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In this episode of the Stuck In My Thoughts podcast, host Justin Stuckey travels to the world-famous WWE Performance Center to sit down with one of the fastest-rising stars in NXT — former NXT North American Champion and former TNA Knockouts Champion, Kelani Jordan.
Kelani opens up about her journey from gymnastics at Michigan State to becoming one of WWE’s most exciting new superstars. She breaks down the first moment she knew the WWE Performance Center felt like home, the intense pressure that comes with being a top prospect learning under Shawn Michaels, and how she channels her competitive background into every match and storyline.
Justin and Kelani dive deep into what it means to be a Black female athlete in WWE, the incredible support she’s received from icons like Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, and how representation continues to shape the culture of women's wrestling. Kelani also shares powerful insight into the presence of faith inside the WWE locker room, how spirituality keeps her grounded, and the importance of staying true to her identity no matter the moment.
The two also discuss Kelani Jordan’s relationship with WWE Superstar Carmelo Hayes, how they inspire one another behind the scenes, and how their paths continue to push both of them to new levels within the company.If you love WWE, NXT, women’s wrestling, athlete storytelling, or behind-the-scenes insight into the Performance Center, this is a MUST-WATCH conversation.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Kelani Jordan’s journey from gymnastics to WWE
Life inside the NXT Performance Center
Adjusting to high-pressure moments as a rising WWE superstar
Being a Black female athlete in WWESupport from Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and the women’s division
Faith, identity, and culture in the WWE locker room
Kelani Jordan & Carmelo Hayes relationship insight
Advice for young athletes chasing impossible dreams
What’s next for Kelani Jordan in NXT
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Timestamp
Intro 0:00-1:37
WWE Performance Center Dog Days 1:37-3:14
I Belong In WWE Moment 3:14-4:39
WWE Misconceptions 4:39-5:38
WWE Summerslam Tryout 5:38-7:06
Breakout Promo Moment 7:06-9:40
Wrestling Is Her Escape From Reality 9:40-11:34
Inspiring Women To Be Themselves 11:34-13:48
Embracing Pressure 13:48-15:26
Not Fangirling Her Coworkers In WWE 15:26-17:16
Elimination Save At Evolution 17:16-19:19
Jeff Hardy & RVD 19:19-20:27
Kelani Wants The NXT Championship 20:27-21:12
Black Representation In WWE 21:12-22:06
Kelani Has 7 Pets 22:06-24:21
Top Artists 24:21-25:52
Pass Times 25:52-27:04
Big Fan Of Nikki Blonksy 27:04-28:16
Getting Her Own Action Figure 28:16-28:54
Relationship With Carmelo Hayes 28:54-32:28
Faith Among The WWE Locker Room 32:28-36:47
What She Gets Stuck In Her Thoughts About 36:47-38:06
Carmelo Hayes Next Guest? 38:06-38:43
Outro 38:43-39:18