Hillicon Valley: Facebook extends Trump's suspension at least until Inauguration Day | Trump deletes tweets that led to Twitter lockout | Federal judiciary likely compromised as part of SolarWinds hack

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

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FACEBOOK SUSPENDS TRUMP: The platform took the unprecedented step Thursday morning, locking the president out of his accounts for at least the next two weeks.

CEO Mark ZuckerbergMark Elliot ZuckerbergHillicon Valley: Facebook extends Trump’s suspension at least until Inauguration Day | Trump deletes tweets that led to Twitter lockout | Federal judiciary likely compromised as part of SolarWinds hack Trump deleted tweets that led to his Twitter lockout Facebook extends Trump’s suspension until at least Biden inauguration MORE said in a post explaining the decision that President TrumpDonald TrumpCapitol Police officer dies following riots Donor who gave millions to Hawley urges Senate to censure him for ‘irresponsible’ behavior Kellyanne Conway condemns violence, supports Trump in statement on Capitol riots MORE had used the social media site to “condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building.”

“We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great,” he continued.

The decision to suspend the president for an extended period is a first, but also was made at a convenient time for Facebook right after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress.

Facebook’s move puts pressure on Twitter, which initially suspended Trump for 12 hours but has not signaled whether it will put a longer limit in place.

Overnight Defense: Pelosi confers with top general on preventing Trump nuclear strike | Biden fills out his national security team

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

Happy Friday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Ellen Mitchell, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.

THE TOPLINE: Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiPressure grows on Trump to leave Hillicon Valley: Twitter permanently suspends Michael Flynn, Sidney Powell and others | Laptop stolen from Pelosi’s office during Capitol riots | Reddit bans r/DonaldTrump forum House chairman: Biden Pentagon pick ‘shares my commitment to civilian control of the military’ MORE (D-Calif.) spoke with the nation’s top general about options for preventing President TrumpDonald TrumpMcConnell circulates procedures for second Senate impeachment trial of Trump Trump suggests building own platform after Twitter ban Poll: 18 percent of Republicans support Capitol riots MORE from launching a nuclear weapon during his final days in office, she said Friday.

In a letter to colleagues reflecting on the week when pro-Trump rioters breached the Capitol, Pelosi outlined a call with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark MilleyMark MilleyOvernight Defense: Pelosi confers with top general on preventing Trump nuclear strike | Biden fills out his national security team Pelosi confers with top general on preventing ‘unhinged’ Trump from launching nuclear strike Democrats poised to impeach Trump again MORE that she described as aimed at “preventing an unhinged president from using the nuclear codes.”

“This morning, I spoke to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike,” she wrote. “The situation of this unhinged president could not be more dangerous, and we must do everything that we can to protect the American people from his unbalanced assault on our country and our democracy.”

Milley’s response: Pelosi’s letter gave no indication on what Milley’s response or advice was.

Milley’s spokesperson, Col. Dave Butler, said in a brief statement that Pelosi initiated the call and that the general “answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority.”

What prompted the call: On Wednesday, rioters incited by Trump stormed the Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify Joe BidenJoe BidenUS judge blocks Trump administration’s restrictions on asylum eligibility McConnell circulates procedures for second Senate impeachment trial of Trump Top Trump official rescinds then reissues resignation letter to say departure is in protest MORE’s victory in the presidential election. Lawmakers were forced to shelter in undisclosed locations while police officers struggled to regain control of the building, and five people, including a Capitol Police officer, have died as a result of the mayhem.

The reaction since: The assault on democracy has led to increased calls for Trump’s removal from office before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, either through the 25th Amendment or impeachment.

House Democrats are slated to hold a conference call Friday afternoon to discuss the way forward, and they appear to be racing toward impeachment.

An uphill battle: Removing Trump through the 25th Amendment would require Vice President Pence and a majority of Cabinet officials to declare he is unable to fulfill his duties as president, and Pence is reportedly opposed to the idea.

Among the concerns fueling calls for Trump’s removal are what he could do with his authorities as commander in chief in the next two weeks, including his most destructive power — launching a nuclear weapon.

BIDEN FILLS OUT HIS NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM: President-elect Joe Biden on Friday announced nearly two dozen appointments to his incoming National Security Council (NSC), filling out his staff with less than two weeks to go before his inauguration.

The appointees are largely veterans of the Obama administration, with many having served previously in the White House, in the Obama NSC and alongside other top nominees for senior posts in the Biden administration.

“The National Security Council plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure. These crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore America’s leadership in the world,” Biden said in a statement.

“They will ensure that the needs of working Americans are front and center in our national security policymaking, and our country will be better for it.”

A restructuring: Each presidential administration is unique in how it structures its NSC, which is in theory a staff to support the president but has grown in size and importance until it is comparable to other top departments and agencies.

The 21 people announced on Friday signal Biden’s intention to restructure and expand the council, with a senior adviser to the transition team telling The Washington Post its priorities will be reflected in new senior positions on global health, democracy and human rights, and cybersecurity and emerging technology.

Who was included: This includes the appointment of Elizabeth Cameron as senior director for global health security and biodefense. Cameron, who has a Ph.D. in biology, was a co-author of the “pandemic playbook” from the Obama administration that was reportedly ignored by the Trump administration with the outbreak of COVID-19.

Shanthi Kalathil, whose work has focused on emerging threats to democracy, is being appointed coordinator for democracy and human rights

The newly created senior director for technology and national security position will be filmed by Tarun Chhabra, who most recently was a senior fellow at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University.

Other names: Other senior appointments include Jon Finer, a former State Department official, to be principal deputy national security adviser under Jake SullivanJake SullivanOvernight Defense: Pelosi confers with top general on preventing Trump nuclear strike | Biden fills out his national security team Biden fills out his national security team with nearly two dozen appointments Biden to announce key State Department and national security posts: report MORE, whom Biden is appointing national security adviser.

Ella Lipin will serve as senior adviser to Finer. Lipin most recently served as national security and foreign policy adviser to Sen. Catherine Cortez MastoCatherine Marie Cortez MastoOvernight Defense: Pelosi confers with top general on preventing Trump nuclear strike | Biden fills out his national security team Biden fills out his national security team with nearly two dozen appointments Senate committee approves nominations of three FEC commissioners MORE (D-Nev.). Previously she served at the Pentagon during the Obama administration and with a particular focus on Egypt.

Ariana Berengaut is being appointed as senior adviser to Sullivan. She most recently served on the Biden transition’s NSC review agency team and held the COVID-19 policy portfolio during the campaign.

Biden’s picks to lead the council’s communications department include Emily Horne as NSC spokesperson and senior director for press. She most recently was vice president of communications at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., and was a volunteer on the transition team leading communications for several national security Cabinet nominees.

Carlyn Reichel will be senior director for speechwriting and strategic initiatives. She was director of speech writing and foreign policy director on Biden’s campaign.

National security leaders for specific regions include Andrea Kendall-Taylor to be senior director for Russia and Central Asia. Kendall-Taylor served as a deputy national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and was a senior analyst at the CIA.

FBI: No evidence antifa involved in Capitol riot

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

No evidence has been found that members of the left-wing antifa movement were involved in this week’s storming of the Capitol building, the FBI said Friday, contradicting a narrative pushed by some Trump allies.

“We have no indication of that at this time,” Washington Field Office assistant director Steven D’Antuono said during a briefing when asked about any potential involvement of antifa.

The term is used to refer to the loosely connected network of far-left activists who say they are fighting against what they perceive as fascism.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin separately said Thursday that investigators had not seen evidence of antifa presence.

Several figures on the right have attempted to pin fault for the mob that broke into the Capitol on Wednesday on antifa.

Rep. Matt GaetzMatthew (Matt) GaetzFBI: No evidence antifa involved in Capitol riot Washington Times removes article claiming facial recognition company identified some Capitol rioters as antifa Some on right blame antifa, not Trump, for mob at Capitol MORE (R-Fla.) on Wednesday claimed that left-wing agitators had disguised themselves as Trump supporters, citing a Washington Times story with false claims that was later retracted.

Rep. Paul GosarPaul Anthony GosarFBI: No evidence antifa involved in Capitol riot Some on right blame antifa, not Trump, for mob at Capitol READ: The Republicans who voted to challenge election results MORE (R-Ariz.) also suggested on Twitter that the riot had “all the hallmarks of antifa provocation,” while Fox News host Laura IngrahamLaura Anne IngrahamFBI: No evidence antifa involved in Capitol riot Some on right blame antifa, not Trump, for mob at Capitol NBA’s commitment to free speech activism ends when bottom line suffers MORE gave air to the baseless conspiracy on television.

Blaming antifa for apparent instances of right-wing violence, and claiming such members are creating “false flags,” has become a popular deflection for some conservative allies of the president.

Among those who have been identified from the Capitol riots are white nationalist and “QAnon Shaman” Jason Tankersley and Nick Ochs, founder of the Hawaii chapter for the far-right group Proud Boys, among others.

World leaders weigh in on Capitol riot

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

Political leaders from Canada, Belgium, England and other countries called for calm while weighing in on the droves of rioters that were seen storming the Capitol on Wednesday to protest the presidential election results.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James TrudeauWorld leaders weigh in on Capitol riot On anniversary of downed Flight 752, it’s time to hold Iran accountable Could we learn from how Canada manages its foreign workers? MORE tweeted that his nation was “deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States.” Violence, Trudeau said, will “never succeed in overruling the will of the people.”

“Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be,” he continued.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said she was “closely following what is happening in Washington” and called images that have come out of the violent demonstrations on Wednesday “shocking.”

“They show the extent of President-elect Biden’s task, which will be to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do that,” she continued, while also saying the images “hurt our democratic ideals.”

“Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted. “The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”

In a statements seen by the BBC, the Turkish foreign ministry said it invites “all parties” in the country to show “restraint and common sense,” while the Venezuelan government said, with the “regrettable episode” seen Wednesday, the United States “suffers the same thing that it has generated in other countries with its policies of aggression.”

“Like so many others, I’ve been watching what’s happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US – what is happening is wrong,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tweeted.

“Democracy – the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail,” she continued.

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Wednesday’s events at the Capitol as “mob violence” that he said was “the culmination of Trump’s sustained assault on American democracy.”

Turnbull also wrote on Twitter that the president’s “supporters in the GOP and the media should reflect on what they have enabled.”

Ecuador President Lenín Moreno said the nation rejects “the acts of violence perpetrated” in Washington and added that, in a democracy, the “recognition of the will of the citizens is imperative.”

“An attack on Capitol Hill is an attack on democracy. We are witnessing disturbing scenes of violence in Washington DC. Liberty, democracy and decency must be respected,” Iceland Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir tweeted.

The European Parliament’s president, David Sassoli, said the scenes from the Capitol on Wednesday were “deeply concerning” and that “Democratic votes must be respected.”

“We are certain the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected,” he added.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in on the riot at the Capitol in a statement obtained by the BBC, expressing hope that the “new presidency of Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump acknowledges end of presidency after Congress certifies Biden win Congress affirms Biden win after rioters terrorize Capitol Here’s how newspaper front pages across the world looked after mobs stormed the Capitol MORE will overcome this tense stage, uniting the American people.”

“I have trust in the strength of US democracy,” he added.

Thousands of Trump supporters flocked to the District this week to protest the November election results as Congress geared up to certify the Electoral College vote.

The Capitol was placed on lockdown Wednesday as demonstrations outside grew more violent and rioters stormed the building’s grounds, some clashing with local police.

Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it arrested at least 13 people on Wednesday amid the riots. A woman was also pronounced dead later on Wednesday after reportedly being shot in the chest during the riot.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have condemned the violence.

Trump also took to Twitter to urge his supporters to be peaceful and leave the Capitol in a video. But he also promoted disputed claims about the election in the clip, which social media companies enacted restrictions on not long after to avoid inciting more violence.

Updated: 9:30 p.m.

CORRECTION: Sophie Wilmès is the former prime minister of Belgium. An earlier version of this story included incorrect information.

Foreign adversaries skewer US after Capitol riots

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

Global audiences watched in shock this week as pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol and violently attempted to prevent a transition of power from one presidential administration to the next.

The images broadcast around the world capped four years of chaos, confusion and strife under President TrumpDonald TrumpCapitol Police officer dies following riots Donor who gave millions to Hawley urges Senate to censure him for ‘irresponsible’ behavior Kellyanne Conway condemns violence, supports Trump in statement on Capitol riots MORE that has radically eroded global confidence in America’s leadership on the world stage.

Foreign adversaries are now using the scenes of destruction in the nation’s capital to bolster attacks on what they say is hypocritical U.S. moral authority in condemning other countries for violating and suppressing democratic freedoms.

“We know the world was watching yesterday and that it damaged our standing in the world,” Rep. Michael McCaulMichael Thomas McCaulForeign adversaries skewer US after Capitol riots Capitol assault ‘damaged’ US standing in the world, say lawmakers Cotton: Capitol violence should be met with ‘full force of law’ MORE (R-Texas), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Hill.

“It just doesn’t give us the moral high ground when we have this democracy and yet our symbol of democracy is attacked by this mob that quite frankly was organized by the president,” he added.

The scenes of Trump supporters ransacking the Capitol were seized upon by officials in countries that are routinely condemned and sanctioned by the U.S. and international community for their violent crackdowns on democratic institutions and pro-democracy protesters.

“What we saw in the United States last night showed the failure and frailty of Western democracy in the world,” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday.

In Venezuela, where the Trump administration has called the government of Nicolás Maduro illegitimate, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted that the insurrection in Washington “reflects the deep crisis the political and social system of the United States is currently going through.”

“With this unfortunate episode, the United States suffers the same thing that it has generated in other countries with its policies of aggression,” read a statement released in Spanish.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who is often criticized by human rights groups for instituting a systemic and brutal crackdown on activists and political opponents, used the mob attack on the Capitol to call for an end to U.S. sanctions on his country.

“Yesterday’s events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end,” he tweeted.

Lew Lukens, a 30-year veteran of the State Department who served as deputy chief of mission to the U.S. embassy in London until 2018, said, “There’s definitely a fallout to U.S. global standing.”

“In countries like China, Russia and Iran, after we have been lecturing these countries on building their democracies, and holding free and fair elections for years, I think they’re getting great glee at looking at this dysfunction in our country.”

Even U.S. allies that had largely stayed quiet on Trump’s more populist and xenophobic rhetoric over the past four years were quick to condemn Wednesday’s events and highlight the president’s role in fomenting the violence.

“Unacceptable and undemocratic scenes in Washington D.C.,” tweeted Priti Patel, the British secretary of State for the Home Department and a member of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s conservative party.

“There is no justification for this violence and Donald Trump must condemn it. The United States is a beacon of democracy, hope and liberty and there must now be an orderly transition of power.”

Trump was widely condemned for stoking the violence with his refusal to concede the election to President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenCapitol Police officer dies following riots Rep. Joaquin Castro wants to prevent Federal government from ever naming buildings, property after Trump Tucker Carlson: Trump ‘recklessly encouraged’ Capitol rioters MORE and repeated, unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, riling up his supporters to fight back against what he called a “rigged” contest.

Dani Dayan, former Israeli consul-general in New York, called it “embarrassing” to have an Israeli community named “Trump Heights,” in an interview with Israel Army Radio on Thursday. The community was established in the wake of the Trump administration recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which Syria claims.

“I think everyone now recognizes being associated with” Trump, or some aspects of Trump’s policies or rhetoric, “is no longer a good thing anywhere,” said one European diplomat, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly.

This could work in Biden’s favor, the diplomat said, as U.S. allies welcome a return to stability and leadership that is bolstered by Democratic control of both chambers of Congress to advance Biden’s agenda.

But despite the shocking images of the violence at the Capitol and the criticisms from autocratic nations, America’s image abroad remains strong, the diplomat added.

“It is more significant in some ways because it’s America, but at no point does anyone who’s lived through more serious rebellion start getting worried about the strength of the American state,” the diplomat said.

Eliot Cohen, dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a former counselor at the State Department, said that while the images were shocking and have caused serious damage to America’s standing abroad, he’s optimistic the U.S. will weather the criticism and emerge from the crisis.

“One theme of Nazi propaganda during World War II was American race relations and lynching, and Jim Crow, and that was something real that they could point to. And they did,” he said.

“The question with the United States is … how quickly do we recover.”

Biden was quick to address the nation, condemning the violence and calling for order. He also expressed hope for unity and the healing of divisions.

“The world is watching — and like so many other Americans, I am shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of light, hope, and democracy has come to such a dark moment,” he said. “Through war and strife, America has endured much. And we will endure here and prevail now.”

His remarks drew praise from world leaders who are optimistic about his presidency.

“I commend the words of President-elect Joe Biden,” tweeted European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borell. “The strength of US democracy will prevail over extremist individuals.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has frequently clashed with Trump and was reportedly on the receiving end of some of his more harsh insults, blamed the president for the violence at the Capitol but expressed support for the future of U.S. democracy.

“We all saw the unsettling pictures of the storming of the Congress building yesterday evening. These pictures made me angry and also sad. I am, however, sure that this democracy will prove to be much stronger than the attackers and rioters,“ she said.

While some Trump loyalists and senior administration officials have condemned the violence and are beginning to distance themselves from the defeated president, some Democrats argue the Republican Party is not doing enough to separate itself and take responsibility for Wednesday’s violence, going so far as calling for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump or impeach him.

“I’ve tasted tear gas, come under gunfire and seen people die in strife in other countries. I never thought I’d see an insurrection in our Capitol,” tweeted Rep. Andy LevinAndrew (Andy) LevinForeign adversaries skewer US after Capitol riots Biden taps Boston Mayor Marty Walsh for Labor secretary: report Biden picks leave Democrats with slimmest House majority in modern history MORE (D-Mich.).

“In a hierarchy of blame, I hold my colleagues who called for the overthrow of democracy more responsible than those who broke in.”

Cohen, of Johns Hopkins, said that while he expects the U.S. to emerge from this crisis, the threats are not yet over.

“Everything’s going to be tense, at least until Biden gets inaugurated,” he said. “What we haven’t had is a madman as president, that’s the part that I think unnerves people most.”

Chao letter to Trump cites Wednesday's 'events at the US Capitol' as reason for resignation

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

Transportation Secretary Elaine ChaoElaine ChaoTop Trump official rescinds then reissues resignation letter to say departure is in protest Cuomo: ‘I call on President Trump to resign’ George Clooney: Trump’s name will ‘forever be associated with insurrection’ MORE, in her official resignation letter to President TrumpDonald TrumpMcConnell circulates procedures for second Senate impeachment trial of Trump Trump suggests building own platform after Twitter ban Poll: 18 percent of Republicans support Capitol riots MORE, cited the Capitol riots as her reason for leaving the administration just under two weeks before President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenUS judge blocks Trump administration’s restrictions on asylum eligibility McConnell circulates procedures for second Senate impeachment trial of Trump Top Trump official rescinds then reissues resignation letter to say departure is in protest MORE takes office.

“I had planned on serving through the end of your term in office. But after yesterday’s events at the U.S. Capitol, I will resign as U.S. Secretary of Transportation, effective Monday, January 11, 2021 to provide a short period of transition,” she wrote to Trump.

Chao sent a letter to agency staff earlier on Thursday announcing her resignation, making her the first Cabinet member to resign in the wake of Wednesday’s pro-Trump mob that attacked the Capitol. Education Secretary Betsy DeVosBetsy DeVosTop Trump official rescinds then reissues resignation letter to say departure is in protest Cuomo: ‘I call on President Trump to resign’ Clyburn blasts DeVos and Chao for ‘running away’ from 25th Amendment fight MORE resigned later on Thursday.

“Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed,” Chao wrote in Thursday’s letter to Transportation Department staff. “As I’m sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.”

In her two-page resignation letter to Trump, which included just one sentence about the Capitol riots, she thanked the president for the opportunity to serve as Transportation secretary and highlighted the department’s accomplishments over the last four years.

In a nearly three-minute farewell video to the Transportation Department staff, wishing them good luck as they “train another whole new team” during the transition, Chao made no mention of the deadly riots at the Capitol.

Chao, who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell circulates procedures for second Senate impeachment trial of Trump Top Trump official rescinds then reissues resignation letter to say departure is in protest Member of Senate GOP leadership: Impeaching Trump ‘not going to happen’ MORE (R-Ky.), has served as Transportation secretary for the entirety of Trump’s presidency. She previously served as Labor secretary for eight years under former President George W. Bush.

The Rock & John Cena's Relationship Backstage, Lilian Garcia Q&A In New York City

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

— Regarding the relationship between Dwayne Johnson and John Cena behind the scenes, while the two are cordial with each another, they are not the best of friends. There is genuine tension between both stars, which was said to have intensified in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series.

One former WWE insider who has worked with both Johnson and Cena said of their relationship: “They aren’t buddy-buddy, that’s for sure. I’ve heard they’ve disagreed about a lot of things. They aren’t big fans of one another personally, but they are willing to carry on with business.”

— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced on Twitter that she will be appearing at Planet Hollywood Times Square (1540 Broadway — 45th Street) on Wednesday at noon for a Q&A session with fans.

— Ring of Honor has released a two-disc DVD set highlighting Bryan Danielson’s (a/k/a Daniel Bryan) career with the organization.

*PHOTOS* of John Cena’s wedding

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Would Mickie James Go For The World Championship?, Sarita Honored In Japan

January 10, 2021 KANKENNEWS

— Mickie James commented on her official website whether she aspires to win the X Division or World Heavyweight Championship one day. Though she would consider it an honor to compete for either title, it is not among her goals because it is not realistic.

“Although I do believe I have achieved most of my goals in the wide world of wrestling I don’t feel I’ve achieved them all. The Knockouts Tag Team Championships would be an amazing addition to my list of Championships. However, I am a realist in the sense that I live in a man’s world. Although it would be an honor to compete for either the X-Division or Heavyweight Championship I don’t have it among my goals,” James says.

“I honestly feel that a woman will probably never win the Heavyweight Championship unless it’s some sort of gimmick or fluke. I would never want to win any championship under those circumstances. Or unless of course the woman is perceived capable of competing against a man as Chyna was in her heyday. Which could possibly happen with someone like Kharma now. Or even Beth Phoenix when she first debuted. But the fact is I am a woman… I love being a woman and embrace every part of it. I’m not as strong as a man no matter how good I am.”

— Sarita, who internationally competes as Dark Angel, was honored at a ceremony on Sunday following her match for Japanese women’s wrestling promotion Stardom. She was given a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in honor of her tenth anniversary in wrestling (see photo).

Photos – Mickie James wrestles Jillian Hall

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Monthly Archives: January 2021

Hillicon Valley: Facebook extends Trump's suspension at least until Inauguration Day | Trump deletes tweets that led to Twitter lockout | Federal judiciary likely compromised as part of SolarWinds hack

Overnight Defense: Pelosi confers with top general on preventing Trump nuclear strike | Biden fills out his national security team

FBI: No evidence antifa involved in Capitol riot

World leaders weigh in on Capitol riot

Foreign adversaries skewer US after Capitol riots

Chao letter to Trump cites Wednesday's 'events at the US Capitol' as reason for resignation

The Rock & John Cena's Relationship Backstage, Lilian Garcia Q&A In New York City

Would Mickie James Go For The World Championship?, Sarita Honored In Japan

John Morrison Talks About Whether He'll Ever Return To WWE

John Cena Asked About Blood At WrestleMania, David Otunga Interview