Kendal Grey heads into WWE NXT Heatwave with the NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kelani Jordan, but the champion is still dealing with the right ear injury she suffered earlier this month.
The injury happened on the August 4 episode of NXT during an Underground Match against Lola Vice. Grey was thrown into the steel steps and suffered a significant cut to her ear, requiring medical attention during the bout. The champion fought through and defeated Vice by submission.
The following week, when Grey offered Jordan a title opportunity, Wren Sinclair revealed that doctors still hadn’t cleared Grey to compete. That didn’t stop the champion from accepting the match for Heatwave.
Grey returned to action on August 18, still wearing protection on her ear. Jordan targeted the injury directly, attacking the area and once again sending Grey into the steel steps during a tag team match.
On this week’s NXT, WWE provided a new update. Grey has finally been medically cleared to compete, but was warned that the ear tissue hasn’t fully healed and that further impact could aggravate the injury. Despite the warning, Grey made clear that defending the NXT Women’s Championship remains her top priority.
The situation only adds to the pressure on the champion. Jordan already holds a singles victory over Grey from the May 12 episode of NXT, though that result came with the benefit of a distraction caused by a ringside commotion.