Kelani Jordan on NXT Women’s North American title run, CW debut, wrestling Sol Ruca
Image: WWE
Inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion Kelani Jordan was doing media rounds ahead of Tuesday’s premiere on The CW, talking about making NXT history at Battleground, her in-ring chemistry with Sol Ruca, and the new era of NXT.
Jordan, 25, has only been wrestling for two years and has already made history in NXT. The former gymnast, was crowned the first-ever NXT North American Women’s Champion at NXT Battleground after she defeated five other women in a ladder to match, including; Sol Ruca, Michin, Fallon Henley, Lash Legend, and Jaida Parker.
Prior to becoming the inaugural NXT North American Women’s Champion, Jordan had never held gold. I asked her about her big win at Battleground, and she described the moment
“Honestly, when I was in Vegas on top of the ladder, I was shaking. Not only because I was on top of the ladder but, honestly, the moment was so surreal. I don’t feel like words can fully explain how I felt because, one, it’s an honor to be champion in general, but to be the first and be the one that has to create the importance of the title, the one who’s creating the legacy of the title, it means the world, and sometimes I still get shaken up about it. Sometimes I just go back and, like, I have a picture in my other room of me when I won the title and every time when I am leaving to go to training, I am just reminding myself it’s all worth it. It all pays off just to keep me going. Honestly, it’s an honor to be the first ever women’s NXT North American Champion and I’m loving defending it against the top talent here in NXT,” she said.
After winning the the title, Jordan has already successfully defended her title against Michin, Sol Ruca, Tatum Paxley, Wendy Choo and Wren Sinclair.
The Ruca encounter was one of the most unique matches, taking place on this year’s Heatwave card. Similar to Jordan, Ruca also has a background in gymnastics. This made the match different because they both showcased their respective acrobatic backgrounds.
“I was super happy with how I performed and how we just meshed together. Me and Sol are good friends, and we come from the same background so we kinda knew what each other was gonna go for, which I think made it a good, friendly, but competitive match. Super high-flying. But I have to give it to Sol, she’s definitely a freak athlete. She gave me a run for my money, and she made me have to pull out some tricks that I’ve never done before. I felt super proud going to the back and just proud of the moment. Seeing how people received the match was super, I don’t know, I just felt great about it. It was one of my favorite matches I’ve done,” she said.
Jordan said she and the locker room are pumped about the brand’s move to The CW because they are part of a historic move for the company.
“We’re making history. This is the first time NXT is going to a broadcast network in history. So not only did I get to make history one time with the championship, but now I get to be a part of history again.”
You can check out the full interview below.