The fifth wrestler entering the ring during the WWE’s Women’s Royal Rumble was TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace. While it wasn’t the first time a TNA wrestler appeared in the Royal Rumble (Mickie James previously appeared in2022), it was still a surprise.

Currently in her third championship reign in TNA, Grace looked impressive as she laid out several wrestlers. Although she didn’t eliminate anyone, Grace had a few big moments.

Grace has come a long way since the first time I met her in 2013 at Resistance Pro Wrestling in Chicago. At that time, she was a young veteran, still green, but with a lot of potential.

Born in 1996, she was only 17 at the time, but made her pro debut in 2009 at only 13. Still only 27, Grace is at the early part of her prime, with a bright future ahead of her.

In the decade since I first met her, Grace has undergone tremendous changes. She was very athletic and strong back then, but she wasn’t the sculpted powerhouse she is now. Years of dedicated workouts allowed her to pack on muscle and then lean out.

She also worked on her presence, mic skills and every other aspect of her performance. Certainly not an introvert when I met her, she somehow even managed to increase charisma.

Since today is Thursday, known on social media as Throwback Thursday, I thought it would be fun to run the interview I did with Grace in 2013. You can see for yourself a young Grace, in possibly her first recorded interview. You will also see me as Rowdy Johngy Piper, since this was a Halloween-themed show.

For now, Grace remains the Knockouts champ at TNA, but she proved she has the look and talent to hang with the big stars of the WWE. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her with the WWE in the near future.