Jordynne Grace has been officially named the special guest referee for the women’s multi-competitor elimination match at the upcoming NXT vs. TNA Showdown special. The announcement was made on Saturday by NXT General Manager Ava. The event, which highlights the ongoing partnership between the two professional wrestling promotions, is scheduled to air live this Tuesday, October 7.
The appointment was made in direct response to a public statement from Grace posted to social media earlier on Saturday. In a video addressed to both Ava and TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella, Grace voiced her objection to being excluded from the event’s card. She asserted that her contributions were foundational to the crossover, stating, “There is no ‘NXTNA’ without Jordynne Grace… There is no Showdown without me setting the stage for it two years ago.” Grace concluded by insisting that the two authority figures needed to “fix this.”
Grace has been a central figure in the collaboration between TNA and WWE’s NXT brand. Her involvement includes a surprise appearance in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match and a subsequent challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship against Roxanne Perez at the NXT Battleground event in May 2024. These high-profile appearances helped establish the formal working relationship that has led to the upcoming Showdown special, lending context to her claims of being integral to the partnership.
Later on Saturday, NXT General Manager Ava issued a video response acknowledging Grace’s role in the inter-promotional activities. “Alright, Jordynne, you’re right,” Ava stated. “I don’t think that there would be this NXT/TNA crossover partnership without everything that you’ve done.” Agreeing that Grace should be part of the show, Ava officially appointed her to the role of special guest referee for the women’s elimination match, while also asking that Grace remain professional, noting her history with some of the participants.
The Showdown special will air in NXT’s usual television slot on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on The CW. With Grace officiating, the women’s match will feature Team NXT, composed of Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and Lola Vice, taking on Team TNA, which includes captain Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sade. Grace had specifically criticized the selection of Jordan as team captain, adding another layer of potential conflict to her role as referee in the upcoming encounter.
Here is the updated Showdown card:
- TNA vs. NXT Survivor Series Men’s Match: Team NXT (Ricky Starks, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, and Je’Von Evans) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater)
- TNA vs. NXT Survivor Series Women’s Match (Jordynne Grace as guest referee): Team NXT (Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and Lola Vice) vs. Team TNA (Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sade)
- NXT Tag Team Title vs. TNA Tag Team Title Match: Darkstate vs. The Hardys
- NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
- Joe Hendry will appear
HUGE PROBLEM !!! @avawwe_ @milanmiracle @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/SgME7bbtnV
— Jordynne Grace (@JordynneGrace) October 3, 2025
