NXT Women's Iron Survivor Kendal Grey experienced what she described as a "full circle moment" when she learned John Cena had personally selected her to compete in the 2025 Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.
Speaking on Busted Open with WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, the EVOLVE Women's Champion opened up about the surreal experience of going from a childhood Cena fan to being handpicked by the 17-time world champion for one of NXT's most prestigious matches.
It was like speechless. Like what, first off when I knew that John Cena was talking about me and watching my work, it was like scary but also like validating," Grey said.
"Like I am working hard and people are seeing that and it's like a full circle moment because my dad and I and my older brother like used to watch WWE. My dad actually took us to some Smackdown events. I have a picture when I was like 8 years old with a 'you can't see me' chain.
Grey continued, emphasizing the magnitude of going from fan to selected competitor:
So knowing that I went from the kid that used to watch John Cena to having John Cena pick me to be in the Iron Survivor match was like a full circle moment and it's just insane to even think about.
What John Cena Sees in Kendal Grey
When asked what she believes Cena saw in her that led to the selection, Grey demonstrated remarkable self-awareness about her unique qualities as a performer.
I would like to say that he sees like my grittiness and I am a smaller girl and I think no one would expect the amount of aggression, intensity, and grittiness that I have that I bring in the ring," she explained.
"And I think that hopefully he's seen that over the last couple, you know, matches I've had on NXT or on Evolve and he sees like, 'Wow, this girl has it.' Like she has something that she can bring to the table.
Grey's belief in herself proved well-founded as she won the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge with just two seconds remaining, securing a title match against NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jayne at New Year's Evil on January 6.
