Kelani Jordan Believes TNA Stars Are Bitter After She Won Knockouts Title

Kelani Jordan didn’t just show up to TNA Victory Road—she took over.

The NXT standout made her TNA debut and left the arena as the new Knockouts Champion after winning a battle royal and defeating Lei Ying Lee in a title match on the same night. But while fans celebrated the surprise victory, Kelani knows not everyone backstage was thrilled.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Jordan addressed the tension her title win may have caused and called out the locker room’s energy directly.

“When I saw that Ash was relinquishing the title and there was going to be a battle royal, why wouldn’t I take that opportunity? It ended up with me and Lei Ying as the last two in a title match the same night. This was also my first time ever in TNA. I know some people might be a little bit bitter, but who wouldn’t take the opportunity? Thankfully, I came out champion. It was fun. It was nice to be in front of a different crowd, on a different brand, and show what I can do.”

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Asked why she thought some in TNA were holding onto resentment, Kelani didn’t hold back.

“I think because we have NXT vs. TNA, but also, it’s my first time going into TNA and winning a title my first time, my first show, and another brand. If I were in TNA, I would be bitter too.”

Her blunt honesty just added more fuel to the ongoing NXT vs. TNA rivalry. With Kelani now holding one of TNA’s most prestigious titles after just one night, the question isn’t just how long she’ll keep it—but whether the locker room will ever accept her as one of their own.