Kelani Jordan paid tribute to recently released mentor Dana Brooke during NXT No Mercy.
Brooke was released by WWE on September 21st after 10 years with the company despite being heavily involved in a recent NXT storyline that saw her mentoring Kelani Jordan.
The 15-time WWE 24/7 Champion made a surprise return to NXT in June 2023 after seven years on the main roster and was arguably one of the more surprising names to be given their notice last month.
Jordan battled Blair Davenport on the NXT No Mercy pre-show in Bakersfield, California this past Saturday night and paid tribute to her departed mentor by recreating Brooke’s iconic pose.
Brooke took to social media site ‘X’ after the bout to thank her former protege for the tribute:
“That’s my girl @kelani_wwe
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! I might not be there but I’m watching from afar!!! I miss you so much !!! The sky’s the limit my friend & I can’t wait to see you accomplish everything you ever dreamed of! Thx for the tribute.. please continue to rep it strong”
That’s my girl @kelani_wwe 💕 I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! I might not be there but I’m watching from afar!!! I miss you so much !!! The sky’s the limit my friend & I can’t wait to see you accomplish everything you ever dreamed of! Thx for the tribute.. please continue to rep it strong https://t.co/mXEZ9G0Y4E
— Ashley Sebera DB 4eva (@AshleySebera_DB) October 1, 2023
Some believing the departure meant WWE were forced to change booking plans for NXT, whilst Brooke herself had previously given her reaction to her release on in an upbeat post on ‘X’:
“This isn’t THE END… this is moving forward to the next chapter of my fairytale.. a rocky patch In my relationship named WRESTLING- but I promise YOU ALL, I WILL KEEP GOING.. I will never let you down.. I LOVE YOU ALL… the fairytale continues.”
Who Else Did WWE Release In The Recent Roster Cuts?
Dana Brooke was one of over 20 performers cut by WWE following the official completion of the merger with UFC. Other Superstars that have been released since September 21st include:
- Mustafa Ali
- Matt Riddle
- Rick Boogs
- Dolph Ziggler
- Shelton Benjamin
- Riddick Moss
- Emma
- Aliyah
- Top Dolla
- Mace
- Mansoor
- Elias
- Shanky
- Dabba Kato
A full list of recent WWE releases can be found here.