Kelani Jordan Discusses Accomplishing Her Goal of Becoming Champion, Wedding Plans With Carmelo Hayes

During a recent interview with Denise Salcedo, newly crowned NXT Women’s Champion Kelani Jordan discussed becoming champion, the pressure that comes with holding the title, and more. She also discussed her wedding plans with her fiancé, WWE Superstar Carmelo Hayes. Below are some highlights:

Kelani Jordan on Accomplishing Her Goal of Becoming NXT Women’s Champion

“It feels so good. And even just listening to you like go, ‘Oh my god.’ Like I remember the first time we spoke when I was only a few months in and just thinking about how much I’ve grown. I’m like, “Oh my gosh, who was that girl back then?” But it’s super cool, and it’s been a long chase- three and a half, almost four years finally getting the top title. So it feels really good. It feels like I earned it, and yeah, so I’m happy. I’m thriving.”

On When It Hit Her She’s Been the Inaugural Women’s North American Champion, the TNA Knockouts Champion, and Now the NXT Women’s Champion

“It didn’t hit me until yesterday when I was doing my promo, and I’m like just like thinking and reflecting, and I’m like, ‘Wow, not only have I been the North American TNA and NXT champion, but also I’m like I also got it on my first try.’ And I think also it’s just like crazy to think about because when you’re going through like everyday life, you don’t always realize it, but when you take a moment just to reflect and look back, you’re like, ‘Wow, I am good.’ Like, I’m good. I’m great.'”

On Dealing With the Pressure of Becoming Champion

“I think when you have a title there’s it already comes additional pressure in a way because everyone’s eyes are on you but also all the girls are chasing you like they want to chance the title so their eyes are locked in on you so there comes with that pressure but I’ve always thrived under pressure especially coming from a gymnastics background that’s when I feel like I do the best is being under pressure but like you said there’s been so many great champions before me and seeing how they’ve gone off and are killing it or just doing their thing up on the main roster It is a good moment of being like, ‘Okay, this title, you know, it means something.’ But right now, my focus is just on, like, having an amazing NXT title reign, defending this title, not letting anyone take it from me, and that starts with Jaida [Parker] next week.”

On Her History With Jaida Parker

“I know Jaida is gonna come out where, you know, she’s going to come out hot because she’s coming off a big win at Heatwave, but so am I. So, I’m ready to go against her. And I’m used to Jada. We have a lot of history. I’m used to her talking her talk because that’s all she does is talk. So, when she came out, I really wasn’t surprised. Honestly, I was like, of course, she would she would come out. And honestly, I would have wrestled her last night, but I needed to make a point that she doesn’t tell me when I’m going to defend my title. I choose that. So, sometimes Mr Stone, but I choose ultimately when I’m going to defend this title.”

On Her Wedding Plans With Carmelo Hayes for October

“Yes. So part of me feels on top of the world and the other part of my brain is like, ‘Oh my gosh, we literally have a wedding.’ Okay. And I’m super excited to be married to him. Like I’m so like I’m just like that’s like I feel like we’re already married. So just kind of like just putting the label on it. But it’s more so weddings are just stressful. Like they’re expensive and they’re just stressful. Like already what we do is we’re always on the road a lot and we’re doing a lot of stuff already in general. So adding that to my plate, I’m like, ‘Oh, I just can’t wait to take the deep breath of just like sigh of relief when we’re done.’ Not to rush the moment because I am excited for the day, but the planning process.”

Her Thoughts on Sol Ruca

“Sol Ruca, I would say one of my wrestling soulmates.”

Kelani Jordan won the NXT Women’s Title from Kendal Grey last Sunday at WWE NXT Heatwave 2026. Jordan will now defend the title against Jaida Parker on next week’s edition of WWE NXT TV on Tuesday, September 8.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Denise Salcedo with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.