New champion reflects on NXT Heatwave victory: ‘This is why you never burn bridges’

For Ash By Elegance, NXT Heatwave 2025 was a full-circle moment.

The former Dana Brooke captured gold on Sunday night, defeating Jacy Jayne and Masha Slamovich in a triple threat match to become the new TNA Knockouts World Champion. Winning the title at an NXT event holds special significance for Ash given her history with the brand, starting her WWE career at the Performance Center in the early 2010s and later being released by the company in 2023.

Reflecting on her victory, Ash said there were moments in her career where she felt like giving up — but she was determined to prove herself:

  • Wow… so many emotions- so many tears… years of dedication… & I had many fears!! Sometimes I felt like giving up & not knowing if I should keep going! BUT I had to prove it to myself… I CAN.. I WILL & I WANT TOO! Haters can say what they want… but NOTHING or NO ONE will rain on my parade!!! This title came FULL circle … I started in NXT in 2012.. not knowing anything about wrestling… not knowing anyone in the business…& I ended my WWE career in an NXT ring in September 2023!

Ash said this moment is proof why you should never burn bridges — because you never know how things are going to play out in the future. She dedicated her win to anyone who has felt like giving up on something but decided to push forward instead:

  • I couldn’t make this up in my wildest dreams… this is why you never burn bridges… you never know how this crazy life works… I had the opportunity to capture a title back in the WWE/NXT ring with a company that BELIEVED in me and took a chance! I took a chance on myself… I made a promise to myself that I will pull out ALL THE stops to become the TNA CHAMPION in a ring I use to call HOME, NXT!!! I may not be the best wrestler… but no wrestler IN THIS WORLD has the drive, the hunger, and the passion as I do!!! This is the Ultimate story… this title isn’t just for me… it’s for everyone out there that felt like giving up at something but kept their head in the right mind-space and know it is possible! Learn it from me… whether you LOVE ME or HATE ME… this is a message for everyone out there… NEVER GIVE UP… TOMORROW IS NEVER PROMISED!!! – Ash

Ash has been under contract with TNA since January 2024 and leads a faction called The Elegance Brand, featuring Heather By Elegance (Heather Reckless), M By Elegance (Maggie Lee), and their personal concierge (George Iceman). She’s made appearances for NXT through TNA’s close working relationship with WWE.

The Elegance Brand are the current Knockouts Tag Team Champions in TNA as well.