Memphis - an appropriate place for her to come back because she grew up there watching Jerry "The King" Lawler and the USWA. She was inspired to try for a career in sports entertainment when she saw a competitor named Miss Texas, today known as WWE Diva Jacqueline.

Now residing in Lafayette, La., Jazz had been laying low over the last several months at home with her husband, Rodney Mack, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee.

Jazz has had the same procedure on her knee twice - once in college, which effectively ended her basketball career, and again in 2002, which sidelined her for several months.

But while her husband is expected to miss a few more months, Jazz is finally back in the ring doing what she does best - kickin’ ass, which is why she calls herself the "baddest bitch" or the "bad-ass bitch," and does so proudly.

"It feels awesome (to be back)," she said. "Every time I go through that curtain, I just can’t wait to get in the ring and start kicking some ass. It’s awesome that I’m still with Teddy (Long), and hopefully Rodney will be back soon. Hopefully, he and I can do some mixed tags."

Asked about the status of her husband, Jazz said, "Rodney is doing awesome. He went to the doctor on Wednesday and they gave him good news. So hopefully he’ll be back right after WrestleMania, way ahead of schedule. He’s a hard worker, and he’s been working his ass off to come back. I’m excited about that as well. I can’t wait for him to get back on the road so we can reach our ultimate goal... both of us walking down the ramp with gold around our waists."

Jazz said she’s been able to give Rodney some pointers on rehab, having gone through the surgery twice herself. But Rodney "is him own coach when it comes to the weights" and has been working so feverishly that he’s added several pounds of muscle. Meanwhile, Jazz has leaned out, so she appears more chiseled than ever.

Jazz said that she doesn’t think about her injuries when she’s in the ring. "When you tend to think about things like that, you tend to baby them a little bit, and you’re not into the match," she said. "You’re more focused on protecting yourself. I’m always concerned about my well being in the ring, but I don’t want to focus on my knee and my shoulder right now."

While the left knee and right shoulder have bothered her over the years, this is the third straight year that she’s been healthy leading up to WrestleMania. The last two years, she’s been a part of Triple Threat matches for the Women’s Championship, and she’s hoping to be involved on the show in some fashion this year. "WrestleMania XX is the biggest one," she said. "I’m praying that I have an opportunity to be on the show."

There are more potential opponents for her than ever. Of course, upon returning, she attacked Trish Stratus, rekindling that long-smoldering rivalry. Plus, Lita has returned from her neck surgery. "It’s been a while since I’ve been in the ring with Lita," Jazz said.

Gail Kim has had some complications as she recovers from a broken collarbone, but her return is on the horizon. Gail actually debuted the same night, June 30, that Jazz wrestled her last match before she was sidelined by shoulder problems.

Jazz has also never had a full-fledged rivalry with Victoria, even when they competed together in Ohio Valley Wrestling. And Victoria seems to be evolving into a fan favorite. "The psycho bitch vs. the bad-ass bitch," Jazz said. "I’m looking forward to that battle."  Plus, there’s Molly Holly, currently the holder of the Women’s Championship, which Jazz obviously hopes to regain.

While Jazz will continue to do rehab work on her shoulder, just to be safe, she said her injuries are not a factor. "Nothing’s holding me back right now," she said. "Nothing. I’m not going to let anything get in my way. Vince (McMahon) said he’s looking for someone to step up and take the ball and run with him. Hey, I’m right there. I’m ready."