Lea Mitchell, better known by her ring name Kelani Jordan, has swiftly made her mark in WWE’s NXT brand
A former artistic gymnast turned professional wrestler, she made history as the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion.
This article delves into her athletic transformation, career milestones, personal life, and the latest developments shaping her future in WWE.
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Table of Contents
Kelani Jordan’s Bio
Lea Mitchell, known in the wrestling world as Kelani Jordan, transitioned from an accomplished artistic gymnast to a rising star in WWE’s NXT brand.1
Born on October 22, 1998, Mitchell’s journey has been one marked by athleticism, perseverance, and adaptability, culminating in her becoming the first-ever NXT Women’s North American Champion.
This article explores her inspiring career, from gymnastics to WWE, and her impact on the NXT roster.
From Gymnastics to WWE Stardom as Kelani Jordan
Lea Mitchell’s athletic prowess began in the world of gymnastics. As a young gymnast, she showed remarkable talent and discipline, competing in various regional and national events across the U.S.
Her foundation in gymnastics equipped her with impressive agility, strength, and flexibility—qualities that would later make her a natural fit for the intense demands of professional wrestling.
However, it was her transition into WWE in August 2022 that marked a new chapter in her life and career.
In August 2022, Mitchell signed her contract with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center. Here, she trained rigorously, honing her wrestling skills and learning the ins and outs of the WWE world.
The Performance Center provided her with opportunities to train under the best coaches, adapt her athleticism to wrestling, and develop her in-ring persona, Kelani Jordan.
Kelani Jordan’s Career
Lea Mitchell’s in-ring debut took place at an NXT live event on October 28, 2022, where she entered a battle royal.2
While she didn’t win, this appearance allowed her to showcase her skills and introduced her to the NXT audience.
Her debut marked the beginning of her journey as Kelani Jordan, a name she would carry as she established herself within WWE.
In June 2023, Mitchell, now performing as Kelani Jordan, appeared on-screen as the protégé of WWE superstar Dana Brooke.
This storyline helped her gain early exposure on NXT, as Brooke’s mentorship gave her character depth and a storyline to work within the brand. Unfortunately, the storyline was cut short in September 2023 due to Brooke’s release from WWE, leaving Jordan to navigate the NXT scene independently.
Competing in the 2023 NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament
After parting ways with Dana Brooke, Jordan found herself competing in the 2023 NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, which allowed her to showcase her determination and growth.
She defeated Izzi Dame in the first round and went on to overcome Arianna Grace in the semifinal, demonstrating her resilience and skills.
However, her journey ended in the final round, where she was defeated by Lola Vice at NXT: Halloween Havoc.
Although she didn’t win the tournament, her performance helped solidify her place in NXT and showcased her fighting spirit.
On the November 28 episode of NXT, Jordan secured a victory against Kiana James, earning her spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.
This high-stakes opportunity allowed her to demonstrate her endurance and versatility against some of NXT’s toughest competitors.
Though she ultimately did not win the Iron Survivor Challenge, her participation elevated her status within NXT and positioned her as a serious contender.
Forming Alliances: Teaming Up with Thea Hail and Fallon Henley
In early 2024, Kelani Jordan joined forces with Thea Hail and Fallon Henley from Chase University. The three wrestlers formed a temporary alliance that culminated in a six-woman tag team match at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 6, 2024.
Together, they defeated the team of Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, and Izzi Dame, solidifying their strength as a unit and earning praise from fans for their teamwork and energy.
In May 2024, Jordan qualified for a six-woman ladder match at NXT Battleground, where WWE aimed to crown the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion.
On June 9, Jordan emerged victorious, securing her first major WWE title and making history as the first-ever NXT Women’s North American Champion. Her win in the ladder match was a defining moment, affirming her as a formidable competitor and showcasing her athletic prowess to a broad audience.
First Title Defense: The Battle Against Michin
- As the newly crowned NXT Women’s North American Champion, Jordan faced her first title defense on June 18, 2024, in a match against Michin.
- Assisted by interference from Jaida Parker, Jordan managed to retain her title. This victory added to her growing list of accomplishments and bolstered her confidence as she began to establish herself as a dominant champion.
- Throughout her reign as NXT Women’s North American Champion, Jordan faced a series of fierce challengers, including Sol Ruca, Wendy Choo, and Wren Sinclair.
- Each match showcased her resilience and growth as a wrestler, solidifying her position as a respected champion.
- Her victories over these opponents not only demonstrated her wrestling abilities but also built a strong rapport with the NXT fanbase.
- In September 2024, Kelani Jordan found herself targeted by a new faction, Fatal Influence, comprised of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx.
- The group set their sights on Jordan’s title, marking the beginning of an intense feud.
- Fatal Influence’s interference in Jordan’s matches created a challenging environment, with the faction consistently attempting to undermine her reign and claim the championship for themselves.
Kelani Jordan’s Halloween Havoc 2024
The feud with Fatal Influence came to a head at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 27, 2024, where Jordan defended her title in a gauntlet match.3
Despite successfully defeating Jazmyn Nyx and Jacy Jayne, she ultimately lost the championship to Fallon Henley after interference from Jayne and Nyx.
This intense, high-stakes match ended her reign at 140 days, concluding a significant chapter in her career as NXT Women’s North American Champion.
Cream always rises to the TOP !!!!! https://t.co/SFKp3Qc2IT
— Kelani Jordan (@kelani_wwe) August 25, 2025
Reflecting on a Milestone Championship Reign
Kelani Jordan’s 140-day reign as the NXT Women’s North American Champion was a historic and defining period of her wrestling career.
As the inaugural champion, she set a high standard for future competitors, demonstrating resilience, skill, and heart throughout her time with the title.
Her reign was marked by impressive defenses, an exciting rivalry with Fatal Influence, and moments that showcased her growth as a performer.
As Kelani Jordan looks to the future, her recent experiences in WWE have equipped her with valuable skills, both in and out of the ring.
The loss of her title to Fallon Henley opens up new possibilities for her character and career trajectory within WWE.
With her growing fanbase, improved in-ring skills, and history-making title reign, Jordan is well-positioned for future storylines, rivalries, and potential championships within the NXT brand and beyond.
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Kelani Jordan’s Boyfriend
Kelani Jordan, an emerging talent in WWE’s NXT division, has captured the attention of wrestling fans with her in-ring skills and vibrant personality.
While her professional career is on the rise, her personal life has also piqued public interest—particularly her relationship with WWE superstar Carmelo Hayes.
Here’s a deep dive into Kelani Jordan and her connection with Carmelo Hayes, giving you a closer look at their journey in and outside the ring.
WWE Superstar and Former NXT Champion
Carmelo Hayes, born Christian Brigham, is an accomplished wrestler known for his charisma and in-ring prowess.
He gained widespread recognition through his work on WWE’s NXT brand, where he became a two-time NXT North American Champion and held the title for a combined record-setting reign.
His success in NXT paved the way for his move to WWE’s main roster on SmackDown, where he has continued to showcase his impressive abilities.
Carmelo’s wrestling style is a unique blend of athleticism, agility, and technical skill. He has a distinctive approach in the ring, captivating fans and earning the respect of his peers.
Known for his confidence and memorable catchphrases, Carmelo Hayes has become one of the standout stars in WWE, a feat that has only amplified fans’ interest in his personal life.
The Beginnings of Kelani and Carmelo’s Relationship
While the exact details of how Kelani Jordan and Carmelo Hayes met remain private, it’s clear that their shared passion for wrestling brought them together.
Working within WWE and training alongside fellow wrestlers provides a unique environment where personal and professional lives often intersect. Their bond appears to be rooted in mutual respect and admiration for each other’s dedication to the sport.
Fans first noticed hints of their relationship through social media interactions, where they would occasionally comment on or like each other’s posts. Over time, they began appearing together more frequently in photos, confirming their romance.
The couple’s connection has since become a point of interest among WWE fans who admire both wrestlers’ talents and enjoy seeing them support each other.
Kelani Jordan’s Social Media
Kelani Jordan and Carmelo Hayes are relatively private about their relationship, but they do share glimpses of their life together on social media.
On platforms like Instagram, they often post supportive comments on each other’s updates, whether it’s celebrating a victory in the ring or simply sharing moments from their everyday lives. These interactions highlight the strength of their relationship and their appreciation for one another.
One notable image, shared by Carmelo on Instagram, featured the couple in a candid moment, capturing their chemistry and happiness together.
Fans quickly took to the post, showing overwhelming support and admiration for the duo. This level of positive attention demonstrates how their relationship resonates with the WWE community, where fans often form close bonds with the wrestlers they admire.
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FAQ’s
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What inspired Kelani Jordan to pursue wrestling?
Her gymnastics background shaped her athletic style; she transitioned to wrestling after signing with WWE in 2022.4 -
Did Kelani Jordan ever win a championship in NXT?
Yes, she became the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion on June 9, 2024, holding the title for 140 days, the longest to date. -
Why did she lose the title?
She dropped it to Fallon Henley at Halloween Havoc 2024 in a gauntlet match. -
Is she engaged or married?
She is engaged to Carmelo Hayes. The engagement occurred on July 1, 2025, and was announced publicly on July 5, 2025. -
What’s next for Kelani Jordan in NXT?
Following her recent match at Heatwave 2025, Lola Vice earned a title shot at NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at No Mercy on September 27, 2025. While Jordan isn’t directly involved, she’s positioned within the evolving title scene.5
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