Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee: Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette

They may not have the name anymore, but Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee are every bit as iconic as you remember. The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions discuss the blessing and curse of their shared release, Jess' ice-queen American accent and what exactly "Off Her Chops" means in an emotional Oral Sessions interview.
#ReneePaquette #IIconics #OffHerChops
Oral Sessions #054
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[@lurkndog]

Kinda crushes me to see Jessie McKay looking sad. Been a fan since her Shimmer days. But I don't think WWE ever used them to their full potential, so I fully believe their best days are still ahead of them. Hang in there! :)

[@MTG_Scribe]

"Jon's fans are...something, sometimes". Renee with the understatement of the decade.

[@malenkas3]

CEE ZEE DUB!

[@victoriancuddler]

Moxley refusing to want to be seen as cute online is hilarious to me, Renee being like "even your badassery has limits mr. lunatic fringe"

[@Thegbear]

Remember when Billie Kaye/Jessie was a femme fatale in NXT? MAN she's come so far, such an incredible tag team. If they go to AEW they could start a women's tag revolution

[@wanmanrmy]

WWE splitting up an established women’s tag team when they were trying to keep a women’s tag division going and then not doing anything major with them individually was always a bad sign in terms of possibly being released. I hope they do well in whatever they do next though as I find them really entertaining.

[@heymikey6793]

💯!!!

[@jimjimjimmy7793]

Any Billie/Jessica still got over

[@scottprice24]

There ain't a women's tag team division that's the issue it's a waste of time

[@mister_bailey]

I swear they make decisions on the fly about EVERYTHING, sometimes for no good sensible reason. I thought it was just the show re-writes right before Raw or Smackdown. Nope, it’s personnel moves, too. Crazy how reactionary they are sometimes as an organization.

[@wanmanrmy]

@@mister_bailey yeah exactly, they do too much short term booking to temporarily pop a rating (a lot of the time with veterans of yesteryear and old talent) instead of doing what they did well at their peak - developing new stars and booking good long term stories

[@MindTrickedX24]

Couldn't stand the Iiconics at first - I found them SO obnoxious (a testament to just how good they were), but by the end, I absolutely adored them. They deserved better than being broken up, languishing, and eventually being released (especially Jess, who was absolutely OVER). I want nothing but success (and green cards) for Cass & Jess.

[@johnchhouk6551]

I agree and the the fact that WWE wouldn't help them get green cards is ridiculous! Considering all the non-talent they've had/have they must stepped in a more than a few times over the years. There are companies that do that heck my local pizza place did and they don't have billions of dollars.

[@Tzgrey77]

Same

[@arisboba]

Yeah, same

[@lobillo012]

These ladies fit perfect in impact wrestling or nwa.

[@ajmunn1229]

Agree, I would hate to see them lost in the shuffle in AEW, but would love to see them cross over there from one of these promotions.

[@journeywithcerney-stockvid3563]

They would be used most effectively in impact but NWA would be more entertaining since they are studio and more character oriented.

[@manaskumarsahu7453]

The middle one is very hot

[@Ghost_GodPlayss]

Definitely Impact cause the tag team tiles would really look good on them

[@DJsleng06]

Cassie's last match against Asuka may have been Peyton Royce's best match. J. McKay is still the funniest woman to ever work for WWE.

[@raymonddavis6239]

It's Alicia fox then her

[@superkid12345]

respect to these two for being so open about the grieving process they had to go through. They lived as a personality and a name for years and it is taken away without them getting any sort of closure. That has to be tough.

[@lukemilam918]

This session will be Iconic

[@TimmyTickle]

@Yrvan Michel And with two I's

[@adzisme]

I still don’t understand the timing; it looked like Cassie was about to get a significant singles push, while Jessica was being given new things to try. As someone who has been laid off, there is a grieving process you go through. These two are so honest about that.

[@rocketimpossible5196]

I hadn't watched any wrestling since 2001 until we were sitting through the quarantine and i saw clips of Jessie McKay as Billie in the WWE. She's a fantastic on-air personality and an entertaining wrestler. I hope we get to see Jessie vs Dr Britt someday

[@blankbitofpaper]

These 2 might be the only Wrestlers I can think of where their Gimmick really won me over. From eye rolled annoyances to looking up youtube vids. Excited to see them creatively unleashed

[@THISISBFG]

Loved Billie. She got over like Mizdow towards the end.

[@ahchiu9]

Man, Cassie making fun of Jessie for "interpretated" is adorable. Shows how they really are sisters

[@fthooper14]

Cass and Jess seem like an absolute pleasure in everything I have seen them do, so I am glad to have watched this, as it was a joy per usual.

[@Jamagine]

I appreciate how open they were on how they processed their emotions over the release. I've been laid off from jobs in the past but I never really considered how to feel when we develop these sorta extended friends/family components through some jobs and then they're just taken away from you. I'm glad the ladies were able to share what that was like. Seemed therapeutic as well.

[@gothic_angel]

I love these two. Entertaining tag team gutted they was released

[@MrShikharMisra]

Every single time they both speak out..I can feel the pain after being fired... Its just pure emotional... #ICIONICSForever

[@Serusization]

The IIconics winning the tag titles at wrestle mania 35 was my favorite moment of the event. They are so talented, and always entertain when they are on the screen.

[@RandyLWhitaker]

FOREVER IICONIC!!! 💙💙

[@northernboy7272]

Hated both of them when they started on WWE television. Then for some reason started loving them. Was completely pissed at WWE for releasing them.

[@abrealgaming5649]

It's crazy that even though I wasn't watching the video and just listening to the audio I somehow knew that Cassie did the air quotes when she said budget cuts had to rewind the video for confirmation.

[@Kinlui1022]

It's actually quite shocking for me to see how surprised they are at getting fired. I thought they, just as Renee said, are not only talented but really having such a dedicated fanbase. They'll just be an amazing addition for anyone else on multiple platforms. I really think that. (PS: Personally I was hoping that they'd join Renee's hubby and add to that eclectic women division.)

[@LittleMan27]

They have less time than WWE’s women

[@UKnowWhoIAm_1]

god no there women’s division is worse than wwe’s they shoulda let them go back to NXT

[@richardcorso8125]

@@UKnowWhoIAm_1 that's why they should go. How do you improve a division with out adding to it?

[@UKnowWhoIAm_1]

they barely even have a singles division let alone a tag team division yea they ain’t going to AEW I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up back on NXT

[@TheJasonaut]

Oh man, I was crushed seeing how they were affected :/. You guys are much more than WWE, and can do so many amazing things now. Whoever you work with going forward is really lucky, two rare talents.

[@ethang2561]

Hey @Renee Paquette Thank You For The Interview With Jessica McKay And Cassie Lee.

[@JohnSmith-nm4zd]

Splitting up The IIconics was the first step to releasing them

[@VedaSantos]

LOVE THIS INTERVIEW🤩

[@riasatfaruque2205]

Cassie and Jessie!!!! The name sounds so refreshing ✌️✌️✌️

[@bunneh3000]

I honestly think the IICONICS are the BEST women's tag team ever. I can't think of another team that didn't seem like they were BORN to be a tag team and not just two singles competitors slapped together. I didn't like them at first but their comedy grew on me. Watching them grow in the ring was impressive as well.

[@bwadd9799]

heartbreaking how sad they seem, they got me back into wrestling after not watching for years! they will be amazing wherever they go

[@Popsickle666]

WWE was stupid for breaking up then releasing the IICONICS. I'd love to see them in AEW

[@SleepyDroid]

sure was, they are so addicted to break up teams.

[@Runny117]

I dont see why AEW wouldnt want them especially since Shawn Spears is married to one of them. they could help develop womens tag team division if they ever decide to roll out belts. maybe thatd be only reason they wouldnt want them, they' come as a team lol

[@thevoid99]

@@Runny117 they'd be perfect for AEW. what i would do in booking them is during a tag match between FTR and orange cassidy/chuck taylor. two masked figures come in to create a distraction and then attack kris statlander. FTR wins the match as the pinnacle arrive and confront the 2 masked figures who unmask and it's them. the pinnacle are overjoyed. a week later, the pinnacle announces that they've expanded with FTR saying "why have one great tag team when you can have two?" they come to the ring and announce that they're taking over the women's division and then go into some feuds. then they deal with tay conti who beats one of them in a singles match only for conti to be attacked and then anna jay returns as the first of a series of battles between the iinspiration and tayjay begins.

[@michaelrose5614]

@@thevoid99 sounds good

[@pk_1]

aew is so bad

[@MiniLemmy]

The breakup then release of the IIconics is another reason that I despise Vince McMahon and his hatred of people getting over by themselves - the IIconics as a pair had more charisma than about 90% of the WWE roster at the time and breaking them up definitely felt personal

[@johnlozier8332]

Samoa Joe returning to NXT was cool. Would love to hear from him how the process happened. Also, love Cassie and Jessica! You all will thrive wherever you go!

[@downer9099]

triple h got him hired back at nxt that story has been told already

[@stephenhewitt5721]

As Billie would say: “HUGE IIconics fan.” Will watch wherever they go next!

[@lue316]

They will always be iiconic and one of the best tag teams

[@steveh88]

So Cassie really wants to work with Anny Jay and Tay Conti. Cassie and Jessica to AEW confirmed!

[@DonJuanDecepticon]

We still love these 2,you guys haven't fallen out of the spot light,nothing can dim your shine.your fans are here and we can't wait to see you back on tv. Don't shed another sad tear✌💪❤

[@nailsandny6894]

it’s crazy how WWE through and through they are, it was their dream for their entire lives to go to WWE! It’s so shocking that they let them go especially when there’s some wrestlers who seem like they want to go or would be happy wrestling anywhere. They loved being at WWE. I can’t wait to see what they do next. Jessie and Cassie are amazing and are going to be stars no matter what.

[@ashleywickham3492]

So much emotion in this video. Bringing back a lot of memories from last year when I got laid off of my job. You guys are gonna continue to do great things. Hope you get all the support you need!

[@Wrecknosound]

Adore them! And Renee! ❤️

[@racquelmuthra2700]

Some people think WWE is a waste of time but it’s not. The experience you get from WWE is priceless.

[@CasaUwU]

Honestly those 2 can print money where ever they go.

[@shojic4894]

How sad ..you can see and hear it in Cassie’s voice that she is so frustrated that WWE locked their availability to other projects and other offers from other promotions. She really wants to work somewhere but can’t

[@sofiadrosos1308]

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing video of this interview.

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

@@reneepaquette Thanks so much, am watching it now.

[@Yofu]

I genuinely missed them having stopped watching WWE. I hope to see them in AEW.

[@timglover5358]

I’m not sure about full time 🤷🏽 but they ain’t no way they’ll turn down a opportunity from AEW because people don’t realize this but “ AEW is the second largest wrestling company in the world.... not new Japan or nwa, impact, roh So yeah they’ll be seen on tv very soon

[@dturts8309]

breaking them up was so stupid, both of these girls are so entertaining, i know ya'll will both land on your feet, fingers crossed it's together

[@pragmaticalone9300]

Great interview with great entertaining talents.

[@geoffreyr8721]

I love all three of the women here and their contributions to WWE. Thank you for the memories and here's to new ones! :)

[@harshaaditya3648]

IIconic conversation ❤️

[@devaughnmorris7315]

Great Interview Renee, Always tuned in. Congrats on the baby

[@TroyNaumu808]

Renee, I am glad that Hunter is still friendly and professional to you and Jon.

[@tompalacuos7227]

We miss the iconics

[@MrEmpireBuilder0000]

From day one, I loved the IConics. That firsst debut was memorable. And seriously... I am rooting for you both to be in AEW. That's my favorite company now. You are in the prime of your careers and I think you would totally carry the women's div. Probably be the inaugural women's tag champs because you know... the Iconics are badass lovable heels. I can just see the endless battles with so many talents there. :) Please debut soon!!!!

[@Tomcat5837]

The WWE are fools for releasing them.

[@harshaaditya3648]

Of course,Nick khan,John laurinatis and Bruce Prichard are to blame for this.

[@harshaaditya3648]

Vince is also at fault..he should retire

[@timglover5358]

Wwe just doesn’t make sense anymore 🤷🏽 I’m starting to think that Vince is getting ready to sell it, or he’s completely lost today

[@AuntMillie]

The tag team division regease. After the broke them up of true tag team of our era. I believe the be back next stronger

[@SleepyDroid]

yes and splitting them up was stupid.

[@deepu6973]

these girls will always be a good surprise entry in a royal rumble.

[@mikehart8372]

excellent interview!

[@williammccormick2802]

WWE straight up let these girls go. I get that not everyone can get TV time and be pushed properly but these gals are CRAZY talented and genuinely best friends. You make space for them. They were so unique to WWE's division and they can go anywhere they want.

[@ExpressDunlop]

Shawn spears fault

[@williammccormick2802]

@@ExpressDunlop Not correct.

[@ExpressDunlop]

@@williammccormick2802 it's 100% correct, they won't push someone when they think they are gonna quit the federation to be with the husband. That's why they break the ''Iconics'' who clearly are better as a team cause they are bad at solo except Kay can give you some really good comedy stuff but Peyton have tough time at the mic but she's the better wrestler of the two. WWE always did that when they think the wrestler will quit. They just won't push them and they are easy release. WWE have been terrible with the release thought lately and it helps other federation so that's fine. WWE was too stacked anyway and they still are. I would take Aleister Black to WWE thought but he'll be good in AEW and could even becomes a AEW World champ due to the lack of talents which was impossible in WWE so it's great for him and i'm happy he continue that WWE storyline cause it was good.

[@williammccormick2802]

@@ExpressDunlop I'm sure your several years of time backstage with Vince McMahon, WWE management have made you an expert, but the reality is Cassie's career wasn't impacted by Shawn Spears leaving. Stop reading the dirtsheets to talk about things you actually have no idea about.

[@ExpressDunlop]

@@williammccormick2802 I never read the dirtsheets or at least i don't ''value'' them. I'm a neutral person. i'm just saying they always did that and just by this it proves my point. If someone eat a apple every day there's a good chance he'll buy another apple the next day it's just logic. The moment Spears was gone i knew it was over for the Iconics.

[@Recusant39]

They're IIconic! *strikes the pose*

[@aaronbrodie94]

Love the IInconics!!!!! My favorite girls.

[@dougthePogingguitarist]

this will be great

[@jamieburnette2438]

There's a certain billionaire in Jacksonville that could help with those green cards .

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

It's more the people who work for him who should get sponsorships for them.

[@facejobby]

And his wallet is wiiiiiiiiide open

[@pimpharold1]

Dixie Carter?

[@noahhamm2814]

@@pimpharold1 she is not there anymore

[@harshaaditya3648]

@@pimpharold1 she is a total nutcase...never expect any good from her.

[@carlevans1491]

They wer so funny. Great work thank you for all your hard work. You will find success in any pathway youchoose

[@vanessafrmtx1687]

I want BK on wrestling tv forever. She's a Star ✨

[@michaelmirza1933]

Have I ever mentioned I love this podcast? Seriously Renee you're the best. Jessie and Cassie are such dolls. I can't wait to hear about their success stories

[@rian_carey]

Omg i can see the sadness in their eyes the iiconics is amazing the problem is not then is Wwe they don't know what yo do with great talent I love you and I always will thank you for making me smile and laugh ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@moose692011]

My God, they are such amazing heels in the ring, but they are absolute faces in reality. Love them both

[@fareshamadneh7683]

I cannot believe even WWE FREAKING SUPERSTARS don't have US citizenships. Why is it so unnecessarily complicated??? it's my second year here in US as an international student and the stress of not knowing what to do has been too much

[@jimjimjimmy7793]

Yeah I know how you feel immigration sucks and needs to be improved

[@IceIceShady]

These two women are amazing and they were amazing as The Iiconics. I very much enjoyed watching them so much. This interview made me cry and feel for them so much. I really hope things get better for them. I would love for them to tag in AEW!!!

[@mister_bailey]

We love you ladies. All three of y’all. 🙏🏾

[@leonkamran7931]

Thank you Renee for interviewing these kick ass Ladies… ❤️ and 🍪 🍪 🍪

[@PierreEvaL]

I’m sticking with my hope for them to be called The 👁👁KHANics in AEW

[@richardcarbone7075]

Two stars killing it for Australia any company would be so lucky to have them on their rosters. Also girls keep fight keep digging like us Aussie r known for

[@jesterr7133]

Neither of them are particularly great in the ring, but they are both stunningly beautiful and are fantastic on promos. They have so much to offer any promotion. They are so funny together that the in-ring part isn't even that important for them. Billie proved that at the end of her WWE run. She was getting more popular than she had even been, and she wasn't even wrestling. They can get over without it, and they both improved in the ring during their time with WWE, so there is no reason to think that they won't get better. I don't understand why WWE let them go. They have so much upside, especially when compared to some of the women that are still on the main roster in WWE. I hope they find a company that will allow them to go out together and do their thing. They will be successful.

[@Miss_Morgendorffer]

Imagine if AEW signs them along with Ruby Riott and Chelsea Green. They could really elevate the women's division.

[@wanmanrmy]

Yeah definitely. It’ll be good to expand the women’s roster to let them have more than 1 angle running at a time

[@harshaaditya3648]

Ruby riott is definition of perfection

[@henrywitherspoon8064]

I like that idea & it can also bring in more ratings

[@Miss_Morgendorffer]

@@harshaaditya3648 WWE didn't even give the tag titles to the Riott Squad. I was rooting for them so hard.

[@Miss_Morgendorffer]

@@henrywitherspoon8064 yeah, definitely.

[@gbcookiesyqr]

Many thanks for all these interviews. You really have the sincerity and authenticity to do these and I like some cursing as well.

[@Kairuofficial]

These two were my favorite tag team after kabuki warriors ended they were the only women's tag of substance... wwe is crazy... haven't wanted to watch since.

[@maciejpiwowarski8842]

It is amazing watching three intelligent and positive people like these three ladies. The hour just flew by! I am sure that Cassie and Jessie will be even better now!

[@CruzControlAndo]

I love the iiconics, wwe messed up and whatever company picks them up will raise their value immensely

[@UncleSpicey]

Wow Poor Jess, so horrid to see her upset here Damn that fn company Nobody let us down except for WWE These girls worked SO hard and were amazing from start to finish They have more to give and, I look forward to seeing where they go next Much love to you all!

[@philinegro]

Jessica, that dialect was really good. Your coach knows their stuff

[@mattm3188]

I remember 2 years ago when Smackdown was at the ACC in Toronto then the IIconics were trolling the Raptors then they won the NBA Championship after ! 🇨🇦🦖🏀🏆

[@IceIceShady]

Omg, I hope you have CJ Perry on here soon! That interview would be just absolutely amazing for a lot of reasons.

[@yxeaviationphotog]

I saw a clip of her being interviewed by Chris Jericho.

[@IceIceShady]

@@yxeaviationphotog oh yea I forgot about that, thank you

[@BrittanyLynn1106]

That was a really good interview she did woth Chris Jericho.

[@michaelluisalbaladejo6319]

I wasn't into cheering for bad guys before Cassie and Jessie came to WWE. Both of them stole my heart because of their personalities and their sense of humor. It's very hard to Boo them as heels because they are great human beings.

[@malenkas3]

If i had to choose when to get released, during a massage would probably be probably in top 5

[@SAVAGE09100]

Great interview !!

[@clarkejoseph49]

How they treated Jessica during her singles run was so unfair. Thanks god she’s a member of the UWC now and how much of a sweetheart she is. BY ORDER OF THE UNITED WRESTLING CONSORTIUM!

[@lgr2284]

Awesome awesome sesh so far. Thank you, ladies. 👏👏👏👏

[@jamminj999]

Jessica McKay is the total package, beautiful and funny!

[@mattgunia942]

Jessie McKay was a mainstay at Shimmer. Watching her live, I couldn't understand why WWE wasn't signing her - she was the total package. I'm happy for everything she's accomplished in her career.

[@ryandavis4448]

The Iconics were the ONLY tagteam in WWE that I can recall in the last few years. I'd have released the belts before releasing the only team.

[@CHANCEFOR27]

Two and a half min in & they named themselves “ Bee-K & Pay-Ro” sounds good

[@sibacc7668]

Bk manager angle really shows how funny and talented she was

[@HarvRoman]

Such a great and enjoyable team! The WWE is missing out...

[@ligerllama]

Two thumbs up ladies. The best is yet to come. 👍👍 AEW will treat them so much better. Blessing in disguise.

[@gfear24]

"Interpretated" is most definitely a Dusty-ism.

[@chrisbramble4774]

I was so bummed when they released them .... Jessica is so gorgeous .... Both are but damn JMK just damn !

[@invaderace777]

I was never a fan of these 2 but I can see that they had a passion and still have a love of wrestling. They made their dreams come through by making it to the WWE. I don't think they will read this comment but just know you didn't fail The WWE, The WWE Failed You.

[@hassamali8887]

Love you Cassie 😍

[@madmike00006]

The Dudley Boyz are the Dudley boyz and the Iconics are the Iconics. It was criminal to split them, end of.

[@connerlackey3952]

Like Hawk and Animal are the Road Warriors and Undertaker and Kane are Brothers of Destruction

[@afd19850]

I felt the same with the APA, Yes Bradshaw became JBL but in early days Big Ron carried him

[@madmike00006]

@@afd19850 Definitely.

[@madmike00006]

@@connerlackey3952 Warriors definitely but the brothers were a nice little treat every once in a while made up of two of the most popular singles wrestlers ever.

[@danwattonlinefitnesstraine5254]

Way to go Renee! Be very interesting having these two as guests while you focus on the most important person in your life.

[@sofiadrosos1308]

Great video of this great interview.