Kiana James Bio
Early Life and Background
Kayla Klingensmith (née Inlay) was born on May 23, 1997, in Sioux City, Iowa. She completed her secondary education at East High School and later graduated from Morningside University in 2019 with a degree in science. Her early exposure to sports and performance set the stage for her career in professional wrestling.
Path to WWE
Inlay trained to become a professional wrestler at the Flatbacks Wrestling School in Apopka, Florida, under the guidance of Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze. She made her in-ring debut under the ring name Xtina Kay on September 11, 2021, during an episode of AEW Dark, where she faced The Bunny. This marked the beginning of her journey in the wrestling industry, leading to her eventual signing with WWE.
Kiana James Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
After debuting in AEW, Inlay transitioned to WWE, making her first appearance on the February 1, 2022 episode of NXT, where she lost to Sarray. Following her debut, she was rebranded as Kiana James, adopting a heel businesswoman persona. Her early matches included participation in the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament and various feuds that helped establish her character.
NXT Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Kiana James achieved her first significant success in WWE when she teamed with Fallon Henley to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship on February 5, 2023, at NXT Vengeance Day. This victory marked her first title win in WWE and showcased her ability to perform at a high level. Throughout 2023, James engaged in various storylines, including a notable feud with Henley, which culminated in several high-stakes matches.
Current Team Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Kiana James was drafted to the Raw brand during the WWE Draft. She made her main roster debut on June 3, 2024, defeating Natalya. However, her journey faced a setback due to a leg injury that sidelined her for over a year. Upon her return on July 18, 2025, she lost to Michin but quickly made an impact by representing Women’s United States Champion Giulia on the SmackDown brand.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Kiana James is known for her strategic in-ring style and ability to adapt to various wrestling personas. Her experience in character development and storytelling enhances her performances, making her a compelling figure in the WWE landscape.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
James’ career highlights include her reign as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and her impactful storylines that have resonated with fans. Her ability to engage in rivalries and deliver memorable matches has solidified her status in the wrestling community.
Kiana James Career Wins
Kiana James has made significant strides in her wrestling career, particularly in the NXT brand, where she achieved notable victories and championship success.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Kiana James has one NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship win. Her first title win came in February 2023, and she continues to build her reputation in WWE with her recent performances on the Raw and SmackDown brands.
Previous NXT Series Achievements
During her time in NXT, James participated in various high-profile matches and tournaments, including the Women’s Breakout Tournament and the Iron Survivor Challenge. Her ability to compete at a high level has earned her recognition among her peers.
Kiana James Family
Family Background and WWE Lineage
Kiana James is married to Zach Klingensmith, and while details about her family background are limited, her journey in professional wrestling reflects a strong commitment to her craft.
Personal Life
James maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on her wrestling career while balancing her responsibilities as a spouse. Her dedication to her profession is evident in her performances and career choices.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Kiana James as she navigates her return to the ring following a significant injury. Her debut on the Raw brand has set the stage for new rivalries and opportunities. As she continues to develop her character and in-ring abilities, fans are eager to see how she will capitalize on her momentum and establish herself further in WWE.
