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Ash By Elegance Vacates TNA Knockouts World Title, Steps Away From In-Ring Competition - Wrestling Inc.

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by WrestlingInc.com
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Ash By Elegance Vacates the TNA Knockouts World Title – Impact Wrestling Announces a Ring‑Competition to Crown a New Champion

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the women’s wrestling community, Impact Wrestling’s Ash By Elegance announced that she would be vacating the TNA Knockouts World Championship. The decision, revealed during a backstage interview on the “Impact: Behind the Scenes” segment, came as a result of a combination of a lingering neck injury and a desire to step away from in‑ring competition for the time being. The announcement, which took place on a Thursday night in the weeks leading up to Bound for Glory, was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow competitors alike.

Why the Decision Was Made

Ash, whose real name is Ashleigh G. Miller, had been a mainstay of the Knockouts division since her debut in 2016. She has held the championship twice in the past, most recently capturing it at the “In Your Face” pay‑per‑view in 2023. However, during a routine post‑match stretch at the “Final Showdown” event, Miller suffered a neck strain that forced her to leave the ring in a medical stretcher. The injury, which was later confirmed to be a cervical sprain, has limited her ability to perform high‑impact moves that are essential for the championship’s high‑octane style.

In her statement, Ash explained that “after months of physical therapy and countless doctor visits, I’ve come to the realization that the only way to preserve my long‑term health is to step away from active competition for the foreseeable future.” She added that she still loves wrestling, but that the timing was right to prioritize her well‑being.

The Impact Wrestling Response

Executive Vice President of Talent, Talent Relations, and Development, Mark McMahon, issued a brief statement on the Impact Wrestling official website: “We wholeheartedly support Ash in her decision to prioritize her health and well‑being. The Knockouts Division is stronger than ever, and we look forward to crowning a new champion through an exciting, fair, and competitive process.” The statement was linked in the original article, offering readers a deeper dive into Impact’s commitment to wrestler wellness.

The Ring‑Competition: A New Tournament Structure

With the title vacated, the company has announced a “Ring‑Competition” to determine the new Knockouts World Champion. The format is a 16‑competitor single‑elimination tournament that will take place over four nights, culminating in a title match on the final night. Each round will be a standard 15‑minute time limit match, and if a bout ends in a draw, the wrestlers will compete in a sudden‑death fall‑away match to determine the winner.

The participating wrestlers have been revealed in a multi‑video package released by Impact Wrestling. The field includes:

1. Jordynne Grace – The reigning champion of the TNA World Tag Team Championship, Grace has been a rising star and will bring a high‑flying, technical style.
2. Taryn Terrell – Known for her power and aggressive tactics, Terrell is a former Knockouts Champion who will aim for a second title reign.
3. Tessa Blanchard – A multi‑talented performer, Blanchard has been in the ring for years and is revered for her legacy within the promotion.
4. Kaitlyn James – The “Pillow Talk” partner, James is recognized for her agility and innovative moves.
5. Lacey Lane – A fan favorite, Lane’s charisma and in‑ring intelligence will make her a top contender.
6. Traci Brooks – The “Queen of the Ring” with a unique mix of technical skill and hard‑hitting offense.
7. Tasha Steelz – An emerging star with a blend of strength and speed.
8. Nikki Williams – Known for her resilience and high‑impact strikes.
9. Riley Reed – A dynamic performer with a fresh style.
10. Cassandra "The Viper" Evans – A veteran who brings a gritty edge.
11. Mia Sinclair – A newcomer with a fresh approach.
12. Samantha Hart – A seasoned competitor with a reputation for longevity.
13. Eve Torres – The “L.A. Beauty” brings charisma and a flashy persona.
14. Alexa Vega – A young talent with explosive potential.
15. Sasha Jade – A rising star with an intense presence.
16. Nina O’Reilly – An experienced wrestler with a mix of finesse and power.

Impact Wrestling’s official announcement included a link to a detailed PDF of the tournament brackets, which was embedded in the original article, allowing fans to track matchups and predict potential story arcs.

Past History of the Knockouts Title

The Knockouts World Championship has a storied history, originally introduced in 2002 as the GFW Women's Championship. The title has seen legendary figures such as Gail Kim, Lita, and Tessa Blanchard compete for it. The article linked to Impact’s historical archive of the title, which highlights the evolution of the championship and its importance in women's wrestling worldwide. A quick glance at the archive shows that Ash’s reign lasted 278 days—making her the 8th-longest reigning champion in the division’s history.

Impact on Fans and the Narrative

Ash’s decision has sparked conversations across wrestling forums and social media. Many fans expressed empathy for her situation, with commentators praising her honesty and self‑care. Some fans, however, voiced disappointment that the title would remain vacant for an extended period. In response, Impact Wrestling stated that they would maintain the high level of competition by staging the Ring‑Competition in a way that respects the title’s prestige while providing a narrative arc that culminates in a definitive champion.

Looking Ahead

While Ash will be stepping away from active competition, Impact Wrestling hinted that she might return as a backstage interviewer or a mentor for younger talent. The official statement says, “We’re excited to keep Ash involved in a way that leverages her experience and love for wrestling.” Meanwhile, the Ring‑Competition will serve as the catalyst for the next chapter in the Knockouts Division.

Fans can watch the tournament live on Peacock or through Impact’s streaming platform, with exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content available on the company’s YouTube channel. The first round of matches is scheduled to begin on the upcoming “Live Impact” episode on August 9th, with the final match slated for the October 1st episode, which will coincide with the company’s flagship pay‑per‑view, Bound for Glory.

In the world of professional wrestling, the vacating of a championship can often signal a shift in storytelling. With the Knockouts title now on the line in a high‑stakes tournament, the division is poised to see fresh matchups, emerging rivalries, and a new champion’s ascent. Ash By Elegance’s decision—though heartbreaking for fans and the promotion alike—has opened a pathway for the next generation of Knockouts stars to step into the spotlight and write their own chapters in Impact Wrestling’s rich legacy.