Other wrestlers’ tryout tapes helped put the former TNA star on WWE’s radar
Summary
– Awesome Kong planned to contact WWE after rebuilding herself on the independent scene
– WWE discovered Kong through matches submitted by other female wrestlers
– Kong bypassed developmental and debuted on the main roster as Kharma
Awesome Kong has revealed that WWE contacted her before she had the opportunity to approach the company herself.
Speaking on No-Contest Wrestling, Kong explained that she entered free agency following her departure from TNA Wrestling in March 2010. She was struggling financially and planned to return to the independent circuit before pursuing a career in WWE.
Kong wanted to wait until her non-compete period ended and spend several months improving her physical condition. Her plan changed when WWE reached out first.
According to Kong, women submitting footage to WWE regularly included their best matches against her. TNA had booked Kong against numerous opponents, giving WWE several opportunities to evaluate her work without receiving a submission directly from her.
John Laurinaitis eventually contacted Kong about joining WWE. She initially believed the call was a prank before realizing the opportunity was legitimate.
Kong completed an interview and passed WWE’s required medical testing. Unlike many new signings at the time, she did not spend time in a developmental territory before joining the main roster.
She debuted as Kharma during the spring of 2011 and immediately targeted members of WWE’s women’s division. Her early victims included Michelle McCool and Eve Torres.
The signing carried additional meaning because Kong had spent years hearing that Vince McMahon would never hire her. She said some of her peers believed she did not fit the type of female performer WWE wanted at the time.
Kong ultimately proved those predictions wrong. She presented another side of her personality during the hiring process and described her initial experience with WWE as an enjoyable honeymoon.
Her only WWE match came in the 2012 Men’s Royal Rumble. Kharma eliminated Hunico and frightened Michael Cole into leaving the match before Dolph Ziggler eliminated her.
Kong departed WWE during the summer of 2012 and now considers herself retired. However, she has not completely ruled out wrestling again if the right opportunity and enough training are available.
