Last night, while recording this week’s edition of BRP, we discussed this Friday night for two reasons: the first was Masha Slamovich being removed from her TNA Knockouts World Championship match against Ash By Elegance due to the domestic violence allegations from her ex-boyfriend AKIRA that went public. The second was that Jade Cargill could possibly become the WWE Women’s Champion in the main event of WWE SmackDown. That definitiely didn’t happen (and we’re still trying to figure out what happened); what was not on our bingo card was former NXT Women’s North American Champion Kelani Jordan (No. 21 on the 2025 BRP 50) becoming the TNA Knockouts World Champion.
How the hell does that happen?
It’s actually quite simple. Early into Victory Road, former TNA Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance vacated the title, saying that she was unable to carry the title at this time.
A battle royale was held later to determine the two competitors for who would face-off in a match to determine the new Knockouts World Champion; Léi Ying Lee and Jordan ended up winning that battle royale.
Indi Hartwell was set as referee, and while we haven’t seen the full match at press time, two things seem to be true: Jordan went ham and Hartwell doesn’t seem happy.
Now what?
This is a great look for Kelani Jordan, honestly. Being the Knockouts World Champion means she will be spending more time in TNA working with some of the best women in a solid women’s division. Trick Williams‘ time in TNA has worked wonders on rounding out his character—just peep his growing beef with Mike Santana—and this could do the same for her. With Indi Hartwell breathing down her neck, you couldn’t ask for a better first opponent.
Keep it locked to BRP for more on Kelani Jordan and everything else Black Rasslin’.