Kiana James, a rising star in WWE, made a significant career shift by leaving her corporate job to pursue wrestling full-time. At just 28 years old, she decided to follow her passion for the sport, supported by her husband, fellow WWE star Zach Klingensmith.
After working in corporate America, James enrolled in the prestigious Flatbacks Wrestling School in Forest City, Florida, which was established by renowned wrestlers Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze. In an exclusive interview, James shared her determination: “I was going to become a WWE superstar and I was going to put the work in until that happened.”
James’s diverse background includes experience as a competitive gymnast and dancer. She explained how these elements contribute to her wrestling persona. “I have love for the energy of a crowd,” she stated. “The acrobatics, the athleticism, the competition, it just blends it all.”
Her husband played a crucial role in her decision to leave her stable job and pursue wrestling. “I decided, ‘Hey, I want to be a WWE superstar,’ and he was like, ‘Let’s quit our jobs. I believe in you,’” James recalled. Klingensmith quit his job and moved to Orlando to support her ambitions, showcasing a deep commitment to her dreams. The couple married in January 2022.
Following her debut on WWE Raw in June 2024, James faced a setback with a leg injury that sidelined her for over a year. Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a triple threat match against established stars Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax, securing a spot in the upcoming women’s Elimination Chamber match.
The Elimination Chamber, scheduled for February 28, 2025, will take place at the United Center in Chicago. James will compete alongside formidable opponents, including Alexa Bliss, Tiffany Stratton, Asuka, Rhea Ripley, and Raquel Rodriguez, with a championship match at WrestleMania 42 on the line.
In preparation for this high-stakes match, James has been focusing on both physical training and strategy. “I always like to say, ‘Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,’” she noted. She is also watching past Elimination Chamber matches to gain insights for her performance. “I could take from that or ‘That’s really cool,’” she added, demonstrating her analytical approach.
The upcoming event represents a pivotal moment in James’s career, combining her passion for wrestling with her competitive spirit. As she prepares to step into the Chamber, her journey serves as an inspiration for others pursuing their dreams, illustrating the power of dedication and support within personal relationships.
