TNA Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance opened Victory Road with a shocking announcement that brought the locker room and crowd to a standstill.
Appearing alongside Director of Authority Santino Marella and TNA President Carlos Silva, she revealed she is stepping away from in-ring competition effective immediately and would be relinquishing the Knockouts World Title.
Ash, who was originally scheduled to defend her title against Masha Slamovich, addressed the Orlando crowd in an emotional farewell. While she didnt go into specifics, she noted that life had thrown her a curveball. She reflected on how she came to TNA a year ago to elevate the Knockouts Title and represent the company.
Fighting back tears, she told the fans she is no longer able to compete and do what she loves. She acknowledged her past behavior in the company and thanked the fans for giving her some of the best moments of her life before exiting the ring to a thunderous ovation.
Marella followed up the moment by announcing that a Battle Royal would take place at Victory Road to determine a new Knockouts Champion. The final two competitors would then meet later in the show for the title, with Indi Hartwell serving as the special guest referee. One of the entrants in the Battle Royal was NXTs Kelani Jordan, who along with Li Yng Lee, made it to the final two. Jordan and Lee are now set to battle later in the show to crown a new champion.
Were you shocked by Ashs sudden departure from in-ring action? What do you think this means for the future of the Knockouts Division? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
