Kelani Jordan made her manner into the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match at “NXT Deadline” with a victory over Kiana James and is hellbent on displaying the WWE Universe she’s a “force to be reckoned with.”
The former Michigan State gymnast-turned-pro wrestler, who performs on the NXT model, may have an opportunity to showcase her skills within the distinctive match that can even function Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Blair Davenport and one different opponent who might be decided Tuesday night time. The winner of the Iron Survivor Challenge will develop into the No. 1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship.

Kelani Jordan, whose actual title is Lea Mitchell, was a gymnast at Michigan State. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
Jordan, whose actual title is Lea Mitchell, signed with WWE in August 2022 on the SummerSlam tryout. She was a standout gymnast at Michigan State earlier than taking place the pro-wrestling path.
She appeared on NXT home reveals in October 2022 after which made her debut as Kelani Jordan this previous May. She made it to the finals of the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament however misplaced to Lola Vice.
But for the reason that loss, Jordan has racked up a win with Roxanne Perez in a tag-tea match after which in opposition to James. She’s additionally overwhelmed Brinley Reece and Arianna Grace in home reveals.
“It’s been a testament because I only started a year ago from scratch into (being on) a major PLE, even when my debut was only six months ago,” she informed Fox News Digital in a latest interview. “Words can’t describe how I feel going into that match.
“I’m tremendous excited, and I’m able to proceed to let folks know Kelani Jordan is a drive to be reckoned with.”
The Iron Survivor Challenge is one of the more unique matches NXT has to offer.

Kelani Jordan beats Kiana James to advance to the Iron Survivor Challenge. (WWE)
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Five wrestlers compete in the 25-minute match with two performers starting the event. Every 5 minutes, another wrestler enters the match, with the fifth wrestler entering at the 15-minute mark. The winner is the wrestler who has the most points at the end of the match.
To earn points, a wrestler must secure a pinfall, submission or be the victim in a disqualification. A wrestler who is pinned, taps out or commits a disqualification goes into a penalty box for 90 seconds. Should there be a tie at the end, the remaining wrestlers go into a sudden death overtime. The match debuted at last year’s “NXT Deadline.”
Jordan said she doesn’t exactly have a strategy pinned down just yet, and it will depend on when she gets into the match. But after losing to Vice in the NXT Breakout Tournament, she has a bigger chip on her shoulder going into the match.
“I believe after I misplaced the breakout match, I used to be a bit of bit down as a result of I actually thought I gave it my all and I believed I used to be so shut,” she told Fox News Digital. “I believe that match gave me plenty of confidence to know I’ve what it takes, and I used to be shut. Even to be within the finals is such a possibility and actually reveals me that, ‘Hey, you have what it takes.’
“So, going into Iron Survivor this Saturday, I’m definitely going to be coming guns blazing because I’m ready.”

Kelani Jordan places her opponent in a headlock. (WWE)
“NXT Deadline is set for Dec. 9 at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The premium live event can be seen on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET.
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