WWE NXT champ reflects on tremendous accolades 4 years into pro wrestling career: ‘Force to be reckoned with’
WWE NXT star Kelani Jordan added another line to her already impressive pro wrestling resume just four years after she initially signed with the company and reported to the Performance Center.
She was the first NXT women’s North American champion, she won the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) Knockouts Championship and, on Sunday at Heatwave, she defeated Kendal Grey to win the NXT Women’s Championship for the first time in her first opportunity.
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NXT Women’s Champion Kelani Jordan is in the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 1, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
OutKick Dropkick asked Jordan in a recent interview what the accolades meant to her.
“It feels great. Also, it’s a good reminder to, like, whenever there’s moments where I’m like maybe down or feel like, oh no, I’m like kind of like plateauing or shoot, like what’s happening, I think it’s a good reminder to like, hey, you were the first ever North American champion, you were a TNA Knockouts champion, now you’re the NXT women’s champion.
“It just allows me to take a moment to reflect and be like, hey, like you’re very talented and you’re good. Like you don’t have these titles for no reason or had those titles for no reason. So, I think it’s a great reminder that Kelani Jordan is a force to be reckoned with.”
Over the course of the year, Jordan has demanded respect from fans and the rest of the women’s locker room. She said in May she was better than all the women that were called up to Raw and SmackDown after WrestleMania 42.
Now, Jordan has the belt to prove it.
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Kelani Jordan looks over Tatum Paxley during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on June 30, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
“Yes, absolutely,” she said when asked about whether she’s earned the respect of her peers. “I mean, of course, I know there’s a target on my back, an even bigger one if there wasn’t one already because I am the champion. But I think people know when they’re in the ring with me that they’re in for a tough, tough fight.
“But definitely when you have the title, you automatically get a little bit more respect. You know what I’m saying? Just because I mean it’s proven in your work. You’re the champion. So you have something around your waist or over your shoulder to like speak for that.”
Jaida Parker was the first one to step up to Jordan on Tuesday night.
Parker is coming off a big win in a submission match against Nattie, which also took place on Heatwave. She’s certainly proved to be a worthy contender.
“Yeah, I’m not surprised that Jaida Parker came out. I had a feeling someone was going to come out, but I’m not surprised that it was her because we have a lot of history and like she said, she feels like she has a chip on her shoulder because we faced each other before.
“But I know Jada is going to bring a lot of fight. I know she’s great at talking, but I’m great not only at talking, but I walk the walk. So, I am ready for Jaida’s games, her tactics. She can talk, but when she’s in the ring with me is, you know, talking — is that going to work?”
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Jordan and Parker’s match for the NXT Women’s Championship is set for this coming Tuesday on the CW Network.
