Mickie James’ Album Delayed, DiBiase/Stephanie McMahon, More

— In the March 25th edition of Fighting Spirit magazine, Ted DiBiase Sr. discusses why he allowed his sons to join the wrestling business. In the interview, DiBiase says the following about changing his mind after a meeting with Stephanie McMahon… “She understood, and said that I was entitled to my opinion. Steve Austin was the biggest star they ever had – he certainly surpassed Hogan – but I told Stephanie that I didn’t want my son’s hero to be a guy who comes out and flips everyone the bird, cusses like a sailor and guzzles beer. It wasn’t even that so much as the nature of wrestling, as in all of the things that came along with wrestling.” After a closer look at the product, he stated, “What I saw when I went back in 2005 was how much the business had changed.” The full interview can be read when the magazine comes out later this week.

— Absolute Publicity, who represents Mickie James, sent out the following today… HOSPITALIZATION FORCES MICKIE JAMES TO DELAY ALBUM RELEASE NASHVILLE, TN – March 22, 2010 – Due to a serious staphylococcus infection, WWE® Superstar and aspiring country music singer Mickie James has been forced to delay the release of her debut album. Last month, a small bug bite on James’ knee developed into what has been diagnosed as an MRSA infection, a serious strain of the staphylococcus bacteria. Two surgeries later, James is on the mend but the situation has forced her to sit out her current WWE® engagements as well as delay several important elements of her album release. “As of late, I’ve been burning this candle at both ends, non-stop” says James. “I think this is probably God’s way of telling me to slow it down and breath… so that’s exactly what I’m doing!” James recently learned that if she had not sought treatment in a timely fashion, she could have lost her leg and possibly her life, as an MRSA infection has potential to be fatal. In light of recent events, Strangers and Angels, James’ debut country album is now slated for a May 18, 2010 release. James is still planning for this week’s Fan Sneak Preview Party in Glendale, AZ, as the WWE® rolls into Phoenix for the organization’s largest event of the year, Wrestlemania XXVI. The party is free to the public and is scheduled for this Friday, March 26, at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. American Gladiator’s Hollywood Yates and Serious George will also perform. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville 6751 North Sunset Blvd, Suite E109 Glendale, AZ 85305 623-772-0011

— WWE’s house show in Montgomery, Alabama on June 5th, 2010 has been canceled. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

FIXED LINK: NEW PHOTOS: Karen Angle & Jeff Jarrett KISSING!!