Kiera Hogan is now one-half of the new Knockouts Tag Team Champions. At the Hard to Kill pay-per-view this weekend, Hogan and Tasha Steelz made history by becoming the first Black team to win the gold. They are also the start of a rebirth of the championship as well.
Prior to this event, Hogan spoke with Sports Illustrated on how she felt heading into this match.
“I’m the underdog, the one you put in the passenger seat, the one that’s not in the main event,” Hogan says. “But at Hard to Kill, I’m going to prove to my peers, myself, and everyone watching that I deserve this spot. This is my chance, and I’m going to make it my moment.”
She continues, “Teaming with Tasha is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I’m so happy I get to team with her and go after these titles. She’s outstanding, and she’s brought out an extra boost of confidence in me. We’re the queens of the Knockouts division, but we’re missing our crowns. That will be fixed at Hard to Kill.”
The duo were crowned last night at the event and a passing of the torch was evident when former Knockout Tag Team Champions Gail Kim and Madison Rayne presented them with the belts.
Hogan also speaks on being a member of the LGBTQ community and how she had felt growing up. She came out publicly in 2019 and is in a relationship with fellow wrestler Diamante.
“Growing up, I always felt out of place,” Hogan says. “I was just so different from my family. I’m also going through a lot of hard times right now, but I know I need to keep fighting. It’s going to be worth it. I’m working my ass off to do everything I’ve ever wanted to do, and I love that people get to see that.
Wrestling means so much to me. Wrestling has understood me, and I understand wrestling. It’s allowed me to evolve. I get to be myself, the first-ever Kiera Hogan.”
“I have had the chance to speak to kids in the LGBTQ community, and that means the world to me. I was once one of those kids, so I have an idea what they’re going through. Coming out is a challenge for every individual.”
She adds, “There have been times in my life when I was made to feel that being gay was wrong. That can cause trauma. I was very hesitant about coming out, but it has made me stronger and more confident in myself because I’m able to accept myself. I want to be me 100%. I’m not going to hide. If people don’t like it, that’s on them.”
Credit for the interview and transcriptions goes to Sports Illustrated – the full interview can be read here.
