The wrestling world was buzzing with anticipation when TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace threw down the gauntlet with an open challenge for her title at TNA’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. Ever since Grace’s appearances at WWE Royal Rumble, “WWE NXT,” and “NXT” Battleground helped bridge the gap between the two promotions, fans have eagerly awaited the potential crossover. The moment finally came when “NXT” star Tatum Paxley answered the call, making history as the first signed WWE talent to step into the Impact Zone.
Paxley’s arrival wasn’t entirely unexpected. At Battleground, she made her intentions clear by interfering in the NXT Women’s Championship match between Grace and champion Roxanne Perez, even attempting to abscond with Grace’s Knockouts World Title belt. Her heist was thwarted by Ash by Elegance (the former Dana Brooke), but the encounter only intensified her desire for Grace’s championship. Friday night in Chicago, Paxley aimed to back up her ambitions by dethroning Grace in the ring. However, Grace proved why she is the Juggernaut, successfully defending her title with a devastating Juggernaut Driver.
This open challenge marked Grace’s 10th defense since winning the championship in January. For Paxley, it was her third opportunity to vie for a singles title, following her participation in the triple threat NXT Women’s Championship match at “WWE NXT: Spring Breakin'” and a 20-woman battle royal for the same title in January 2023.