WWE's rising superstar Kiana James recently sat down with TMZ's Inside The Ring ahead of the Women's Elimination Chamber match in what she described as her first major interview outside of WWE's own coverage — and she made clear this moment is anything but accidental.
These kinds of matches can change the trajectory of your career," James said. "You can go from the path you're on and then go straight to WrestleMania. So just having eyes on the prize and really being focused on the opportunity is what's getting me through this week.
The Blueprint Was Always the Plan
James has spent the past few months at ringside as a manager alongside WWE Women's United States Champion Giulia. However, she pushed back on any suggestion that the role was passive. She's been cataloguing weaknesses the entire time.
My mindset going into any match, whether I'm competing or ringside with Giulia, is analyzing the situation and being three steps ahead," James said.
"I've been able to be ringside and get to study all of these women — they've almost given me a blueprint. I've seen their strengths, I've seen their weaknesses. And although it may look like I'm just a little cheerleader, I'm taking notes and using everything I've gathered to make strategic decisions for myself in the ring. Every move is calculated — analyzing risk versus reward and capitalizing on whatever opportunity, by any means necessary.
James returned from a lengthy injury absence and has since been building momentum heading into this match.
Using the Chamber Structure as a Weapon
She's already done the tactical breakdown on the match environment itself — the cage, the pods, everything inside the structure.
The landscape of the Elimination Chamber is something so unique," James said. "You have the cage, you have the pods — there's so many things my mind's going to that I can work with: using them as a weapon, using them to my advantage. And then looking at my opponents — you have all different types of women, all different types of athletes in there — looking at their strengths and weaknesses and where I can attack the low-hanging fruit and really capitalize.
She also noted that her film study has extended beyond the women's division, adding that there's plenty to learn from the men's Elimination Chamber matches as well.
There's a lot we can learn from the men," she said. "I've been on the study kick this week, watching all the old Elimination Chambers and really honing in on what my strategy is.
Already Looking at Jade Cargill
If James wins the Chamber, she has a clear target in mind for WrestleMania 42. Jade Cargill currently holds the Women's Championship heading into the spring, and James says she's already done her homework.
The competitive edge that I have is right up here," James said, tapping her head. "I've been studying — watching her strengths, weaknesses, what are her go-tos, how does she work in the ring. If I went into that match, I'm definitely prepared and I have some tricks in my handbag that I'd be more than ready to get after it with Jade.
The Women's Elimination Chamber match takes place February 28th at the United Center in Chicago.
