Kelani Jordan is the new TNA Knockouts Champion!
To the surprise of many, Ash by Elegance was forced to relinquish the Knockouts title due to not being medically cleared to compete. That opened up a spot for another wrestler to become the queen of the knockouts division and that ultimately became Kelani Jordan.
Jordan had her first title defense at Bound For Glory where she beat Indi Hartwell to retain the Knockouts Champion. Her fighting on the biggest stage that TNA had was a surreal moment. So was Kelani winning the Knockouts Championship. Jordan said on the "Battleground Podcast" that she never thought in a billion years that she would be in this position.
"It doesn't feel real," she said. "It's honestly like just a surreal moment. I still feel like I'm in a fever dream because I never would have thought in a billion years that I would have an action figure. And also being able to be champion, it's crazy.
"The day was crazy. I was not expecting that," she continued. "Of course, I believe in myself and all that, but I was not expecting that. It was my first time in TNA. When I found out Ash was vacating the title, I did feel sad because I know how much she cares, how much she wanted to elevate that title. Also, Ash has a special place in my heart because she was my mentor here in NXT. So I'm happy that I was able to get the title from her and be able to carry what she wanted to do."
As for what’s next for Jordan, that’s currently unknown. TNA is on a bit of hiatus until November, so she doesn’t have any scheduled title plans coming up. Of course, Jordan is an NXT star so she’ll pop up in the developmental brand here and there, but she’s not been given much of a focus right now.
As for Ash, it appears that her time in a wrestling ring is done. The former TNA Knockouts Champion considers herself retired, even though it;s not clear exactly why she had to relinquish the belt in the first place. It’s great that she got the opportunity to mentor Jordan as it helps make the title win even more sentimental.
Check out the full interview where she talks about leading Team TNA, being called a traitor, working Bound For Glory, and so much more!