Jump to content

Awesome Kong

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the male wrestler who appeared in WCW, see Colossal Kongs.
Awesome Kong
Kong in 2014
Birth nameKia Michelle Stevens
Born (1977-09-04) September 4, 1977 (age 47)
Carson, California, U.S.[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Amazing Kong
Awesome Kong
Kharma[2][3]
Margaret[4]
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[5][6]
Billed weight273 lb (124 kg)[5][6]
Billed fromTokyo, Japan[6]
Trained byInoki Dojo
Noah Denker[7]
DebutOctober 20, 2002[7]
RetiredAugust 28, 2021

Kia Michelle Stevens (born September 4, 1977) is an American actress and semi-retired professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with TNA Wrestling under the ring name Awesome Kong. She also worked with Ring of Honor (ROH), Shimmer Women Athletes, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and with WWE under the ring name Kharma.

Stevens began her professional wrestling career in 2002 after appearing on a reality television show. For the first five years of her career, she primarily wrestled in Japan and held numerous championships there. In 2006, she began wrestling in her native United States again, wrestling on the independent circuit before appearing on national television with TNA, where she was a driving force in the foundation of their Knockouts division. During her time with TNA, she became a two-time TNA Knockouts Champion and one-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion with Hamada. She later signed with WWE, where she became the third woman to enter the men's Royal Rumble match in 2012, and she began making appearances for then-upstart AEW towards the end of the decade.[8]

Stevens was ranked first in the inaugural list of Pro Wrestling Illustrated's PWI Women's 100 in 2008.[9] She retired from professional wrestling in 2021 and was subsequently inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. As an actress, she is best known for playing Tammé "The Welfare Queen" Dawson in the wrestling-themed Netflix original comedy series GLOW.[10]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Kia Stevens[11] was inspired to become a professional wrestler by Amy Dumas, known during her WWE career as Lita.[12] In 2002, Stevens appeared on the Discovery Health Body Challenge as a contestant trying to lose weight in hopes of becoming a professional wrestler.[13] Afterwards, Stevens trained at the School of Hard Knocks out of San Bernardino, California.[7][14] Soon, she was able to have her first professional match in the Empire Wrestling Federation.[7] Stevens also auditioned for Tough Enough 2, a competition in which the winner earned a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) contract, but failed her audition after Jim Ross told her that she was "too fat." After being signed to WWE in 2010, Stevens defended Ross, stating that "If [Ross] hadn't shot from the hip all those years ago, I wouldn't have had the fire to succeed as much as I did."[15]

Japanese promotions (2002–2007)

[edit]

After putting on an impressive showing at a tryout, Stevens was invited to further her training in the dojo of joshi puroresu (female Japanese wrestling) promotion All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling (AJW).[7][14] While there she underwent a rigorous training schedule, became fluent in Japanese, and engaged in training for mixed martial arts but chose to pursue professional wrestling.[14] She was given the ring name Amazing Kong by Masatsugu Matsunaga, who needed a replacement for Japanese female wrestler Aja Kong in several matches.[16] Stevens, as Kong, worked for multiple women's promotions in Japan, and she defeated Ayako Hamada for the WWWA World Single Championship in late 2004.[7] Later, Stevens cited Hamada as one of her favorite opponents.[16]

In 2004 Kong debuted for the joshi promotion Gaea Japan in a match against Aja Kong. At the promotion's ninth anniversary event Aja Kong won the match but gained enough respect for Amazing Kong that the two attacked both competitors in the main event, revealing themselves as a new tag team named W Kong.[17] The duo soon made their presence felt when they challenged Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka for the AAAW Tag Team Championship on May 5 and won.[18] The team defended the championship successfully all Summer, eventually losing to Manami Toyota and Carlos Amano on September 20.[19] Going into 2005, Kong main evented the final Gaea show before the promotion closed down. In the final match of Fifth Anniversary, Kong teamed with Ayako Hamada and Mayumi Ozaki in a winning effort against Akino, Dynamite Kansai and Gami with Ayako picking up the victory.[20]

After the closure of Gaea, W Kong went on to wrestle for a number of Japanese promotions including Hustle, where they were given the comedic gimmicks of Margaret and Erika which involved, among other things, wrestling in a yellow tutu.[14] They won the predominantly male Hustle Super Tag Team Championship from June until October 2006.[7][21] They were also the final team to hold WWWA World Tag Team Championship before AJW shut down.[14] In early 2007, Kong also won the AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Women's Championship in Tokyo, Japan and held it from January to May.[7] She lost it to Nanae Takahashi in a three-way match, which also included Wesna.[22]

Shimmer Women Athletes

[edit]

Championship pursuits (2006–2010)

[edit]

Her success in Japan attracted the attention of United States promotion Shimmer Women Athletes, who began regularly booking her for their DVD tapings in Kong's homeland from May 2006. Her debut came on Volume 5 with a win against Nikki Roxx.[23] She defeated Roxx again on Volume 14: Hot Summer Nights in a rematch.[24] The rematch was Kong's fifth successive win which led her to challenge for the Shimmer Championship in October 2007 against inaugural champion Sara Del Rey, for the Volume 15 taping. Del Rey retained to give Kong her first Shimmer loss, albeit via count out.[25]

Kong then began another winning streak, losing only to Ariel by disqualification after using a chair on Volume 17 which set back her chances of being given another championship match. She was placed in a Four-Way Contendership match on Volume 21; during the match Mercedes Martinez used her Fisherman Buster finisher on Cheerleader Melissa but before she could be pinned, Kong dragged Martinez to the floor and the two battled it out while Ariel stole the win to receive a championship match.[26] This incident led to a grudge match between Martinez and Kong on Volume 23, which Kong won.[27] On the following show, instead of a Shimmer Championship match, Kong was put in a contendership match for the Shimmer Tag Team Championship, forming a brief alliance of convenience with Del Rey, who herself was having issues with their opponents MelissChif (Cheerleader Melissa and Shimmer Champion MsChif). After winning the match,[28] they faced the reigning champions Ashley Lane and Nevaeh in the following match, and once again Kong was disqualified after using chairs on her opponents. An assault continued until Martinez and Serena Deeb, who was feuding with Del Rey, appeared to help out the Tag Team Champions. This occurrence led to another tag team match with Kong and Del Rey picking up a victory over Martinez and Deeb.[29]

Wanting to focus on her singles career again, Kong wrestled LuFisto on Volume 27 in a match to take on the Shimmer Champion. It ended in a double count-out, with the two brawling outside the ring through the building and even during the next match in the show. This meant the championship match on Volume 28, in November 2009, would be a three-way elimination match including the champion MsChif.[30] Kong eliminated LuFisto early on with an Amazing Bomb, essentially leading to a rematch of Kong and MsChif's critically respected Volume 9 match.[31][32] In this match, however, MsChif took a return win after kicking out of the Amazing Bomb and delivering all of her signature finishing moves on Kong to become the first woman to pin Kong in Shimmer.[30] She appeared for one more appearance in September 2010 for the Volume 35 event, answering an open challenge by Kellie Skater with an emphatic victory.[33]

Ring of Honor (2007, 2010)

[edit]

Owing to Shimmer being a promotional partner of Ring of Honor (ROH), Kong was noticed by ROH and scouted to appear on both products. On 15 September 2007 she made her debut for ROH at their Man Up pay-per-view (PPV). Teaming with Daizee Haze in a tag team match, they defeated Sara Del Rey and Lacey.[34]

Kong returned to ROH on May 8, 2010, to take part in the promotion's annual Supercard of Honor V. Once more she wrestled Del Rey, this time in a singles match which she lost after Del Rey used a weighted elbow pad thrown to her by Kings of Wrestling stablemate Chris Hero, sparking a rivalry between the two.[35] Kong returned to settle the score with Del Rey two months later at Hate: Chapter II on July 23. The Kings of Wrestling were in the midst of a rivalry with The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark), and so Kong teamed with them in a six-person tag team match, where they defeated Del Rey, Hero and their stablemate Claudio Castagnoli, though Kong did not secure the pin. Consequently, they had a singles rematch the following night, with Kong finally defeating Del Rey one-on-one.[36][37] At the end of the year, ROH held their live PPV Final Battle 2010, which saw Del Rey challenge Daizee Haze to bring more competition to ROH. Haze responded by bringing Kong back for the December 18 match against Del Rey and her partner Serena Deeb. In the match Del Rey pinned Haze, while Deeb successfully neutralized Kong with a spear.[38]

Independent circuit (2007–2010)

[edit]
Amazing Kong wrestling for the National Wrestling Alliance in 2010

After growing success in Shimmer, Kong began appearing on the American independent circuit bringing with her the AWA World Women's Championship from Japan. She put it on the line in a champion versus champion match against MsChif's NWA World Women's Championship on May 5, 2007, becoming a joint champion with her win.[7][39] A rematch between the two in September, exclusively for the NWA belt after Kong lost the AWA title in May, headlined the NWA No Limits 3rd Anniversary Show which saw Kong retain the title.[40] Kong defended the belt in a number of promotions throughout the year but 11 months later, in April 2008, MsChif won back the title via countout under a special stipulation to retain Kong's stature.[41] The following year, Kong once again challenged for the NWA World Championship at NWA Charlotte's Valentine's Day themed inaugural show, Thorns & Roses, in the penultimate match of the evening. With Daffney in her corner, MsChif and saved herself from the Awesome Bomb by using her green mist, disqualifying herself to retain the belt in the process.[42]

In June 2007, Kong toured Great Britain under the ChickFight promotion, wrestling guest matches under that banner for other promotions. The tour started on June 15 in Wales for Celtic Wrestling, where she picked up a victory over ChickFight stalwart Cheerleader Melissa.[43] The following day Kong debuted for Real Quality Wrestling (RQW) and took part in a Four-Way RQW Women's Championship match, that saw Wesna win the belt from reigning champion Eden Black, with Jetta also coming up winless.[44] The following day Kong competed in Chickfight IX, the ninth and final all-women knockout tournament under the ChickFight banner. She received a bye via forfeit, owing to a severe injury Cheerleader Melissa had given her opponent Sweet Saraya at RQW the night before, which allowed her to be fresh against Blue Nikita. After defeating Nikita in the semi-final, she faced dethroned RQW Champion Eden Black and won the trophy.[45]

After achieving notoriety on national television, Kong received more bookings including for the all-female company Women Superstars Uncensored in March 2008. She appeared at their First Anniversary Show answering an open challenge made by Rick Cataldo and Roxxie Cotton, defeating them both in a handicap match within a minute. Later in the same event she teamed with Amy Lee and defeated Angel Orsini and Shimmer rival Mercedes Martinez. Despite picking up the victory, Kong felt that Lee stole the glory of a win from her and went to attack Lee; this led to an Amy Lee's Rules match in the main event of Dawn of a New Day which Kong won after Lee passed out, refusing to submit. The two had a rematch at Army of One which Kong lost by disqualification after hitting a referee leading to a deciding rubber match contested under Last Man Standing rules. At the Second Anniversary Show, Kong narrowly beat Amy Lee after charging at Lee with a chair only for Lee to pass out to the ground and Kong to hit the ropes and knock the chair back into herself. Judging Lee to have been down one count before Kong, Kong won the match but bowed to Lee afterwards out of respect.[46]

After winning this match, Kong was given a match against Martinez for the WSU Championship in December 2009 at a WSU and National Wrestling Superstars co-hosted event.[46] Kong received another chance at the title at Evolve 5: Danielson v Sawa for the Evolve promotion but still could not bring an end to Martinez's two-year reign.[citation needed]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

[edit]

Knockout Champion (2007–2009)

[edit]
Awesome Kong (right) with her manager Raisha Saeed

Stevens debuted on the October 11, 2007 episode of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s flagship show Impact! under her original name "Amazing Kong" which would be later tweaked to "Awesome Kong" as part of TNA's attempt to bolster their Knockout division. After defeating Gail Kim,[7] Kong participated at the Bound for Glory PPV. There she took part in a 10-Knockout Gauntlet match to crown the first TNA Women's Knockout Champion but she was eliminated by the combined effort of Angelina Love, ODB and eventual winner Gail Kim.[47] Two months later at Turning Point, she lost a Women's Knockout Championship match to Kim via disqualification after shoving the referee and Awesome Bombing him.[48] This incident led to a No Disqualification match for the Women's Knockout Championship at Final Resolution in January 2008, which Kong also lost.[7] On the next episode of Impact!, airing 10 January, Kong debuted an anonymous manager wearing a niqāb, later named Raisha Saeed; with her help Kong finally won the Women's Knockout Championship.[7] At Lockdown, Kong and Saeed teamed up for the first time, losing a Tag Team Cage match to Kim and ODB.[49]

On the 8 May episode of Impact! Kong began a regular $25,000 challenge to females in the audience who wanted to challenge her for the Women's Knockout Championship. The audience members, played by planted wrestlers, failed to defeat her but one challenger, Taylor Wilde, kept returning and on 10 July she won both the $25,000 and Women's Knockout Championship on her third attempt.[7][50] Kong then failed to regain the championship from Wilde during a rematch at Victory Road.[51] On October 23, during a live episode of Impact! Kong defeated Wilde to become a two-time Knockout Champion.[7] Two weeks later Wilde's tag team partner Rhaka Khan turned on her and aligned herself with Kong and Saeed.[52] The alliance of Kong, Saeed and Khan became known as The Kongtourage, with a fourth wrestler named Sojourner Bolt joining later.[53] Wilde then found a new partner in Roxxi, who helped her defeat Kong and Saeed in a tag team match at Turning Point.[54] Going into 2009, Bolt became the contender for Kong's championship and left the Kongtourage with Khan.[55][56] Kong retained her title against Bolt at Destination X in April.[57]

Kong having her hair cut during her rivalry with The Beautiful People

On the March 26 episode of Impact!, Kong and Saeed were defeated by villainous tag team The Beautiful People (Angelina Love and Velvet Sky), and after the match The Beautiful People tried to cut Kong's hair as part of their makeover gimmick.[58] They continued to target Kong's hair and eventually accomplished the task on the April 16 episode of Impact! which transitioned Kong into a fan favorite by attempting to retaliate.[7] The tension built to a Three-Way Cage match at Lockdown for the Women's Knockout Championship with Kong defending against Angelina Love and continual rival Wilde. In the match, Kong lost the championship after Velvet Sky, on the outside, tied Kong's hair to the cage preventing her from breaking up Love's pin on Wilde.[59] After losing the title, Kong defeated Love's allies Sky, Madison Rayne and Cute Kip in separate Stretcher matches ahead of their rematch.[7] Love, however, retained the title against Kong at Sacrifice.[7]

Knockouts Tag Team Champion (2009–2010)

[edit]

In August 2009 Kong and Saeed entered the tournament to crown the inaugural TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions. In the first round of the tournament, the team was able to defeat The Main Event Mafia (Traci Brooks and Sharmell) after Saeed blind tagged Kong and pinned Brooks, much to Kong's dismay.[60] Three weeks later they were eliminated from the tournament by their long term rival Taylor Wilde and her partner Sarita when Wilde pinned Saeed.[61] Subsequently, Kong began rivalries with Tara and Knockout Champion ODB. At Bound for Glory, Kong had her last match for the Knockout Championship against Tara and ODB, but Saeed inadvertently cost Kong the match while interfering.[62] On the following episode of Impact! Kong faced Saeed in a grudge match and powerbombed her through the entrance stage, signalling the end of both their partnership and the Saeed character.[63] After interfering in two of Tara's matches, Kong and Tara wrestled at Turning Point in a Cage match, which Tara won.[64]

On the December 17 episode of Impact! Kong formed a tag team with Hamada as they won a three-way non-title match against The Beautiful People (Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky) and the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions Taylor Wilde and Sarita, when Kong pinned Rayne.[65] On the first Impact! episode of 2010, Kong and Hamada defeated Sarita and Wilde to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship.[66]

In a non-storyline incident Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on his January 19 radio show that Stevens had attacked him while backstage for the tapings of Impact! the previous day due to his negative comments concerning the Haiti earthquake relief project. Kong, who had been a driving force in the wrestling community in raising funds for Haiti, was reportedly sent home from the tapings following the altercation.[67] It was later reported that the same day as Bubba's radio show, Stevens asked for her release from TNA, but it was not granted.[68] After she refused to take part in TNA's January 2010 tour of the United Kingdom, the company suspended her.[69] The following month, Stevens filed a lawsuit against Bubba for an alleged threatening phone call.[70] She was reportedly released from TNA on March 1.[71] On the March 8 episode of Impact! it was announced that Kong and Hamada were stripped of the Knockouts Tag Team title after allegedly failing to defend them in 30 days,[72] even though their previous defense had taken place just 21 days prior, against Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky.[73] On March 22, TNA confirmed Stevens' release, while also claiming that she had requested her release for personal reasons, but she later said it was due to monetary issues and recent changes to TNA management.[74][75]

In March 2013, Stevens turned down an offer to take part in a special all Knockouts pay-per-view held by TNA.[76]

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2010–2012)

[edit]

On December 29, 2010, it was reported that Stevens had signed a contract with WWE.[77][78] From April 11, 2011, onwards, vignettes aired during WWE television with Stevens, whose face was concealed by shadows and her signature braids, dismembering female dolls while cackling maniacally.[79] During the April 25 episode of Raw, Stevens' face was shown for the first time in the vignettes, and her new ring name was revealed as Kharma.[3] Kharma made her debut on May 1 at Extreme Rules, attacking Michelle McCool after a match,[80] and she continued to attack former WWE Divas Champions on both Raw and SmackDown in the following weeks.[81][82] On the May 23 episode of Raw, Kharma interrupted a tag team match but rather than attack everyone, she uncharacteristically broke down crying.[83]

The following week, Kharma spoke for the first time to reveal she was pregnant and thus forced to take a leave of absence from WWE.[84] During her absence, she was included as a downloadable playable character in the WWE '12 video game.[85]

Kharma made a surprise return in the 2012 Royal Rumble match as the twenty-first entrant. She intimidated Michael Cole into eliminating himself before eliminating Hunico only to be thrown out by Dolph Ziggler. With her entrance, she became the third female, after Chyna and Beth Phoenix, to participate in a men's Royal Rumble match. This also marked her first and only official WWE match.[8] In July 2012, Stevens confirmed that she had been released by WWE.[86] On August 19, she was added to the list of the playable characters on the main roster in the WWE '13 video game.[87] In September 2013, Stevens revealed that she had been released because she was not ready to return in the time allotted to her. She also confirmed her interest in returning to the company, stating she was ready.[88]

Return to the independent circuit and Japan (2012–2016)

[edit]

In early November, it was reported that Stevens (again under the "Amazing Kong" gimmick) would be appearing at a Shine event on November 16, 2012, as the mystery partner of Jazz in a tag team match against Mercedes Martinez and Rain. At the event, Kong and Jazz defeated Martinez and Rain after Kong pinned Rain.[89] On January 18, 2013, Kong defeated D'Arcy Dixon, Nikki St. John and Thunderkitty in a four-way match to win the vacant Resistance Pro Wrestling Women's Championship.[90] On March 8, Kong returned to Chikara, losing to Eddie Kingston in an intergender main event.[91][92] Stevens has also wrestled for PWS Bombshells (as Amazing Kong) in early to mid-2013, defeating Amy Lee in consecutive matches.[93]

On April 6, 2013, Kong returned to Shimmer at the Volume 53 internet pay-per-view, defeating Mia Yim in the opening match.[94] The Amazing Kong returned to Shine event on July 12, 2013, in a losing effort to Ivelisse in a four way to qualify for Shine Championship tournament among the participants were Angelina Love and Kimberly. Then at Shine 12 on August 23, 2013, she defeated Mercedes Martinez in a singles match. On September 27, 2013, Kong and Jessicka Havok were in a losing effort against Allysin Kay and Ivelisse. On October 25, 2013, she defeated Madison Eagles in a singles match and later in the night she was announced the next challenger for the Shine Championship.[citation needed] On December 13, 2013, she was defeated by Rain for the Shine Championship by count-out. On January 24, 2014, she defeated Taylor Made and on Shine 18 Kong defeated Nikki Storm and Shine 19 she defeated Athena.[citation needed] On August 22, 2014, Kong was part of a #1 contender four corner survival match to challenge Ivelisse for the Shine Championship the other participants in the match were Leah Von Dutch, Su Yung, and Nevaeh. Nevaeh would emerge victorious in the #1 contender match but was unsuccessful on capturing the Shine Championship. On September 21, 2014, Stevens was part of Smash CANUSA Classic where she was captain of Team USA, Stevens would lose in her tournament match against LuFisto who was team captain of team Canada which lead Team Canada victorious.[citation needed]

On August 26, 2015, Kong returned to Japan to work the first ever event of Nanae Takahashi's new Seadlinnng promotion, which saw her and Meiko Satomura lose to Takahashi and Ayako Hamada in a main event tag team match. At the end of the show, Kong reformed the W Kong tag team with Aja Kong.[95] Stevens was supposed to return to take part in Seadlinnng's November 25 event, but on November 22 Takahashi announced that she had pulled out of the match due to "poor health" and claimed she had decided to retire from professional wrestling.[96] Stevens later stated that she had wrestled her final match in Japan and retired the Amazing Kong name, but was for the time being still working as Awesome Kong.[97]

Despite her previous announcement that she had wrestled her final match in Japan, Stevens, again working under the name Amazing Kong, returned to the country on July 18, 2016, to work Aja Kong's 30th anniversary event, promoted by Oz Academy. In the main event of the show, Kong teamed with Aja Kong and Ayako Hamada to defeat Chihiro Hashimoto, Hiroyo Matsumoto and Rina Yamashita.[98]

Return to TNA (2015–2016)

[edit]

On January 7, 2015, during Impact Wrestling's debut on Destination America, Awesome Kong returned after a battle royal, had an altercation in the ring with Havok and attacked referee Brian Stiffler.[99] Over the following weeks, tension would build between Kong and Havok, with their feud culminating in a steel cage match on the Lockdown edition of Impact Wrestling on February 6, which Kong won.[100] On the March 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, Kong failed to capture the TNA Knockouts Championship in her match against Taryn Terrell after she got herself disqualified.[101] She received a no disqualification rematch against Terrell on the TKO: Night of Knockouts edition of Impact Wrestling on April 24, which she lost after The Dollhouse (Marti Bell and Jade) attacked Kong.[102] On the May 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, Kong turned face and allied herself with Gail Kim to feud with The Dollhouse. The following week, Kong and Kim were defeated by The Dollhouse in a 3–on–2 handicap match.[103] On the June 17 episode of Impact Wrestling, Kong teamed up with Brooke to defeat The Dollhouse in a "Double or Nothing" tag team match, meaning that Kong and Brooke would face Taryn Terrell for the TNA Knockouts Championship in a three-way match.[104] At Slammiversary XIII, Kong once again teamed with Brooke to defeat The Dollhouse in a 3-on-2 handicap match.[105] Kong and Brooke received their three-way championship match on the July 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, in which Terrell retained the title.[106]

In mid–August, Kong, representing TNA, started a brief feud with Lei'D Tapa, who represented Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling. The two faced off on August 12 in a match, that ended in a double count-out.[107] On the September 16 episode of Impact Wrestling, Kong competed in a fatal–four-way match against Brooke, Gail Kim and Tapa for the TNA Women's Knockout Championship, which Kim would win.[108] At Bound for Glory, Kong received a match against Kim for but was unsuccessful in regaining the championship. During October and November (taped in July), she participated in the TNA World Title Series, where she ended first of her block, tied with Gail Kim, advancing to the finals where she lost to Jessie Godderz.[citation needed]

On January 5, 2016, during Impact Wrestling's debut on Pop, Kong allied with The Dollhouse (Jade, Marti Bell and Rebel) and became their new leader after she attacked The Beautiful People (Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky) and Gail Kim, once again turning heel in the process.[109] On February 5, TNA announced that Stevens had been released from her contract following a backstage real-life physical altercation with Rebecca (Reby) Hardy just a week before TNA's tour in the United Kingdom.[110][111]

Kong returned for one night only at Bound for Glory along with Taryn Terrell, Christy Hemme and Dixie Carter to induct Gail Kim into the TNA Hall of Fame.[citation needed]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2021)

[edit]

On May 25, 2019, Awesome Kong debuted in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a surprise entrant in the women's triple threat match at AEW Double or Nothing, making it a Fatal 4-way match, which she failed to win. On July 13, 2019, she accompanied Brandi Rhodes to the ring at AEW Fight for the Fallen, being face to face with Aja Kong after Rhodes won her match.[112] She began appearing in vignettes showing her alliance with Brandi. During the Full Gear pre-show, after Britt Baker defeated Bea Priestley, Kong and Rhodes made their way to the ring, assaulting Priestley and cutting a lock of her hair with a karambit. Kong then tied it to her gear where other locks of hair were already seen. In the following months, Stevens and Brandi Rhodes formed a stable known as The Nightmare Collective. The group was later joined by Mel and Dr. Luther. Being poorly received by the fans, the angle was dropped in February 2020 after Stevens went on hiatus to film GLOW.[113][114][115] After not appearing on AEW since February 2020, AEW decided not to renew her contract on June 1, 2021.[116]

Retirement and sporadic appearances (2021–2023)

[edit]

On August 28, 2021, she announced her retirement from in-ring competition at NWA EmPowerrr, thus concluding her nearly 20-year career.[117] On October 9 at Knockouts Knockdown, it was announced that Kong will be inducted into the Impact Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory.[118][119] At Bound for Glory on October 23, Gail Kim inducted Kong into the Impact Hall of Fame.[120][121]

Seven years after her last match in Impact Wrestling, Kong made her in ring return to Impact Wrestling during the celebrations of Impact 1000. Taking part in a 10 Knockout Tag Team match where she sealed the victory for her team after pinning Gisele Shaw.

Other media

[edit]

Stevens is a playable character as Kharma in WWE '12 DLC and WWE '13.[citation needed]

Stevens plays Tammé "The Welfare Queen" Dawson in the Netflix original comedy series GLOW from producer Jenji Kohan (creator of Orange Is the New Black), which was inspired by the 1980s female professional wrestling league Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.[citation needed] She also appeared in the third episode of the first season of 2020 Netflix sketch comedy series Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun.

Stevens also made an appearance in Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" music video.[122]

Personal life

[edit]

Stevens grew up in Carson, California. Her mother, Phyllis Durant, was an actress and contestant coordinator for Family Feud.[123] She has a younger brother.[1] Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, she was a social worker[13] and owned a business which put vending machines in high schools.[1] Stevens' family and friends helped her fund her career in wrestling when she went to train in Japan.[1] She has also sold Nu Skin Enterprises, a Multi-level marketing company for skin and nutritional products.[1]

On May 30, 2011, Stevens revealed that she was pregnant with her first child.[124] On December 31, 2011, she suffered a miscarriage.[125] After competing in the 2012 Royal Rumble, false reports claimed that she had given birth to a baby boy named Jamie.[126][127] Stevens revealed the truth about her miscarriage in March.[125]

On August 6, 2012, weeks after she confirmed her WWE release, Stevens stated that she was on a mission to lose weight. She recruited a team of fitness experts and a therapist so she could get back into wrestling shape. She also showed interest into turning the experience into a reality show. Photos from August 2012 revealed a much slimmer Stevens.[128]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Kong is a two-time TNA Knockout Champion

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
1 match 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
By submission 0 0
By decision 0 0
By disqualification 0 0
Unknown 0 0
Draws 0
No contests 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Rika Shimizu TKO (punches) G-Shooto: Wrestle Expo 2006 August 19, 2006 2 1:05 Tokyo, Japan [138]

Filmography

[edit]

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2017–19 GLOW Tammé Dawson Recurring role (Season 1)

Main role (Season 2–3)

2020 Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Herself Guest star, 1 episode ("'Lympics")
2023 Biography: WWE Legends Contributor, 1 episode ("Chyna")

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Oliver, Greg (May 3, 2010). "Awesome Kong believes in herself". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^ Martin, Adam (April 18, 2011). "Report: The name Awesome Kong will use in WWE". WrestleView. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Caldwell, James (April 25, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Raw results live Raw – 2011 WWE Draft, Extreme Rules PPV hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  4. ^ "Amazing Kong". The Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  5. ^ a b "WWE profile". WWE. Archived from the original on May 6, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  6. ^ a b c "Shimmer Roster". Shimmer Women Athletes. Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Oliver, Greg (October 12, 2009). "Awesome Kong". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ a b Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  9. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2008". Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  10. ^ Hatchett, Keisha (June 26, 2017). "GLOW: Kia Stevens Explains Why Her Welfare Queen Gimmick Hit Close to Home". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  11. ^ "Interview with Awesome Kong - Tamme Dawson of 'GLOW' on Netflix | Miami Herald". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  12. ^ Awesome Kong interview. In Your Head Wrestling Radio. 29 November 2007.
  13. ^ a b Champagne, Christine. "Television Reviews for Discovery Health Body Challenge". Out.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2005. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Interview Highlights: TNA's Amazing Kong says she doesn't hear crowd in matches, fan of Austin and Rock". PWTorch. December 3, 2007. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  15. ^ "Kharma addresses fans' criticism of Jim Ross". The Baltimore Sun. June 2, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  16. ^ a b "About Me". AwesomeKong.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  17. ^ "Limit Break April 30th Yoyogi gym". Gaea Japan. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  18. ^ "Junction May 5th Korakuen Hall". Gaea Japan. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  19. ^ "New Energy = September 20, 2004". Gaea Japan. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  20. ^ "GAEA 10th anniversary Yokohama Final Impact April 3rd . Yokohama Bunka Gym". Gaea Japan. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  21. ^ a b 2006年6月17日 ハッスル・エイド 2006 (in Japanese). Hustle. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2009.
  22. ^ "AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Women's Title". Wrestling-Titles. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
  23. ^ Dunn, JD (April 11, 2008). "Dark Pegasus Video Review: Shimmer Vol. 5". 411Mania. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  24. ^ Dykens, Brad. "SHIMMER Volume #14". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 28, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  25. ^ Radican, Sean (May 31, 2008). "Shimmer Vol. 15 (Haze vs. Stock, Del Rey vs. Kong)". PWTorch. Archived from the original on May 19, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  26. ^ "Shimmer Women Athletes results". Shimmer Women Athletes. Blogspot. Archived from the original on April 7, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  27. ^ Sean, Radican (November 12, 2009). "Shimmer Vol. 23 Review – Busic-Melissa, Kong-Martinez, MsChif-Deeb". PWTorch. Archived from the original on November 28, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  28. ^ Campbell, Mike (September 12, 2009). "Shimmer: Volume 24 – Taped 5.02.09". 411Mania. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  29. ^ Csonka, Larry (May 5, 2009). "Advertisement Shimmer Volumes 25 and 26 Results". 411Mania. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  30. ^ a b Csonka, Larry (November 9, 2009). "Shimmer Vol. 27 and 28 DVD Taping Results". 411Mania. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved November 9, 2009.
  31. ^ Dykens, Brad (April 7, 2007). "Shimmer Volume #9". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 28, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  32. ^ Garoon, Brad (September 6, 2007). "BG Says: Shimmer Women Athletes – Volume 9". 411Mania. Archived from the original on December 16, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  33. ^ Cook, Steve (September 12, 2010). "Shimmer Volume 35 Taping Results". 411Mania. Archived from the original on September 17, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  34. ^ JSIN (September 16, 2007). "9/15 ROH in Chicago Ridge, Ill: Complete PPV taping results (Briscoes vs. Steen & Generico Ladder match)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 19, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  35. ^ Gifford, Nick (May 9, 2010). "5/8 ROH in New York City: Tyler Black ROH Title defense, TNA's Machine Guns challenge for ROH tag titles, Daniels, Awesome Kong". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 11, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  36. ^ MCC (July 24, 2010). "7/23 ROH results in St. Louis: Briscoes & Kong vs. ROH tag champs, Generico vs. Steen, Strong vs. Cabana". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  37. ^ Mifsud, Brandon (July 25, 2010). "7/24 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, Illinois". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  38. ^ Caldwell, James (December 18, 2010). "Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  39. ^ Ringmaster, The (May 7, 2007). "Amazing Kong Wins NWA Women's Title". Wrestling News Confidential. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  40. ^ "NWA No Limits 3rd Anniversary card" (in German). Cage Match. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  41. ^ Csonka, Larry (May 6, 2008). "TNA News: Survivor's Anderson, LAX Push, Kong and More". 411mania. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  42. ^ Goodman, Larry. "Thorns & Roses results". National Wrestling Alliance. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2009.
  43. ^ "Results – 2007". Celtic Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  44. ^ "RQW Results 16th June". Real Quality Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 29, 2007. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  45. ^ a b "ChickFight 9 Quick Results from UK". ChickFight. June 17, 2007. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  46. ^ a b "WSU results". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
  47. ^ Sokol, Chris (October 15, 2007). "Angle gets stung at Bound For Glory". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  48. ^ Sokol, Chris (December 3, 2007). "Chaos rules at Turning Point". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  49. ^ Sokol, Chris (April 18, 2008). "TNA Lockdown: Joe captures gold". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  50. ^ Oliver, Greg (July 9, 2009). "Taylor Wilde". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  51. ^ Kapur, Bob (July 18, 2008). "Main event mars Victory Road". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  52. ^ Sokol, Chris (November 7, 2008). "Impact: Steiner tops Joe going into Turning Point". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  53. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (January 30, 2009). "Impact: Main Event Mafia's in charge". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  54. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (November 14, 2008). "Turning Point: Mafia gains momentum". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  55. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (February 20, 2009). "Impact: Mafia Melee". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  56. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (February 27, 2009). "Impact: The Mafia gets stung". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  57. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (April 9, 2009). "The TNA Destination X disaster". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  58. ^ Sokol, Bryan and Chris (March 27, 2009). "Impact: Captain Joe". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  59. ^ Sokol, Bryan (April 20, 2009). "TNA's lackluster Lockdown". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  60. ^ Keller, Wade (August 28, 2009). "Keller's TNA Impact report 8/27: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, quotebook". PWTorch.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  61. ^ Sokol, Chris; Sokol, Bryan (September 18, 2009). "Impact: Angle steps ahead of Morgan". SLAM! Sports: Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  62. ^ Tylwalk, Nick (October 22, 2009). "Sting loses but doesn't retire, capping off night of ups and downs at Bound for Glory". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  63. ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (October 22, 2009). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact Report 10/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  64. ^ Tylwalk, Nick (November 21, 2009). "Two superb matches highlight surprisingly straightforward Turning Point". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  65. ^ Boutwell, Josh (December 18, 2009). "Impact Results – 12/17/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2010.
  66. ^ a b Tylwalk, Nick (January 5, 2010). "Impact: Hogan and friends arrive, but Angle and Styles steal the show". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  67. ^ "Kong sent home by TNA after fight last night". Wrestling Observer. January 19, 2010. Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  68. ^ Gerweck, Steve (January 21, 2010). "TNA Knockout gives notice". Wrestling Observer. WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  69. ^ Martin, Adam (February 12, 2010). "Report: TNA suspends a Knockout". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  70. ^ Brown, Karina (February 25, 2010). "Wrestler Accuses 'Love Sponge' of Hate Call". Courthouse News Service. Archived from the original on February 28, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
  71. ^ Gerweck, Steve (March 2, 2010). "TNA Knockout done with TNA?". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  72. ^ Keller, Wade (March 8, 2010). "TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II". PWTorch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  73. ^ Martin, Adam (February 16, 2010). "Spoilers: 2/15 TNA Impact tapings". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  74. ^ "A Statement Regarding Awesome Kong". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  75. ^ Caldwell, James (April 30, 2010). "TNA News: Awesome Kong interview – why she left TNA, pay discrepancy, unhappy with changes; talks Bubba, ROH, WWE". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  76. ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 10, 2013). "Sun. update: TNA Lockdown preview, Roode update, WWE movie update, Mania update, Sammartino, Jericho, Rousey, Punk, Retiring young". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  77. ^ Caldwell, James (December 29, 2010). "TNA News: Sources say former TNA Knockouts champion Awesome Kong has signed with WWE". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
  78. ^ "WWE Signing is official". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. January 1, 2011. Archived from the original on January 6, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  79. ^ Caldwell, James (April 11, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Gauntlet match, Edge "retirement" tease, Ross back on TV". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  80. ^ Caldwell, James (May 1, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Extreme Rules PPV results 5/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cage, Ladder, Falls Count Anywhere, Last Man Standing, Loser Leaves Town, Country Whipping matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  81. ^ Plummer, Dale (May 2, 2011). "Raw: Happy Birthday Rock". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  82. ^ Parks, Greg (May 6, 2011). "Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Christian's Championship Celebration". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  83. ^ Caldwell, James (May 23, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/23: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Over the Limit PPV fall-out, Bret Hart, Savage tribute". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
  84. ^ Caldwell, James (May 30, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/30: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Cena vs. Truth main event, Kharma speaks". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  85. ^ "Alicia Fox and Kharma's "WWE '12" Characters Officially Unveiled". Diva-Dirt. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  86. ^ @MeanQueenK (July 25, 2012). "yes, I was. It doesn't mean I'll never be back" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  87. ^ "WWE '13 Roster". THQ.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012.
  88. ^ "Kharma on Her WWE Status: "All Parties Are in Gorilla"". Diva Dirt. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  89. ^ "Former WWE Diva makes return to ring this weekend on iPPV". Prowrestling.net. November 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  90. ^ a b "Show results – 1/18 Resistance Pro in Chicago: Kong captures Women's Title, TNA Gut Check winner, Hardy in main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. January 21, 2013. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  91. ^ "Past results". Chikara. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  92. ^ Spears, Michael (March 9, 2013). "3/8 Chikara Tampa, FL debut live report: Eddie Kingston vs. Amazing Kong, Sean Waltman, new ants debut and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2013.
  93. ^ "The Ultimate Gothic Blog | Read Short Classic Horror Stories". October 11, 2015. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  94. ^ Zim (April 6, 2013). "SHOW RESULTS - 4/6 Shimmer 53 iPPV at WrestleCon: Cheerleader Melissa captures Shimmer Title in steel cage, plus Kong, Serena Deeb, top women's wrestlers in action". PWTorch. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  95. ^ 因縁再燃…奈七永にＷコングが宣戦布告. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). August 27, 2015. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  96. ^ Caldwell, James (November 22, 2015). "Report – Awesome Kong retiring". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  97. ^ "Kharma — I'm Not Retiring From Wrestling Yet … Despite Reports". Pro Wrestling Sheet. November 23, 2015. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  98. ^ 7･18 アジャコング30周年記年興行 後楽園ホール大会 アジャコング＆アメージング・コング＆浜田文子vs松本浩代＆山下りな＆橋本千紘. Battle News (in Japanese). July 18, 2016. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  99. ^ Boutwell, Josh (January 7, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/7/15 (Lashley-Roode III)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  100. ^ Boutwell, Josh (February 6, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/6/15 (Lockdown Special)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  101. ^ Boutwell, Josh (March 6, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/6/14 (Roode vs. Richards)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  102. ^ Carapola, Stuart (April 24, 2015). "Complete Impact Wrestling TKO Night Report: Angle Defends the TNA World Title, Kong Gets Another Shot at Taryn Terrell, and More Knockouts Than You Can Shake a Stick At". PWInsider. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  103. ^ James, Bobby (May 8, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 5/8/15 (Bully Ray Returns)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  104. ^ "IMPACT Results: Bell To Bell World Title Match Set, New Knockouts Contenders and More!". June 17, 2015. Archived from the original on June 20, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  105. ^ Caldwell, James (June 28, 2015). "Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV Results 6/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from Orlando – King of the Mountain match, Storm vs. Magnus, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  106. ^ James, Bobby (July 1, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/1/15 (New TNA Champion)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  107. ^ James, Bobby (August 12, 2015). "TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 8/12/15 (TNA vs. GFW)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  108. ^ McMahon, Mike (September 16, 2015). "McMahon's TNA Impact Report 9/16: Team TNA vs. Team GFW for control of TNA, new Knockouts champion, more; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  109. ^ McMahon, Mike (January 5, 2016). "1/5 TNA Impact – McMahon's Complete Report on Pop debut". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  110. ^ Johnson, Mike (February 5, 2016). "Awesome Kong-TNA Update". PWInsider. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  111. ^ "TNA Impact Wrestling Releases Awesome Kong". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. February 5, 2016. Archived from the original on February 6, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  112. ^ Aja Kong confronts Awesome Kong: AEW Fight for the Fallen, July 18, 2019, archived from the original on November 20, 2020, retrieved November 12, 2019
  113. ^ "Brandi Rhodes explains why she left the Nightmare Collective and what original plans were for Awesome Kong". Wrestling News. February 11, 2020. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  114. ^ "411MANIA". AEW News: Nightmare Collective Has Been Cancelled, Cody and Brandi Rhodes Make Media Rounds, Card For AEW Dark Tomorrow Night. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  115. ^ "WHY ROH IS RETURNING TO TERMINAL 5, DAVEY BOY SMITH JR. IN ALL JAPAN, THE NIGHTMARE COLLECTIVE KAPUT & MORE | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  116. ^ "AEW notes: Awesome Kong & Shanna not renewed, Joey Janela injured". WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. June 1, 2021. Archived from the original on June 1, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  117. ^ "Awesome Kong announces retirement at NWA EmPowerrr pay-per-view". Wrestling News.com. August 28, 2021. Archived from the original on August 29, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  118. ^ a b Impact Wrestling Staff (October 9, 2021). "Awesome Kong to Be Inducted Into the IMPACT Wrestling Hall of Fame at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  119. ^ Guzzo, Gisberto (October 9, 2021). "IMPACT Inducts Awesome Kong Into Their Hall Of Fame At Knockouts Knockdown". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  120. ^ Impact Wrestling Staff (October 23, 2021). "Bound For Glory 2021 Results". Impact Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  121. ^ Moore, John (October 23, 2021). "10/23 Moore's Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory live review: Christian Cage vs. Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title, Steve Maclin vs. Trey Miguel vs. El Phantasmo for the vacant X Division Title, Call Your Shot gauntlet". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  122. ^ "Katy Perry drops video for alleged Taylor Swift diss track Swish Swish | Metro News". Metro.co.uk. August 24, 2017. Archived from the original on October 21, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  123. ^ "Episode 825 – Kia Stevens / Chavo Guerrero Jr. â€" WTF with Marc Maron Podcast". Wtfpod.com. July 3, 2017. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  124. ^ Caldwell, James (May 30, 2011). "WWE News: Kharma announces pregnancy on Raw, written off TV, references Jim Ross, Ross responds". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  125. ^ a b "Kia 'Kharma' Stevens' Baby Dies Before Birth: WWE Wrestler Reveals Tragedy". The Huffington Post. March 8, 2012. Archived from the original on May 16, 2017. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  126. ^ "WWE Diva Kharma – I Dropped a Few Pounds ... Out of My Uterus". TMZ.com. January 31, 2012. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  127. ^ Caldwell, James (January 31, 2012). "Why Kharma was able to return in the Rumble". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  128. ^ "Former WWE Star Kharma – I Don't Wanna Be Fat Anymore". TMZ.com. August 6, 2012. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  129. ^ "Wrestling supercards and tournaments". Pro Wrestling History. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  130. ^ Eck, Kevin (January 2, 2009). "2008 Awards". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  131. ^ "And the 2011 nominees are..." Cauliflower Alley Club. September 3, 2010. Archived from the original on March 9, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  132. ^ "Oz Academy Results: 1998~2005". Purolove (in German). Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  133. ^ "The PWI Female 50 Rankings: Who Is The Top Women's Wrestler In The World?". PWPix.net. September 19, 2008. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  134. ^ Shakir, Kwame (November 21, 2021). "Awesome Kong – A Trailblazer In Women's Wrestling". Women's Love Wrestling. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  135. ^ a b "WORLD-1". Cagematch. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  136. ^ "411MANIA". Csonka’s TNA One Night Only Knockouts Knockdown 3 Review. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  137. ^ "TNA One Night Only PPV Live Results – 1/8/16 (Beer Money) -". January 9, 2016. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  138. ^ "Kia Stevens profile". Sherdog. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Awesome Kong.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Awesome_Kong&oldid=1257863841"