Kelani Jordan’s Journey: From Self-Doubt to Championship Confidence in WWE & TNA
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A rising star in professional wrestling, Kelani Jordan, has openly discussed the pivotal moments that transformed her self-belief, propelling her to championship success in both WWE’s NXT and TNA Wrestling. Her story highlights the crucial role of opportunity and self-perception in achieving peak performance.
Kelani Jordan initially appeared to exude confidence on screen, but as she revealed in an interview with “No-Contest Wrestling,” that assurance wasn’t always present. The turning point, she explained, came with the opportunity to become the first-ever Women’s North American Champion. “Being the first-ever Women’s North American Champion, I will say it was a very surreal moment. And honestly, it was a confidence boost because it showed that [Shawn Michaels] believed in me to be able to carry a championship,” Jordan stated. She acknowledged the pressure that came with being relatively new to televised wrestling – having debuted on “NXT” just a year prior – but ultimately, the trust placed in her by WWE leadership fueled her self-belief.
The Dawn of a Champion in NXT
Jordan’s historic win at “NXT” Battleground in June 2024 marked a significant milestone, not only for her career but for WWE as a whole. The championship represented the first-ever mid-card singles title specifically designed for women in the promotion’s history. While elated to be a champion, Jordan also felt the weight of expectation to establish a standard for the newly created title.
Her initial reign as NXT Women’s North American Champion spanned an impressive 140 days, during which she successfully defended the title against formidable opponents including Sol Ruca, Wendy Choo, Wren Sinclair, and “WWE SmackDown” star Michin. This period of success solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the NXT women’s division.
A Shift in Mindset with the TNA Knockouts Championship
In 2025, Jordan expanded her reach, capturing the TNA Knockouts Championship after winning a battle royal and subsequently defeating Lei Ying Lee at TNA Victory Road. This victory, unlike her first title win, was met with a markedly different internal response. While still committed to representing the title and TNA with pride, Jordan’s confidence had undergone a fundamental shift.
“Now I feel like my confidence has grown so much,” she explained. “When I won the TNA title, like yes, I still had pressure to carry across brands, but this time I felt like my mindset was like, ‘I’m good. I earned it.’ I worked hard. I go the extra mile. I earned it. It’s no longer the Kelani Jordan that’s like, ‘Oh, yay, woo. I’m happy to be here.’ It’s like, hey, I earned this. I make the title. The title doesn’t make me, and I think that’s where my mindset switched between each title reign.”
Jordan’s reign with the Knockouts Championship, though shorter than her run in NXT, saw successful defenses against a diverse roster of talent, including Jordynne Grace, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Heather By Elegance. Ultimately, Lei Ying Lee ended Jordan’s reign at “WWE NXT” Gold Rush, capitalizing on a strategic maneuver involving Grace to secure the victory.
Despite losing the title, Jordan has yet to receive a rematch, even as Lee has defended the championship against “NXT” star Zaria at TNA Genesis. This situation leaves fans wondering what the future holds for Jordan and whether she will have the opportunity to reclaim the Knockouts Championship.
Jordan’s journey serves as a powerful illustration of how external validation, coupled with internal growth, can transform an athlete’s mindset and unlock their full potential. Her story is a testament to the power of believing in oneself, even when faced with pressure and uncertainty.
Credit to “No-Contest Wrestling” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
