Kelani Jordan quickly found success in WWE NXT as she captured the NXT Women’s North American Championship less than a year after her on-screen debut. It wasn’t until Jordan refused to be happyhowever, he rose to the next level.
during a recent interview with “Random Conversations” Jordan explained how her newfound killer instinct and confidence has led her to greater heights in NXT, specifically the NXT Women’s Championship.
“It was extremely disappointing (not to win the NXT Women’s title),” she said. “I’ve literally done all of this and I was almost patiently waiting my turn and that’s when I realized, well, there’s no more being nice and standing in line because that’s how you get through. So it was very annoying and very disappointing when I never got a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. I say: “No, but I only need the big one.” I don’t need a chance for a chance. I just need a chance and I’ll do it. Not two attempts, but one. One attempt.”
As Jordan hinted, despite his veteran status and previous midcard title, he never received a televised NXT title shot until August 2026 at the heat of NXT. There, the former gymnast challenged Kendall Gray, who had captured the Women’s Championship just months after her full-time NXT run. However, Jordan made the most of his first opportunity, nailing the defending champion with a split leg moonsault to change the title.
Jordan credits TNA for his added promotional credibility
When it comes to his confidence on the mic, Jordan credited WWE’s partner promotion, TNA Wrestling, with helping boost it.
“The reason I say when I went to TNA and when I was champion in TNA is because in TNA we used to shoot multiple shows in one day sometimes. So I honestly didn’t have time to really think about what I was going to say,” Jordan said. “Sometimes I’d just go out there and talk, and whatever would come out of the dome or fly, or maybe respond to the fans, or when I was in the ring signing with Indy (Hartwell), I’d just talk. It was literally just me. I remember my mother said. “You seemed so calm. And I say: “That’s because I was.” I was just talking.” I think that’s when it really turned around for me.”
Coming from a broadcasting background, Jordan noted that he learned to speak clearly and appropriately while enunciating his words. Repeats in TNA, however, allowed him to express a more natural tone, which he has now carried over to NXT.
Jordan made his TNA debut at Victory Road in September 2025. That same night he left capture the vacant TNA World Knockouts Championship by defeating Lei Ying Lee (fka WWE’s Sia Lee).
Jordan’s KO Title reign lasted two months, during which he was a regular on both NXT and TNA programming. Her successful title defenses included wins over Jordyn Grace, Indie Hartwell, M By Elegance and Heather By Elegance.
If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit “Casual Chats” with ah/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.