Ash By Elegance vacates Knockouts title, Kelani Jordan crowned

Ash By Elegance announced at TNA Victory Road last Friday that she is stepping away from in-ring competition and relinquished the TNA Knockouts Championship, and a TNA staff member confirmed the decision stems from legitimate medical issues rather than a storyline. The announcement came during an emotional segment at the live event, and promoters moved quickly to award the vacant title the same night.

Tommy Dreamer, who works in TNA creative and talent relations, said the decision should not be treated as a plot development. "She is no longer physically able to compete, per her statement and that's it. There are HIPAA laws involved and stuff like that. People shouldn't speculate," Dreamer said, adding that vacating the title is further evidence the matter is not a work. He also noted that the timing was especially unfortunate because Ash By Elegance had been positioned for high-profile matches and appeared to be gaining momentum in the promotion.

The Knockouts title had been scheduled to be defended at Victory Road in a match that was canceled after TNA opened an internal investigation into Masha Slamovich over domestic violence allegations. With Ash By Elegance stepping away,...