Back In The Game: Jazz Put Off Retirement After Tommy Dreamer Contacted Her

Jazz‘s retirement tour is still on, but it almost didn’t happen.

WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard recently spoke with Jazz, who will team with Jordynne Grace for a shot at the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championship at Sacrifice on March 13. Jazz initially announced her retirement last year, telling Chris Van Vliet that she initially hoped to do a retirement tour but COVID-19 ultimately put her plans on hold.

Jazz made a surprise appearance with IMPACT Wrestling in November as Grace’s mystery partner, and she’s been a steady fixture on the show since then. Asked if this was still a retirement tour, Jazz said it was, but she’s looking at it as a chance to go out on top and she’s loving every moment of it.

“Yes, and honestly, I was done. I was looking forward to the tour and then COVID came in and put a damper on that, but why not go out on top? I’ll say it again,” Jazz explained, “I’m very honored for this opportunity and for this platform. I’m having a blast and enjoying the business again. I’m loving it.”

Jazz credited Tommy Dreamer for pushing for her to give things one more shot with IMPACT, explaining that he wanted her to go out with her head held high and that she had a lot more left in the tank.

“Well, [Tommy Dreamer] had a lot to do with it. He reached out to me and said, ‘I hear you’re going to retire. Don’t do it that way. Let’s get you back in the game.’ I said, ‘Dreamer, I think I’m done,’ and he said, ‘No, you’ve still got it’ and you can’t say no to him. It’s an opportunity and a challenge for me,” Jazz said, “and I’ve never been one to run away from a challenge. IMPACT is one of the companies that I’ve never worked for in my 25-year career, so now I’m so honored and thrilled to be a part of IMPACT.”

Jazz has primarily been known as a singles wrestler in her 25 years in the business, but IMPACT gave her a new opportunity by teaming her with Grace.

“This is a first time for me and a great experience. It’s a different psychology, it’s a learning experience and I’m having a blast. I was really content with hanging my boots up but when this opportunity came up, I got back in the gym and lost a few pounds, I’m trying to get it back right and get it tight,” Jazz explained, noting that working tag team wrestling influenced her decision a great deal. “From the first week I was there, Jordynne just welcomed me with open arms and we’ve been linked ever since. Being with her is a great opportunity, she’s definitely a superstar and I’m just thrilled and honored to share this moment with her.”

Jazz also spoke about facing Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz at Sacrifice, noting that no one should take them lightly but she’s prepared for a battle and hopes she walks away with tag team gold.

“I’m a fan for sure, of Fire N Flava. I love their chemistry, the energy. They’re having fun and they’re passionate about the business and being champions. I love their competitiveness, how they’re small but they don’t let it [hinder them]. As they say, dynamite comes in small packages, so you can’t take them lightly. They are strong competitors,” she said, “but Jordynne and I have a goal to become the new Knockouts Tag Team Champions, so we’re just going to go out there and give it our all. That’s all we can do, and just go out there prepared for a battle.”