Over recent years, several WWE Legends have been responsible for selecting competitors for the WWE NXT Iron Survivor Challenge. However, for the 2025 event, 17-time world champion John Cena took on this role alone, choosing former amateur wrestler Kendall Gray as one of the five women competing in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
Gray shared her feelings about being chosen by Cena during a guest appearance on "Busted Open After Dark." She admitted, "I was speechless. When I learned John Cena was paying attention to my work, it was both intimidating and encouraging. I work hard, and it’s rewarding to know people notice. My family and I have watched WWE together for years, and my dad even took us to SmackDown shows. There’s a photo of me at eight years old mimicking Cena’s ‘You can’t see me’ gesture. It’s wild to think I went from being a kid watching John Cena to now competing alongside him." For Gray, Cena’s selection felt like a full-circle moment.
Gray didn’t know about Cena’s choice until it was revealed on the November 25th episode of NXT. This surprise was especially impactful since she still considers herself relatively new to professional wrestling. Seeing this as a chance to prove herself, Gray was determined to show Cena and the NXT women that she could compete with the best in the business.
At NXT Deadline, Gray triumphed in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge, securing victory with her third fall over Laura Bice.
If using quotes, please credit Wrestling Inc.’s "Busted Open After Dark" for the transcription.
Fan Take: This moment marks a significant step for Kendall Gray and highlights John Cena’s influence in elevating fresh talent within WWE. For fans, it’s exciting to witness new stars rise through the ranks, signaling a promising future for the sport with a blend of legacy and fresh energy.
