Next Friday the 13th might turn out to be a lucky day for WWE NXT talent Arianna Grace. On Thursday’s episode of “TNA Impact,” it was revealed that Grace will challenge Li Ying Lee (formerly Xia Li in WWE) for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at the upcoming No Surrender event.
Currently serving as the bridge between NXT and TNA and managing her fiancé, TNA International Champion Channing “Stax” Lorenzo, Grace feels ready to step out of their shadow and forge her own wrestling legacy. Although her father, legendary wrestler Santino Marella, had doubts about her ability to reach his heights, the TNA general manager has made special arrangements for Grace to get this title shot.
Since signing with WWE in 2022, Grace has yet to capture a championship. Her most recent televised bout was a mixed tag team match on NXT last December 23rd against Shiloh Hill and Skylar Ray, where she and Lorenzo fell just short. On the other hand, Lee currently holds the Knockouts World Championship—her first major title in her wrestling career and in TNA—having won it from NXT’s Kehlani Jordan last November during NXT: Gold Rush. She most recently defended her title successfully against Zarya at Genesis in January.
The TNA No Surrender event featuring this title match will be broadcast live on TNA+.
Fan Take:
This title showdown is a thrilling moment for WWE fans, as it highlights one of NXT’s rising stars stepping into a major spotlight outside WWE. Arianna Grace’s challenge against Li Ying Lee could signal new cross-promotional possibilities and shake up the women’s wrestling scene, injecting fresh energy into the sport.
