Lyra Valkyria Names WWE NXT’s Kelani Jordan As Dream John Cena Classic Opponent: ‘I Want To See If She Stepped Up’

WWE

Although they may be divided by brand, WWE Raw’s Lyra Valkyria has addressed the possibility of facing NXT’s Kelani Jordan.

Both holders of championships in NXT, Lyra Valkyria and Kelani Jordan, are yet to face each other in a WWE ring.

The recent WWE Backlash Premium Live Event saw an opportunity emerge for NXT and main roster stars to face each other in the form of The John Cena Classic, with the inaugural winner of the tournament’s championship being chosen by fan vote.

Speaking to Soundsphere Magazine, Valkyria noted that she is seemingly intrigued by the possibility of a match against Jordan, saying:

“I crossed over with time in NXT with Kelani Jordan… we never, we never crossed paths in the ring on NXT, but we got in the ring a lot together in the Performance Center.

“I’ve always thought she had such a fantastic work ethic, and she’s very cool… I want to see if she stepped up.

“I’d love to see what she’s got, if I was able to choose anyone.”

Valkyria would also reflect that Jordan has gone “a bit off the rails” in NXT, having retained the TNA Knockouts World Championship in a match against Jordynne Grace last year.

That match, which took place on the October 28 episode of WWE NXT, would see Jordan using the TNA Knockouts World Championship as an offensive weapon on Grace while the referee was distracted by Ricky Saints and Trick Williams, both of whom were brawling at ringside.

Although a main roster draft is yet to happen for Jordan, she made her women’s Royal Rumble match debut earlier this year, only to be eliminated by Jacy Jayne.

A Gold Rush Of Opportunity For Kelani Jordan

Initially introduced at NXT Gold Rush in June 2023, Kelani Jordan began her televised career as the protege of Dana Brookes, who would later part ways with WWE, leading to the end of that association.

Jordan’s rise in NXT would come rapidly, competing in that year’s Women’s Breakout Tournament, suffering a loss in the final against Lola Vice at Halloween Havoc in October 2023. Arguably a showcase for potential top stars of the future, the series last saw Oba Femi victorious in the Men’s Breakout Tournament last year, with the two-time NXT Champion going on to a main roster call-up this year.

Further indication of the way that WWE views Jordan can seemingly be seen in her run as the first-ever NXT Women’s North American Champion, with the TNA Wrestling Partnership also seeing her become Knockouts World Champion.

Gold Rush in 2023 may have marked Jordan’s televised NXT debut, but the same event, two years later, would see her lose the TNA Knockouts Championship to Lei Ying Lee, marking the end of her first world championship run.

Under four years into her wrestling journey, an inaugural title and world championship reign no doubt stand Jordan in good stead for what her future couple potentially hold as a main roster star, with the star revealing she is “ready” for the opportunity.

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