View source for Awesome Kong

{{short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{redirect|Kharma|text=Not to be confused with [[Gene Petit]], who used the ring name Kharma in the 1980s}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{For-text|the male wrestler who appeared in WCW|[[Colossal Kongs]]}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name        = Awesome Kong
|birthname   = Kia Michelle Stevens
|image       = Amazing Kong Smash 2014 (cropped).jpg
|caption     = Kong in 2014
|names       = Amazing Kong<br />Awesome Kong<br />Kharma<ref name=Kharma>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1303169370|title=Report: The name Awesome Kong will use in WWE|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=18 April 2011|access-date=19 April 2011|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427081130/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1303169370|archive-date=27 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=Raw042511/><br />Margaret<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/awesome-kong-3326.html|title=Amazing Kong|access-date=31 May 2016|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=22 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322152155/http://profightdb.com/wrestlers/awesome-kong-3326.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|height      = 6 ft 2 in<ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/kharma|title=WWE profile|access-date=4 May 2011|work=[[WWE]]|archive-date=6 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506040231/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/kharma|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Shimmer>{{cite web|url=http://visuex.com/shimmer/modules.php?name=Roster|title=Shimmer Roster|publisher=[[Shimmer Women Athletes]]|access-date=11 November 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090814040951/http://visuex.com/shimmer/modules.php?name=Roster|archive-date= 2009-08-14}}</ref>
|weight      = {{convert|293|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=WWE/><ref name=Shimmer/>
|billed      = [[Tokyo]], Japan<ref name=Shimmer/>
|birth_date  = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|9|4}}
|birth_place = [[Carson, California]], U.S.<ref name=believe/>
|resides     =
|trainer     = [[Inoki Dojo]]<br>Noah Denker<ref name=slam/>
|debut       = October 20, 2002<ref name=slam/>
|retired     = August 28, 2021
}}

'''Kia Michelle Stevens''' (born September 4, 1977) is an American actress and semi-retired [[Professional wrestling|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 [[TNA Knockout|Knockouts division]]. During her time with TNA, she became a [[List of Impact Knockouts Champions|two-time]] [[TNA Knockouts Champion]] and [[TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship#Reigns|one-time]] [[TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion]] with [[Ayako Hamada|Hamada]]. She later signed with WWE, where she became the third woman to enter the men's [[Royal Rumble match]] in [[Royal Rumble (2012)|2012]], and she began making appearances for then-upstart AEW towards the end of the decade.<ref name="Caldwell">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=30 January 2012|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211044443/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Stevens was ranked first in the inaugural list of ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''s [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI Women's 150|PWI Women's 100]] in 2008.<ref name="iwdpwifemale08">{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2008.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2008|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=September 10, 2010|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201205851/http://profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 (TV series)|GLOW]]''.<ref name=tvguide>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/glow-kia-stevens-interview/|title=GLOW: Kia Stevens Explains Why Her Welfare Queen Gimmick Hit Close to Home|publisher=TV Guide|access-date=18 July 2017|date=26 June 2017|author=Hatchett, Keisha|archive-date=13 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713131659/http://www.tvguide.com/news/glow-kia-stevens-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}Kia Stevens<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article232532887.html |title=Interview with Awesome Kong - Tamme Dawson of 'GLOW' on Netflix &#124; Miami Herald |website=[[Miami Herald]] |access-date=2019-12-07 |archive-date=2020-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216182711/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article232532887.html |url-status=live }}</ref> was inspired to become a professional wrestler by Amy Dumas, known during her WWE career as [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]].<ref>Awesome Kong interview. In Your Head Wrestling Radio. 29 November 2007.</ref> In 2002, Stevens appeared on the ''Discovery Health Body Challenge'' as a contestant trying to lose weight in hopes of becoming a professional wrestler.<ref name=out>{{cite web|url=http://www.out.com/tvreviews2.asp?id=2351|access-date=2008-04-30 |title=Television Reviews for Discovery Health Body Challenge|publisher=Out.com|author=Champagne, Christine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050510190229/http://www.out.com/tvreviews2.asp?id=2351|archive-date=May 10, 2005}}</ref> Afterwards, Stevens trained at the [[Empire Wrestling Federation#School of Hard Knocks|School of Hard Knocks]] out of [[San Bernardino, California]].<ref name=slam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kong.html|title=Awesome Kong|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=3 January 2010|date=12 October 2009|author=Oliver, Greg|archive-date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714065124/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kong.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name=radio>{{cite web|title=Interview Highlights: TNA's Amazing Kong says she doesn't hear crowd in matches, fan of Austin and Rock|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_23834.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=9 January 2011|date=3 December 2007|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127065516/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_23834.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon, she was able to have her first professional match in the [[Empire Wrestling Federation]].<ref name=slam/> Stevens also auditioned for [[WWE Tough Enough#Tough Enough 2|''Tough Enough 2'']], a competition in which the winner earned a [[WWE|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."<ref>{{cite web |title=Kharma addresses fans' criticism of Jim Ross |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-06-kharma_addresses_fans_criticism_of_jim_ross-story.html |website=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Japanese promotions (2002–2007) ===
After putting on an impressive showing at a tryout, Stevens was invited to further her training in the dojo of [[Professional wrestling in Japan#Joshi puroresu|joshi puroresu]] (female Japanese wrestling) promotion [[All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]] (AJW).<ref name=slam/><ref name=radio/> 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.<ref name=radio/> She was given the ring name Amazing Kong by Masatsugu Matsunaga, who needed a replacement for Japanese female wrestler [[Aja Kong]] in several matches.<ref name=me/> 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.<ref name=slam/> Later, Stevens cited Hamada as one of her favorite opponents.<ref name=me>{{cite web|url=http://awesomekong.tv/about/|title=About Me|publisher=AwesomeKong.com|access-date=2010-01-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105123035/http://awesomekong.tv/about/|archive-date=2010-01-05}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Limit Break April 30th Yoyogi gym |url=http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0430r-e.html |publisher=[[Gaea Japan]] |access-date=9 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714194741/http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0430r-e.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Junction May 5th Korakuen Hall |url=http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0505r-e.html |publisher=[[Gaea Japan]] |access-date=9 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711063349/http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0505r-e.html |archive-date=11 July 2011 }}</ref> The team defended the championship successfully all Summer, eventually losing to [[Manami Toyota]] and [[Carlos Amano]] on September 20.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Energy = September 20, 2004 |url=http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0920r-e.html |publisher=[[Gaea Japan]] |access-date=9 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711063403/http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2004/0920r-e.html |archive-date=11 July 2011 }}</ref> 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 [[Mika Akino|Akino]], [[Dynamite Kansai]] and Gami with Ayako picking up the victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=GAEA 10th anniversary Yokohama Final Impact April 3rd . Yokohama Bunka Gym|url=http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2005/0403r_1-e.html|publisher=[[Gaea Japan]]|access-date=9 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711063410/http://www.gaea-inc.com/gaeajapan/data/result/2005/0403r_1-e.html|archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref>

After the closure of Gaea, W Kong went on to wrestle for a number of Japanese promotions including [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]], where they were given the comedic gimmicks of Margaret and Erika which involved, among other things, wrestling in a yellow tutu.<ref name=radio/> They won the predominantly male [[Hustle Super Tag Team Championship]] from June until October 2006.<ref name=slam/><ref name=hustle>{{cite web|url=http://www.hustlehustle.com/free/fightcard/?id=1148624640|script-title=ja:2006年6月17日 ハッスル・エイド 2006|publisher=[[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]|access-date=11 September 2009|language=ja|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928230801/http://www.hustlehustle.com/free/fightcard/?id=1148624640|url-status=live}}</ref> They were also the final team to hold [[WWWA World Tag Team Championship]] before AJW shut down.<ref name=radio/> In early 2007, Kong also won the [[AWA Japan Women's Championship|AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Women's Championship]] in [[Tokyo, Japan]] and held it from January to May.<ref name=slam/> She lost it to [[Nanae Takahashi]] in a three-way match, which also included [[Wesna]].<ref name="awatitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/wsl/awas-wm.html|title=AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Women's Title|publisher=Wrestling-Titles|access-date=8 June 2009|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509064303/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/wsl/awas-wm.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Shimmer Women Athletes ===
==== Championship pursuits (2006–2010) ====
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 [[Nicole Raczynski|Nikki Roxx]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunn|first=JD|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Shimmer Vol. 5|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/67778/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-SHIMMER-Vol.-5.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=9 January 2011|date=11 April 2008|archive-date=8 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008102826/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/67778/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-SHIMMER-Vol.-5.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> She defeated Roxx again on ''Volume 14: Hot Summer Nights'' in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dykens|first=Brad|title=SHIMMER Volume #14|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/shimmer/volume14/|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=9 January 2011|archive-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028021729/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/shimmer/volume14/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Radican|first=Sean|title=Shimmer Vol. 15 (Haze vs. Stock, Del Rey vs. Kong)|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_RADICAN_S_TAKE_font_35/article_25752.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=9 January 2011|date=31 May 2008|archive-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519035441/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_RADICAN_S_TAKE_font_35/article_25752.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kong then began another winning streak, losing only to [[Ana Rocha|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 [[Brainbuster#Fisherman brainbuster|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.<ref name="shimmer">{{cite web|title=Shimmer Women Athletes results|url=http://shimmerwrestling.blogspot.com/p/results.html|work=[[Shimmer Women Athletes]]|publisher=[[Blogspot]]|access-date=9 January 2011|archive-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407160157/http://shimmerwrestling.blogspot.com/p/results.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This incident led to a grudge match between Martinez and Kong on ''Volume 23'', which Kong won.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sean|first=Radican|title=Shimmer Vol. 23 Review – Busic-Melissa, Kong-Martinez, MsChif-Deeb|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_36721.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=9 January 2011|date=12 November 2009|archive-date=28 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128181622/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/radicanstake/article_36721.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Mike|title=Shimmer: Volume 24 – Taped 5.02.09|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/115777/Reviews-From-The-City-of-Orange:-SHIMMER:-Volume-24---Taped-5.02.09.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=9 January 2011|date=12 September 2009|archive-date=15 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915183912/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/115777/Reviews-From-The-City-of-Orange:-SHIMMER:-Volume-24---Taped-5.02.09.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> they faced the reigning champions [[Madison Rayne|Ashley Lane]] and [[Nevaeh (wrestler)|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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Csonka|first=Larry|title=Advertisement Shimmer Volumes 25 and 26 Results|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/103741/SHIMMER-Volumes-25-and-26-Results.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=10 January 2011|date=5 May 2009|archive-date=7 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607104526/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/103741/SHIMMER-Volumes-25-and-26-Results.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref name=shim2728>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/121486/SHIMMER-Vol.-27-and-28-DVD-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm|title=Shimmer Vol. 27 and 28 DVD Taping Results|date=9 November 2009|first=Larry|last=Csonka|access-date=9 November 2009|publisher=411Mania|archive-date=25 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125100608/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/121486/SHIMMER-Vol.-27-and-28-DVD-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Kong eliminated LuFisto early on with an Amazing Bomb, essentially leading to a rematch of Kong and MsChif's critically respected ''Volume 9'' match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dykens|first=Brad|title=Shimmer Volume #9|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/shimmer/volume09/|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=10 January 2011|date=7 April 2007|archive-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028024142/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/shimmer/volume09/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Garoon|first=Brad|title=BG Says: Shimmer Women Athletes – Volume 9|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/59207/BG-Says:-SHIMMER-Women-Athletes---Volume-9.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=10 January 2011|date=6 September 2007|archive-date=16 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216211059/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/59207/BG-Says:-SHIMMER-Women-Athletes---Volume-9.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name=shim2728/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cook|first=Steve|title=Shimmer Volume 35 Taping Results|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/152788/SHIMMER-Volume-35-Taping-Results.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=10 January 2011|date=12 September 2010|archive-date=17 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917185055/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/152788/SHIMMER-Volume-35-Taping-Results.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Ring of Honor (2007, 2010) ===
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 [[ROH Man Up|Man Up]] pay-per-view (PPV). Teaming with [[Daizee Haze]] in a tag team match, they defeated Sara Del Rey and [[Lacey (wrestler)|Lacey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_22836.shtml|title=9/15 ROH in Chicago Ridge, Ill: Complete PPV taping results (Briscoes vs. Steen & Generico Ladder match)|date=16 September 2007|access-date=19 December 2010|author=JSIN|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519035449/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_22836.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 [[The Kings of Wrestling|Kings of Wrestling]] stablemate [[Chris Hero]], sparking a rivalry between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_41181.shtml|title=5/8 ROH in New York City: Tyler Black ROH Title defense, TNA's Machine Guns challenge for ROH tag titles, Daniels, Awesome Kong|date=2010-05-09|access-date=2010-12-19|last=Gifford|first=Nick|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=2010-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511025148/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_41181.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[Antonio Cesaro|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42690.shtml|title=7/23 ROH results in St. Louis: Briscoes & Kong vs. ROH tag champs, Generico vs. Steen, Strong vs. Cabana|date=2010-07-24|access-date=2010-12-19|author=MCC|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=2019-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702144903/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42690.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280086358|title=7/24 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, Illinois|access-date=19 December 2010|date=25 July 2010|last=Mifsud|first=Brandon|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130025/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280086358|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> 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 [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen|date=18 December 2010|access-date=19 December 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212738/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Independent circuit (2007–2010) ===
[[File:AmazingKong 2010.jpg|thumb|left|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 Japan Women's Championship|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.<ref name=slam/><ref name="awa1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingconfidential.com/2007/05/07/amazing-kong-wins-nwa-women%E2%80%99s-title/|title=Amazing Kong Wins NWA Women's Title|last=Ringmaster|first=The|date=7 May 2007|publisher=Wrestling News Confidential|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310010846/http://www.wrestlingconfidential.com/2007/05/07/amazing-kong-wins-nwa-women%E2%80%99s-title/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name="nwanl3">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=22715|title=NWA No Limits 3rd Anniversary card|publisher=Cage Match|language=de|access-date=2009-02-02|archive-date=2016-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120140429/http://www.cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=22715|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="worldtitle2">{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/74680/TNA-News:-Survivors-Anderson,-LAX-Push,-Kong-and-More.htm|title=TNA News: Survivor's Anderson, LAX Push, Kong and More|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=6 May 2008|publisher=411mania|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714123402/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/74680/TNA-News:-Survivors-Anderson,-LAX-Push,-Kong-and-More.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[Powerbomb#Sit-Out Powerbomb|Awesome Bomb]] by using her [[Asian mist|green mist]], disqualifying herself to retain the belt in the process.<ref name="feb1409">{{cite web|url=http://www.nwawrestling.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1094&Itemid=404|title=Thorns & Roses results|last=Goodman|first=Larry|publisher=[[National Wrestling Alliance]]|access-date=1 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714215906/http://www.nwawrestling.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1094&Itemid=404|archive-date=2011-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Results – 2007|url=http://www.celtic-wrestling.co.uk/results_2007.html|publisher=Celtic Wrestling|access-date=10 January 2011|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029195526/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcelticwrestling|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 (wrestler)|Jetta]] also coming up winless.<ref name="RQW June">{{cite web|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/index.php|title=RQW Results 16th June|access-date=8 June 2008|work=Real Quality Wrestling|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629100339/http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/index.php |archive-date=29 June 2007}}</ref> The following day Kong competed in [[ChickFight#ChickFight I|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.<ref name=ch9>{{cite web|url=http://www.chickfight.tv/2007/06/17/chickfight-9-quick-results-from-uk/ |title=ChickFight 9 Quick Results from UK |date=17 June 2007 |access-date=3 January 2010 |publisher=[[ChickFight]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603234729/http://www.chickfight.tv/2007/06/17/chickfight-9-quick-results-from-uk/ |archive-date= 3 June 2009 }}</ref>

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 [[hardcore wrestling|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.<ref name="wsu">{{cite web|title=WSU results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wsu/|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=11 January 2011|archive-date=7 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607182012/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wsu/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After winning this match, Kong was given a match against Martinez for the [[Women Superstars Uncensored#WSU Championship|WSU Championship]] in December 2009 at a WSU and National Wrestling Superstars co-hosted event.<ref name=wsu/> Kong received another chance at the title at ''Evolve 5: Danielson v Sawa'' for the [[Evolve (professional wrestling)|Evolve]] promotion but still could not bring an end to Martinez's two-year reign.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling ===
==== Knockout Champion (2007–2009) ====
[[File:Kong and Saeed Chicago, IL 121208.jpg|right|thumb|Awesome Kong (right) with her manager [[Cheerleader Melissa|Raisha Saeed]]]]
Stevens debuted on the October 11, 2007 episode of [[TNA Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA)'s flagship show ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact!]]'' under her original name "Amazing Kong" which would be later tweaked to "Awesome Kong" as part of TNA's attempt to bolster their [[TNA Knockout|Knockout division]]. After defeating [[Gail Kim]],<ref name=slam/> Kong participated at the [[Bound for Glory (2007)|Bound for Glory]] PPV. There she took part in a 10-Knockout Gauntlet match to crown the first [[TNA Knockouts Championship|TNA Women's Knockout Champion]] but she was eliminated by the combined effort of [[Angelina Love]], [[ODB (wrestler)|ODB]] and eventual winner Gail Kim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/10/15/4577676.html|title=Angle gets stung at Bound For Glory|author=Sokol, Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=3 January 2010|date=15 October 2007|archive-date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629172343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/10/15/4577676.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Two months later at [[Turning Point (2007 wrestling)|Turning Point]], she lost a Women's Knockout Championship match to Kim via [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] after shoving the referee and Awesome Bombing him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/03/4704399.html|title=Chaos rules at Turning Point|author=Sokol, Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=3 January 2010|date=3 December 2007|archive-date=20 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720042438/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/03/4704399.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> This incident led to a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match/No Holds Barred match|No Disqualification match]] for the Women's Knockout Championship at [[Final Resolution (January 2008)|Final Resolution]] in January 2008, which Kong also lost.<ref name=slam/> On the next episode of ''Impact!'', airing 10 January, Kong debuted an anonymous manager wearing a [[niqāb]], later named [[Cheerleader Melissa|Raisha Saeed]]; with her help Kong finally won the Women's Knockout Championship.<ref name=slam/> At [[Lockdown (2008)|Lockdown]], Kong and Saeed teamed up for the first time, losing a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|Tag Team Cage match]] to Kim and ODB.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/13/5275576.html|title=TNA Lockdown: Joe captures gold|author=Sokol, Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=3 January 2010|date=18 April 2008|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630011658/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/13/5275576.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

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 [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Plant|planted]] wrestlers, failed to defeat her but one challenger, [[Shantelle Malawski|Taylor Wilde]], kept returning and on 10 July she won both the $25,000 and Women's Knockout Championship on her third attempt.<ref name=slam/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/wilde_taylor.html|title=Taylor Wilde|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=9 July 2009|author=Oliver, Greg|archive-date=13 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713181546/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/wilde_taylor.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Kong then failed to regain the championship from Wilde during a rematch at [[Victory Road (2008)|''Victory Road'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/07/13/6147126.html|title=Main event mars Victory Road|author=Kapur, Bob|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=18 July 2008|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630040304/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/07/13/6147126.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On October 23, during a live episode of ''Impact!'' Kong defeated Wilde to become a two-time Knockout Champion.<ref name=slam/> Two weeks later Wilde's tag team partner [[Trenesha Biggers|Rhaka Khan]] turned on her and aligned herself with Kong and Saeed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/07/7331561.html|title=Impact: Steiner tops Joe going into Turning Point|author=Sokol, Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=7 November 2008|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630074402/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/07/7331561.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The alliance of Kong, Saeed and Khan became known as The Kongtourage, with a fourth wrestler named [[Josette Bynum|Sojourner Bolt]] joining later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/30/pf-8203241.html|title=Impact: Main Event Mafia's in charge|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=30 January 2009|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715200550/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/30/pf-8203241.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Wilde then found a new partner in [[Nicole Raczynski|Roxxi]], who helped her defeat Kong and Saeed in a tag team match at [[Turning Point (2008 wrestling)|''Turning Point'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/10/7361596.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715031440/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/10/7361596.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Turning Point: Mafia gains momentum|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=14 January 2010|date=14 November 2008}}</ref> Going into 2009, Bolt became the contender for Kong's championship and left the Kongtourage with Khan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/20/pf-8458531.html|title=Impact: Mafia Melee|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=20 February 2009|archive-date=16 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716194422/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/20/pf-8458531.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/27/8553516.html|title=Impact: The Mafia gets stung|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=27 February 2009|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715110907/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/27/8553516.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Kong retained her title against Bolt at [[Destination X (2009)|''Destination X'']] in April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/03/16/8761106.html|title=The TNA Destination X disaster|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=9 April 2009|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715071608/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/03/16/8761106.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

[[File:The ultimate hair cut by KnightNephrite.jpg|thumb|left|Kong having her hair cut during her rivalry with [[The Beautiful People (professional wrestling)|The Beautiful People]]]]
On the March 26 episode of ''Impact!'', Kong and Saeed were defeated by villainous tag team [[The Beautiful People (professional wrestling)|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 [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/27/8900601.html|title=Impact: Captain Joe|author=Sokol, Bryan and Chris|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=14 January 2010|date=27 March 2009|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630091711/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/27/8900601.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> They continued to target Kong's hair and eventually accomplished the task on the April 16 episode of ''Impact!'' which transitioned Kong into a [[face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] by attempting to retaliate.<ref name=slam/> The tension built to a Three-Way Cage match at [[Lockdown (2009)|''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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|title=TNA's lackluster Lockdown|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/20/9173326.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=14 January 2011|date=20 April 2009|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715183523/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/20/9173326.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> After losing the title, Kong defeated Love's allies Sky, [[Madison Rayne]] and [[Monty Sopp|Cute Kip]] in separate [[Professional wrestling match types|Stretcher matches]] ahead of their rematch.<ref name=slam/> Love, however, retained the title against Kong at [[TNA Sacrifice (2009)|''Sacrifice'']].<ref name=slam/>

==== Knockouts Tag Team Champion (2009–2010) ====
In August 2009 Kong and Saeed entered the tournament to crown the inaugural [[TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship|TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions]]. In the first round of the tournament, the team was able to defeat [[The Main Event Mafia]] ([[Tracy Brookshaw|Traci Brooks]] and [[Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman|Sharmell]]) after Saeed blind tagged Kong and pinned Brooks, much to Kong's dismay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_KELLER_S_TAKE_font_11/article_34845.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 8/27: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, quotebook|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=28 August 2009|publisher=PWTorch.com|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211120627/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_KELLER_S_TAKE_font_11/article_34845.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Three weeks later they were eliminated from the tournament by their long term rival Taylor Wilde and her partner [[Sarah Stock|Sarita]] when Wilde pinned Saeed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/09/18/10967891.html|title=Impact: Angle steps ahead of Morgan|last1=Sokol|first1=Chris|first2=Bryan|last2=Sokol|date=2009-09-18|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=2010-01-05|archive-date=2012-07-21|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721205135/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/09/18/10967891.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Subsequently, Kong began rivalries with [[Lisa Marie Varon|Tara]] and Knockout Champion ODB. At [[Bound for Glory (2009)|''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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/19/11447881.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720230742/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/19/11447881.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Sting loses but doesn't retire, capping off night of ups and downs at Bound for Glory|author=Tylwalk, Nick|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=22 October 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36225.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact Report 10/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=22 October 2009|work=PWTorch|access-date=23 October 2009|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203004232/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36225.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After interfering in two of Tara's matches, Kong and Tara wrestled at [[Turning Point (2009 wrestling)|''Turning Point'']] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|Cage match]], which Tara won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/16/11759956.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723131141/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/16/11759956.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=Two superb matches highlight surprisingly straightforward Turning Point|author=Tylwalk, Nick|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=4 January 2010|date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

On the December 17 episode of ''Impact!'' Kong formed a tag team with [[Ayako Hamada|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1261113005.php|title=Impact Results – 12/17/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=18 December 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=1 January 2010|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928221835/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1261113005.php|url-status=live}}</ref> On the first ''Impact!'' episode of 2010, Kong and Hamada defeated Sarita and Wilde to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship.<ref name=Jan4>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/05/12350241.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206001122/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/05/12350241.html |archive-date=December 6, 2012 |title=Impact: Hogan and friends arrive, but Angle and Styles steal the show |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling |date=January 5, 2010 |access-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref>

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 [[2010 Haiti earthquake|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12009/|title=Kong sent home by TNA after fight last night|access-date=19 January 2010|date=19 January 2010|publisher=Wrestling Observer|archive-date=22 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122122122/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12009|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1264108537|title=TNA Knockout gives notice|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=22 January 2010|date=21 January 2010|publisher=WrestleView|work=Wrestling Observer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130047/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1264108537|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> After she refused to take part in TNA's January 2010 tour of the United Kingdom, the company suspended her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266002243|title=Report: TNA suspends a Knockout|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=13 February 2010|date=12 February 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130052/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266002243|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> The following month, Stevens filed a lawsuit against Bubba for an alleged threatening phone call.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/02/25/25037.htm|title=Wrestler Accuses 'Love Sponge' of Hate Call|last=Brown|first=Karina|access-date=26 February 2010|date=25 February 2010|publisher=Courthouse News Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228170514/http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/02/25/25037.htm|archive-date=28 February 2010}}</ref> She was reportedly released from TNA on March 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1267483785|title=TNA Knockout done with TNA?|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=1 March 2010|date=2 March 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130057/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1267483785|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=8 March 2010|work=PWTorch|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194632/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> even though their previous defense had taken place just 21 days prior, against Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1264108537|title=Spoilers: 2/15 TNA Impact tapings|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=16 February 2010|work=WrestleView|access-date=9 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130047/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1264108537|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/item/1838-statement-regarding-awesome-kong|title=A Statement Regarding Awesome Kong|work=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|access-date=22 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100325185344/http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/item/1838-statement-regarding-awesome-kong|archive-date=25 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_41003.shtml|title=TNA News: Awesome Kong interview – why she left TNA, pay discrepancy, unhappy with changes; talks Bubba, ROH, WWE|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=30 April 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=3 May 2010|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211031653/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_41003.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2013, Stevens turned down an offer to take part in a special all Knockouts pay-per-view held by TNA.<ref name="Kong turns down TNA ppv">{{cite web|title=Sun. update: TNA Lockdown preview, Roode update, WWE movie update, Mania update, Sammartino, Jericho, Rousey, Punk, Retiring young|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/30193-sun-update-tna-lockdown-preview-roode-notes-wwe-movie-update-mania-update-sammartino-jericho-rousey-punk-retiring-young-|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=10 March 2013|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|access-date=11 March 2013|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235527/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/30193-sun-update-tna-lockdown-preview-roode-notes-wwe-movie-update-mania-update-sammartino-jericho-rousey-punk-retiring-young-|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2010–2012) ===
On December 29, 2010, it was reported that Stevens had signed a contract with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46407.shtml|title=TNA News: Sources say former TNA Knockouts champion Awesome Kong has signed with WWE|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=29 December 2010|access-date=29 December 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=10 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210232625/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46407.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18909/|title=WWE Signing is official|date=1 January 2011|access-date=1 January 2011|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|archive-date=6 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106142720/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18909|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49219.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Gauntlet match, Edge "retirement" tease, Ross back on TV|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=11 April 2011|access-date=11 April 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211040846/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49219.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> During the April 25 episode of [[WWE Raw|''Raw'']], Stevens' face was shown for the first time in the vignettes, and her new ring name was revealed as '''Kharma'''.<ref name=Raw042511>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49562.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results live Raw – 2011 WWE Draft, Extreme Rules PPV hype|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=25 April 2011|access-date=26 April 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214519/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49562.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Kharma made her debut on May 1 at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]], attacking [[Michelle McCool]] after a match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml|title=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|date=1 May 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=1 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181826/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and she continued to attack former [[WWE Divas Championship|WWE Divas Champions]] on both ''Raw'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' in the following weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|title=Raw: Happy Birthday Rock|last=Plummer|first=Dale|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=3 May 2011|date=2 May 2011|archive-date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714182917/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49877.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Christian's Championship Celebration|date=6 May 2011|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=6 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=20 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120140428/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49877.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 23 episode of ''Raw'', Kharma interrupted a tag team match but rather than attack everyone, she uncharacteristically broke down crying.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50294.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/23: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Over the Limit PPV fall-out, Bret Hart, Savage tribute|date=23 May 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=24 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=3 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703170651/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50294.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50438.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/30: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Cena vs. Truth main event, Kharma speaks|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=30 May 2011|access-date=31 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802215053/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50438.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> During her absence, she was included as a [[downloadable]] playable character in the ''[[WWE '12]]'' video game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2011/12/07/alicia-fox-and-kharmas-wwe-12-characters-officially-unveiled/|title=Alicia Fox and Kharma's "WWE '12" Characters Officially Unveiled|access-date=14 December 2011|work=Diva-Dirt|date=December 7, 2011 |archive-date=1 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101143927/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2011/12/07/alicia-fox-and-kharmas-wwe-12-characters-officially-unveiled/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kharma made a surprise return in the [[Royal Rumble (2012)|2012 Royal Rumble]] match as the twenty-first entrant. She intimidated [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] into eliminating himself before eliminating [[Cinta de Oro|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.<ref name="Caldwell"/> In July 2012, Stevens confirmed that she had been released by WWE.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=MeanQueenK |number=227977324270866432 |date=25 July 2012 |title=yes, I was. It doesn't mean I'll never be back.}}</ref> On August 19, she was added to the list of the playable characters on the main roster in the ''[[WWE '13]]'' video game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wwe.thq.com/roster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819041705/http://wwe.thq.com/roster |archive-date=19 August 2012 |title=WWE '13 Roster |website=THQ.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2013/09/25/kharma-on-her-wwe-status-all-parties-are-in-gorilla/|title=Kharma on Her WWE Status: "All Parties Are in Gorilla"|publisher=Diva Dirt|access-date=2013-09-25|archive-date=2013-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102173614/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2013/09/25/kharma-on-her-wwe-status-all-parties-are-in-gorilla/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Return to the independent circuit and Japan (2012–2016) ===
In early November, it was reported that Stevens (again under the "Amazing Kong" gimmick) would be appearing at a ''[[Shine Wrestling|Shine]]'' event on November 16, 2012, as the mystery partner of [[Carlene Begnaud|Jazz]] in a tag team match against [[Mercedes Martinez]] and [[Bonnie Maxon|Rain]]. At the event, Kong and Jazz defeated Martinez and Rain after Kong pinned Rain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/miscnews/article10028356.shtml |title=Former WWE Diva makes return to ring this weekend on iPPV |publisher=Prowrestling.net |date=2012-11-14 |access-date=2017-08-25 |archive-date=2018-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211183203/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/miscnews/article10028356.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 18, 2013, Kong defeated D'Arcy Dixon, Nikki St. John and Thunderkitty in a four-way match to win the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacated|vacant]] [[RPW Women's Championship|Resistance Pro Wrestling Women's Championship]].<ref name=RPWChamp>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_68026.shtml|title=Show results – 1/18 Resistance Pro in Chicago: Kong captures Women's Title, TNA Gut Check winner, Hardy in main event|date=21 January 2013|access-date=22 January 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028082031/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_68026.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 8, Kong returned to [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|''Chikara'']], losing to [[Eddie Kingston]] in an intergender main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |title=Past results |work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] |access-date=2013-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017033657/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |archive-date=2013-10-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/75978/38-chikara-tampa-fl-debut-live-report-eddie-kingston-vs-amazing-kong-sean-waltman-new-ants-debut-and-more.html?p=1|title=3/8 Chikara Tampa, FL debut live report: Eddie Kingston vs. Amazing Kong, Sean Waltman, new ants debut and more|last=Spears|first=Michael|date=2013-03-09|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=2013-03-10|archive-date=2020-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917150107/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/75978/38-chikara-tampa-fl-debut-live-report-eddie-kingston-vs-amazing-kong-sean-waltman-new-ants-debut-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens has also wrestled for PWS Bombshells (as Amazing Kong) in early to mid-2013, defeating Amy Lee in consecutive matches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bedofnailz.com/|title=The Ultimate Gothic Blog &#124; Read Short Classic Horror Stories|date=October 11, 2015|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127133839/https://www.bedofnailz.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 6, 2013, Kong returned to Shimmer at the [[Shimmer Volumes#Volume 53|Volume 53]] internet pay-per-view, defeating [[Jade (wrestler)|Mia Yim]] in the opening match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69819.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408234255/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69819.shtml |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |title=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 |publisher=PWTorch |author=Zim |date=April 6, 2013 |access-date=February 12, 2023}}</ref> The Amazing Kong returned to ''[[Shine Wrestling|Shine]]'' event on July 12, 2013, in a losing effort to [[Ivelisse Velez|Ivelisse]] in a four way to qualify for [[Shine Championship]] tournament among the participants were Angelina Love and Kimberly. Then at ''[[Shine Wrestling|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 Vélez|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|date=September 2019}} On December 13, 2013, she was defeated by [[Bonnie Maxon|Rain]] for the Shine Championship by count-out. On January 24, 2014, she defeated [[Tori (wrestler)|Taylor Made]] and on ''[[Shine Wrestling|Shine]]'' 18 Kong defeated Nikki Storm and ''[[Shine Wrestling|Shine]]'' 19 she defeated [[Athena (wrestler)|Athena]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}} On August 22, 2014, Kong was part of a #1 contender four corner survival match to challenge [[Ivelisse Vélez|Ivelisse]] for the Shine Championship the other participants in the match were Leah Von Dutch, Su Yung, and [[Nevaeh (wrestler)|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|date=September 2019}}

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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/womens_prores/440256/ | script-title=ja:因縁再燃…奈七永にＷコングが宣戦布告 | date=2015-08-27 | access-date=2015-08-27 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=2018-10-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005042840/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/womens_prores/440256/ | url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=Retirement>{{cite web | url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/report-awesome-kong-retiring/ | title=Report – Awesome Kong retiring | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=2015-11-22 | access-date=2015-11-23 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch | archive-date=2018-12-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210232534/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/report-awesome-kong-retiring/ | url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://prowrestlingsheet.com/kharma-not-retired-retiring-wrestling-awesome-kong/ | title = Kharma — I'm Not Retiring From Wrestling Yet … Despite Reports | access-date = 2015-11-24 | work = Pro Wrestling Sheet | date = 23 November 2015 | archive-date = 2020-11-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108123651/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/kharma-not-retired-retiring-wrestling-awesome-kong/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://battle-news.com/?p=22448 | script-title=ja: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 | date=2016-07-18 | access-date=2016-07-18 | work=Battle News | language=ja | archive-date=2020-09-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922065415/http://battle-news.com/?p=22448 | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Return to TNA (2015–2016) ===
On January 7, 2015, during ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact Wrestling]]'''s debut on [[Destination America]], Awesome Kong returned after a [[battle royal]], had an altercation in the ring with [[Jessicka Havok|Havok]] and attacked referee Brian Stiffler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/52435-tna-impact-wrestling-results-1-7-15-lashley-roode-iii|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 1/7/15 (Lashley-Roode III)|first=Josh|last=Boutwell|date=January 7, 2015|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=January 8, 2015|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808134035/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/52435-tna-impact-wrestling-results-1-7-15-lashley-roode-iii/|url-status=live}}</ref> Over the following weeks, tension would build between Kong and Havok, with their feud culminating in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]] on the ''Lockdown'' edition of ''Impact Wrestling'' on February 6, which Kong won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/52940-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-6-15-lockdown|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 2/6/15 (Lockdown Special)|date=February 6, 2015|access-date=February 9, 2015|author=Boutwell, Josh|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221201247/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/52940-tna-impact-wrestling-results-2-6-15-lockdown/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/47192-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-6-14-roode-vs-richards|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 3/6/14 (Roode vs. Richards)|author=Boutwell, Josh|website=WrestleView|date=March 6, 2015|access-date=April 26, 2015|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930211236/http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/47192-tna-impact-wrestling-results-3-6-14-roode-vs-richards/|url-status=live}}</ref> She received a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match/No Holds Barred match|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 (wrestler)|Jade]]) attacked Kong.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/93280/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.html?p=1|title=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|author=Carapola, Stuart|website=PWInsider|date=April 24, 2015|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329234340/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/93280/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.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kong turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/54369-tna-impact-wrestling-results-5-8-15-bully-ray-returns|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 5/8/15 (Bully Ray Returns)|author=James, Bobby|website=WrestleView|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=May 9, 2015|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816140623/http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/54369-tna-impact-wrestling-results-5-8-15-bully-ray-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 17 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kong teamed up with [[Brooke Tessmacher|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.impactwrestling.com/news/item/6456-IMPACT-Results-Contract-Signing?start=3 |title=IMPACT Results: Bell To Bell World Title Match Set, New Knockouts Contenders and More! |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 20, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620181912/http://www.impactwrestling.com/news/item/6456-IMPACT-Results-Contract-Signing?start=3 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 }}</ref> At ''[[Slammiversary XIII]]'', Kong once again teamed with Brooke to defeat The Dollhouse in a 3-on-2 handicap match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_85905.shtml#.VZGBVvlViko|title=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|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 28, 2015|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028082944/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_85905.shtml#.VZGBVvlViko|url-status=live}}</ref> Kong and Brooke received their three-way championship match on the July 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', in which Terrell retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55096-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-1-15-new-tna-champion|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 7/1/15 (New TNA Champion)|website=WrestleView|author=James, Bobby|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808134027/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55096-tna-impact-wrestling-results-7-1-15-new-tna-champion/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In mid–August, Kong, representing TNA, started a brief feud with [[Lei'D Tapa]], who represented [[Jeff Jarrett]]'s [[Global Force Wrestling (2014–2017)|Global Force Wrestling]]. The two faced off on August 12 in a match, that ended in a double count-out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55731-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8-12-15-tna-vs-gfw|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 8/12/15 (TNA vs. GFW)|website=WrestleView|author=James, Bobby|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930211534/http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/55731-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8-12-15-tna-vs-gfw/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_87534.shtml#.VfrIsd9Viko|title=McMahon's TNA Impact Report 9/16: Team TNA vs. Team GFW for control of TNA, new Knockouts champion, more; Overall Reax|author=McMahon, Mike|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2015|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805125712/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_87534.shtml#.VfrIsd9Viko|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2015)|''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|date=September 2019}}

On January 5, 2016, during ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact Wrestling]]'''s debut on [[Pop (U.S. TV network)|Pop]], Kong allied with The Dollhouse ([[Mia Yim|Jade]], [[Marti Bell]] and [[Tanea Brooks|Rebel]]) and became their new leader after she attacked [[The Beautiful People (professional wrestling)|The Beautiful People]] ([[Madison Rayne]] and [[Velvet Sky]]) and [[Gail Kim]], once again turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/05/impactpop/|title=1/5 TNA Impact – McMahon's Complete Report on Pop debut|author=McMahon, Mike|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 5, 2016|access-date=January 5, 2016|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922195904/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/05/impactpop/|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 5, TNA announced that Stevens had been released from her contract following a backstage real-life physical altercation with [[Reby Sky|Rebecca (Reby) Hardy]] just a week before TNA's tour in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99577/awesome-kongtna-update.html?p=1|title=Awesome Kong-TNA Update|author=Johnson, Mike|website=PWInsider|date=February 5, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-date=May 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510133836/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99577/awesome-kongtna-update.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://impactwrestling.com/impact-releases-awesome-kong/|title=TNA Impact Wrestling Releases Awesome Kong|website=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|date=February 5, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206124254/http://impactwrestling.com/impact-releases-awesome-kong/|archive-date=February 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kong returned for one night only at [[Bound for Glory (2016)|Bound for Glory]] along with [[Taryn Terrell]], [[Christy Hemme]] and [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]] to induct [[Gail Kim]] into the [[TNA Hall of Fame]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

=== All Elite Wrestling (2019–2021) ===
On May 25, 2019, Awesome Kong debuted in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) as a surprise entrant in the women's triple threat match at [[Double or Nothing (2019)|''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.<ref>{{Citation|title=Aja Kong confronts Awesome Kong: AEW Fight for the Fallen| date=18 July 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCPHUcxLK4Q|language=en|access-date=2019-11-12|archive-date=2020-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120050201/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCPHUcxLK4Q|url-status=live}}</ref> She began appearing in vignettes showing her alliance with Brandi. During the [[AEW Full Gear|''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 [[Melanie Cruise|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 (TV series)|GLOW]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-explains-why-she-left-the-nightmare-collective-and-what-original-plans-were-for-awesome-kong/|title=Brandi Rhodes explains why she left the Nightmare Collective and what original plans were for Awesome Kong|date=February 11, 2020|website=Wrestling News|access-date=February 14, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024113927/https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-explains-why-she-left-the-nightmare-collective-and-what-original-plans-were-for-awesome-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/aew-news-nightmare-collective-has-been-cancelled-cody-and-brandi-rhodes-make-media-rounds-card-for-aew-dark-tomorrow-night/|title=411MANIA|website=AEW News: Nightmare Collective Has Been Cancelled, Cody and Brandi Rhodes Make Media Rounds, Card For AEW Dark Tomorrow Night|access-date=2021-10-29|archive-date=2021-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209182813/https://411mania.com/wrestling/aew-news-nightmare-collective-has-been-cancelled-cody-and-brandi-rhodes-make-media-rounds-card-for-aew-dark-tomorrow-night/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=133863|title=WHY ROH IS RETURNING TO TERMINAL 5, DAVEY BOY SMITH JR. IN ALL JAPAN, THE NIGHTMARE COLLECTIVE KAPUT & MORE &#124; PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com|access-date=2020-02-14|archive-date=2021-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209182923/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=133863|url-status=live}}</ref> After not appearing on AEW since February 2020, AEW decided not to renew her contract on June 1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-notes-awesome-kong-shanna-not-renewed-joey-janela-injured-342951|title=AEW notes: Awesome Kong & Shanna not renewed, Joey Janela injured|date=June 1, 2021|website=WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601193426/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-notes-awesome-kong-shanna-not-renewed-joey-janela-injured-342951|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Retirement and sporadic appearances (2021–2023) ===
On August 28, 2021, she announced her retirement from in-ring competition at ''[[NWA EmPowerrr]]'', thus concluding her nearly 20-year career.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://wrestlingnews.co/nwa-news/awesome-kong-announces-retirement-at-nwa-empowerrr-pay-per-view/|title= Awesome Kong announces retirement at NWA EmPowerrr pay-per-view|publisher= Wrestling News.com|language= EN|date= August 28, 2021|access-date= August 28, 2021|archive-date= August 29, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210829011020/https://wrestlingnews.co/nwa-news/awesome-kong-announces-retirement-at-nwa-empowerrr-pay-per-view/|url-status= live}}</ref> On October 9 at [[Knockouts Knockdown (2021)|Knockouts Knockdown]], it was announced that Kong will be inducted into the [[TNA Hall of Fame|Impact Hall of Fame]] at [[Bound for Glory (2021)|Bound for Glory]].<ref name="KongHOF">{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/09/awesome-kong-to-be-inducted-into-the-impact-wrestling-hall-of-fame-at-bound-for-glory/|title=Awesome Kong to Be Inducted Into the IMPACT Wrestling Hall of Fame at Bound For Glory|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=Impact Wrestling Staff|date=October 9, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010030231/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/09/awesome-kong-to-be-inducted-into-the-impact-wrestling-hall-of-fame-at-bound-for-glory/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/spoiler-impact-inducts-former-knockouts-champion-their-hall-fame-during-latest-tapings|title=IMPACT Inducts Awesome Kong Into Their Hall Of Fame At Knockouts Knockdown|publisher=Fightful|last=Guzzo|first=Gisberto|date=October 9, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010114545/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/spoiler-impact-inducts-former-knockouts-champion-their-hall-fame-during-latest-tapings|url-status=live}}</ref> At Bound for Glory on October 23, [[Gail Kim]] inducted Kong into the Impact Hall of Fame.<ref name="BoundforGlory2021">{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/23/bound-for-glory-2021-live-results/|title=Bound For Glory 2021 Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=Impact Wrestling Staff|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029195523/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/23/bound-for-glory-2021-live-results/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BFG2021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=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|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-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/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024033817/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-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/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Seven years after her last match in [[TNA Wrestling|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 ==
Stevens is a playable character as Kharma in ''[[WWE '12]]'' DLC and ''[[WWE '13]]''.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

Stevens plays [[List of GLOW characters#Tammé Dawson|Tammé "The Welfare Queen" Dawson]] in the Netflix original comedy series ''[[GLOW (TV 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|date=September 2019}} 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/24/katy-perry-drafts-in-game-of-thrones-and-glee-stars-for-music-video-to-alleged-taylor-swift-diss-track-6874976/ |title=Katy Perry drops video for alleged Taylor Swift diss track Swish Swish &#124; Metro News |date=24 August 2017 |publisher=Metro.co.uk |access-date=2017-08-25 |archive-date=2019-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021043917/https://metro.co.uk/2017/08/24/katy-perry-drafts-in-game-of-thrones-and-glee-stars-for-music-video-to-alleged-taylor-swift-diss-track-6874976/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Stevens grew up in [[Carson, California]]. Her mother, Phyllis Durant, was an actress and contestant coordinator for ''[[Family Feud]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-825-kia-stevens-chavo-guerrero-jr |title=Episode 825 – Kia Stevens / Chavo Guerrero Jr. â€" WTF with Marc Maron Podcast |publisher=Wtfpod.com |date=2017-07-03 |access-date=2017-08-25 |archive-date=2020-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109042144/http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-825-kia-stevens-chavo-guerrero-jr |url-status=live }}</ref> She has a younger brother.<ref name=believe>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/29/13758646.html|title=Awesome Kong believes in herself|author=Oliver, Greg|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=3 May 2010|date=3 May 2010|archive-date=15 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115090912/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/29/13758646.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, she was a [[social work]]er<ref name=out/> and owned a business which put vending machines in high schools.<ref name=believe/> Stevens' family and friends helped her fund her career in wrestling when she went to train in Japan.<ref name=believe/> She has also sold [[Nu Skin Enterprises]], a [[Multi-level marketing]] company for skin and nutritional products.<ref name=believe/>

On May 30, 2011, Stevens revealed that she was pregnant with her first child.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_50450.shtml|title=WWE News: Kharma announces pregnancy on Raw, written off TV, references Jim Ross, Ross responds|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=30 May 2011|access-date=31 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028091633/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_50450.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 31, 2011, she suffered a miscarriage.<ref name="miscarriage">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/kia-kharma-stevens-unborn-baby-dies-wwe_n_1332521.html|title=Kia 'Kharma' Stevens' Baby Dies Before Birth: WWE Wrestler Reveals Tragedy|date=March 8, 2012|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-date=May 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516000217/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/kia-kharma-stevens-unborn-baby-dies-wwe_n_1332521.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After competing in the [[2012 Royal Rumble]], false reports claimed that she had given birth to a baby boy named Jamie.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/31/wwe-diva-kharma-pregnant-birth/ |title=WWE Diva Kharma – I Dropped a Few Pounds ... Out of My Uterus |date=31 January 2012 |website=TMZ.com |access-date=28 January 2016 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031042532/https://www.tmz.com/2012/01/31/wwe-diva-kharma-pregnant-birth/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=birth>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57600.shtml|title=Why Kharma was able to return in the Rumble|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Torch]]|access-date=24 February 2012|date=31 January 2012|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028081527/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57600.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens revealed the truth about her miscarriage in March.<ref name="miscarriage"/>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tmz.com/2012/08/06/kharma-wwe-reality-show/ |title=Former WWE Star Kharma – I Don't Wanna Be Fat Anymore |date=6 August 2012 |website=TMZ.com |access-date=19 August 2012 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215311/https://www.tmz.com/2012/08/06/kharma-wwe-reality-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:Early Kongtourage.jpg|thumb|Kong is a two-time [[Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship|TNA Knockout Champion]]]]
* '''[[All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[WWWA World Single Championship]] ([[WWWA World Single Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/>
** [[WWWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Aja Kong]]{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
** MMC Cup New Year Tournament (2003)
** [[Japan Grand Prix]] (2003)<ref name="prix">{{cite web|title=Wrestling supercards and tournaments|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/women/ajw/prix00.html|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=9 January 2011|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003140838/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/women/ajw/prix00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Wrestling Superstars Live|AWA Superstars of Wrestling]]'''
** [[AWA Japan Women's Championship|AWA World Women's Championship]] ([[AWA Japan Women's Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/>
* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''
** Woman of the Year (2008)<ref name="Baltimore">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2008 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-01-2008_awards_1-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=January 2, 2009|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204084430/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-01-2008_awards_1-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
** Women's Wrestling (Active) Award (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=And the 2011 nominees are...|url=http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/2010/09/03/and-the-2011-cac-honorees-are%E2%80%A6/|publisher=[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]|access-date=21 April 2011|date=3 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309164522/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/2010/09/03/and-the-2011-cac-honorees-are%E2%80%A6/|archive-date=9 March 2011}}</ref>
* '''[[ChickFight]]'''
** [[ChickFight#ChickFight IX: Our Final Chance|ChickFight IX]]<ref name=ch9/>
* '''Continental Championship Wrestling'''
** CCW Alabama Women's Championship (1 time)
** CCW Alabama Women's Championship Tournament (2016)
* '''[[Gaea Japan]]'''
** [[AAAW Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAAW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Aja Kong{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
* '''[[Empire Wrestling Federation]]'''
** EWF Hall Of Fame (class of 2017){{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}
* '''Funkin' Conservatory'''
** BANG Women's Championship (2 times)
* '''[[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]'''
** [[Hustle Super Tag Team Championship]] ([[Hustle Super Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Aja Kong|Erika]]<ref name=hustle/>
* '''[[Ladies Legend Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** LLPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Aja Kong{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
* '''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]'''
** [[NWA World Women's Championship]] ([[NWA World Women's Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref name=slam/>
* '''[[NEO Japan Ladies Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[NEO Tag Team Championship]] (2 times) – with Haruka Matsuo (1), and [[Kyoko Kimura]] (1){{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
* '''[[Oz Academy]]'''
** Iron Woman Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Chikayo Nagashima]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.purolove.com/joshi/ozacademy/results9805.php | title=Oz Academy Results: 1998~2005 | access-date=6 April 2013 | work=Purolove | language=de | archive-date=24 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124000751/http://www.purolove.com/joshi/ozacademy/results9805.php | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 1 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI Women's 150|PWI Female 50]]'' in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/223777233.php|access-date=19 September 2008|date=19 September 2008|publisher=PWPix.net|title=The PWI Female 50 Rankings: Who Is The Top Women's Wrestler In The World?|archive-date=6 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106081826/http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/223777233.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[PWI Woman of the Year]] (2008)<ref name="PWI2008">{{cite web|url=https://womenlovewrestling.net/awesome-kong-a-trailblazer-in-womens-wrestling/|title=Awesome Kong – A Trailblazer In Women's Wrestling|work=Women's Love Wrestling|first=Kwame|last=Shakir|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=June 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121171808/https://womenlovewrestling.net/awesome-kong-a-trailblazer-in-womens-wrestling/|archive-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Pro Wrestling World-1'''
** World-1 Women's Championship (1 time)<ref name=Zero1World1z>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=130010|title=WORLD-1|work=Cagematch|accessdate=February 11, 2023}}</ref>
** Zero-1 Mac Women's Championship (1 time)<ref name=Zero1World1z/>
* '''[[Resistance Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[RPW Women's Championship]] ([[RPW Women's Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=RPWChamp/>
* '''[[TNA Wrestling]]'''
** [[TNA Knockouts Championship]] ([[List of TNA Knockouts Champions|2 times]])<ref name=slam/>
** [[TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Ayako Hamada|Hamada]]<ref name=Jan4/>
** [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#One Night Only|Queen of the Knockouts (2015)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-knockouts-knockdown-3-review/|title=411MANIA|website=Csonka’s TNA One Night Only Knockouts Knockdown 3 Review|access-date=2021-10-29|archive-date=2021-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921005423/https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-one-night-only-knockouts-knockdown-3-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold|Gauntlet for the Gold]] ([[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold#Most Gauntlet for the Gold victories|2016]] – Knockouts)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-news/57377-tna-one-night-only-ppv-live-results-1-8-16-live-from-bethlehem/|title=TNA One Night Only PPV Live Results – 1/8/16 (Beer Money) -|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922040218/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-news/57377-tna-one-night-only-ppv-live-results-1-8-16-live-from-bethlehem/|url-status=live}}</ref>
**[[TNA Hall of Fame]] ([[TNA Hall of Fame#Inductees|2021]])<ref name="KongHOF"/>

== Mixed martial arts record ==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws        = 0
| nc           = 0
|ko-wins       = 1
| ko-losses    = 0
| sub-wins     =  0
| sub-losses   = 0
| dec-wins     = 0
| dec-losses   = 0
| dq-wins      = 0
| dq-losses    = 0
| other-wins   = 0
| other-losses = 0
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Rika Shimizu
| TKO (punches)
| [[2006 in Shooto#G-Shooto: Wrestle Expo 2006|G-Shooto: Wrestle Expo 2006]]
| {{dts|2006|August|19}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:05
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kia-Stevens-17735|title=Kia Stevens profile|publisher=[[Sherdog]]|access-date=2013-11-18|archive-date=2018-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005215327/http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kia-Stevens-17735|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{end}}

== Filmography ==
'''Television'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2017–19
| ''[[GLOW (TV series)|GLOW]]''
| [[List of GLOW characters#Tammé Dawson|Tammé Dawson]]
| Recurring role (Season 1)
Main role (Season 2–3)
|-
|2020
| ''[[Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun]]''
| rowspan="2" |Herself
|Guest star, 1 episode ("'Lympics")
|-
|2023
|''[[Biography: WWE Legends]]''
|Contributor, 1 episode ("[[Chyna]]")
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=2172144|name=Kia Stevens}}
* {{WWE superstars|id=kharma|name=Kharma}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Commons category|Kia Stevens|Awesome Kong}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{NEO Tag Team Championship}}
{{AAAW Tag Team Championship}}
{{NWA World Women's Championship}}
{{TNA Women's Knockout Championship}}
{{TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship}}
{{TNA Gauntlet for the Gold}}
{{TNA Hall of Fame}}
{{TNA One Night Only annual events}}
{{WWWA World Single Championship}}
{{WWWA World Tag Team Championship}}
}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kong, Awesome}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American women]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:AAAW Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan]]
[[Category:American female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
][[Category:Japan Grand Prix winners]]
[[Category:NWA World Women's Champions]]
[[Category:People from Carson, California]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]
[[Category:American professional wrestling executives]]
[[Category:TNA Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:TNA/Impact Knockouts World Champions]]
[[Category:TNA/Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WWWA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WWWA World Single Champions]]