When John Cena appeared on tonight’s episode of WWE NXT to announce the five competitors for the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline, he delivered a lineup more compelling — and unpredictable — than originally thought. Not only does the field include some of NXT’s brightest rising talents and established studs, but recent developments have reshuffled the dynamics of who realistically could walk out of Deadline with serious momentum behind them.

As of this week: Kelani Jordan is no longer TNA Knockouts Champion, while Kendal Grey enters the match as the reigning WWE Evolve Women’s Champion. That shift adds fresh intrigue to Deadline’s booking and perhaps resets the odds among the five women Cena named.

Here’s an updated breakdown of each participant — their accomplishments, recent title status, and why each remains a worthy contender now that the title-picture has changed.

The Competitors: Where Things Stand Now

Kelani Jordan

 — “Former Queen,” veteran grit and versatility

• Jordan recently lost the TNA Knockouts World Championship in a triple threat match to Lei Ying Lee, ending her reign.  
• Still: she remains a former Knockouts champ, a former inaugural NXT Women’s North American Championship holder, and one of NXT’s most experienced female wrestlers.  
• What makes her dangerous in Iron Survivor: She knows how to carry gold under pressure, and her ring acumen allows her to shift between high-impact offense and cunning strategy — ideal in a chaotic, multi-fall match. Even without current gold, her recent history and versatility give her a credible path to absorb adrenaline and spotlight at Deadline.

Kendal Grey

 — “Evolve Champ,” legit mat-wrestling & rising star

• Grey is currently the WWE Evolve Women’s Champion, having captured the belt on October 15, 2025.  
• Background: A decorated amateur wrestling pedigree — including multiple NAIA championships in collegiate wrestling — she brings real grappling credibility, technical mat-skills, and conditioning that translate well to WWE’s developmental and crossover scene.  
• What makes her dangerous: In a match where pinfalls and endurance both matter, her mat-wrestling base and ability to control tempo may allow her to dictate action, survive bursts of offense from brawlers or high-flyers, and perhaps capitalize late when others gas out. As a current champion, a Deadline win would firmly cement her as a breakout name.

Sol Ruca

 — Speed-demon high-flyer, past title cred

• Ruca remains one of NXT’s flashiest and most athletic women, with the kind of high-octane offense that thrives in a timed, multi-entrant match.
• Though not currently holding gold, her past successes and ability to create highlight-reel moments give her strong upside.
• In Iron Survivor, her speed and aerial offense make her a potential early leader — especially if she can score quick falls before fatigue or ring-position plays a factor.

Lola Vice

 — MMA-inspired striker, unpredictable wild card

• Vice brings a legitimate combat-sports background plus growing finesse in the ring, which positions her as a hybrid — striking power plus transitional instincts.
• With no current championship to defend, she might be hungriest of all — a sense of urgency that could allow for aggressive early offense or opportunistic pin attempts.
• Her style might throw off more conventional wrestlers, giving her a path via shock — and speed — especially in the match’s chaotic early stages.

Jordynne Grace

 — Hardcore power and long-match wrestling veteran

• Grace remains one of the most physically imposing and seasoned female wrestlers in the modern independent and cross-promotional scene. Her power, conditioning, and mat psychology make her an attrition-style threat.
• Though not currently holding a WWE/TNA title, her previous runs as a world champion elsewhere give her the pedigree and confidence to outlast opponents and avoid pinfalls.
• In a 25-minute Iron Survivor environment, she could out-grind, neutralize, and dismantle — especially as others tire.

What the Recent Title Changes Mean — And How They Reshape Deadline’s Odds

• Kelani Jordan losing the Knockouts title removes her “champion baggage,” which paradoxically might make her less of a target — she can enter Deadline as a recent loser, with more to prove than to defend. That could make her more dangerous, unburdened by the need to protect a belt or avoid risky spots.
• Kendal Grey’s current reign as Evolve Women’s Champion gives her fresh legitimacy and momentum. A win at Deadline would elevate her beyond “developmental champ” and signal WWE’s long-term faith in her.
• The mix of legitimate champions (Grey) and hungry, unbelted contenders (Ruca, Vice, Grace, Jordan) sets up a high-stakes, high-variance environment — perfect for stories, breakout stars, and “rise from the ashes” arcs.

Given those dynamics, the narrative most likely WWE might lean into: Evolve rising-star (Kendal Grey) vs. NXT/main-roster veteran (Kelani Jordan) vs. high-flyers or brawlers (Ruca, Vice, Grace) — each representing different philosophies: technical wrestling, experience, speed, power. That triangle could define who steps out of Deadline with the most momentum, regardless of championship status.

Revised Take: Who Has the Edge Now?

• Kendal Grey — leads the pack on momentum and current gold. With her mat-wrestling base and conditioning, she’s arguably the wrestler best built for a long, strategic multi-entrance match.
• Kelani Jordan — as a recent former champion, she has nothing to lose and everything to prove. Her experience could help her exploit momentary lapses in others, which is key in a chaotic match.
• Jordynne Grace — her power and endurance make her a sleeper pick for outlasting everyone — especially if the match breaks down into chaos later on.
• Sol Ruca & Lola Vice — dark-horses: if they strike fast and often early, they could pile up points. Their risk-reward style can pay off big in a format that rewards pinfalls swiftly.

In short: with the title-status changes, Deadline may no longer simply be “who wants it most” — it could become “who’s built for this match.” And if WWE plays the story right, the winner may emerge not just as the “next challenger,” but as a breakout star whose momentum carries beyond NXT.

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