Gail Kim is on the mend.
Kim was scheduled to be the special guest referee in the Kenzie Paige versus Natalya match at NWA Crockett Cup. However, the TNA Knockouts legend was unable to appear due to an unfortunate illness. Gail Kim issued a statement and apologized for missing the event, but she had to remove herself from the show due to experiencing COVID-like symptoms.
Gail Kim pulled herself from the show out of caution, and promised to make it up to NWA fans in the future.
“I am sorry to have to announce that I cannot make it to the Crockett Cup today in Philadelphia. I hate to let the fans down and most of all Nattie and Kenzie,” Gail wrote on Twitter/X. “But post cruise last Sunday, I went down hard and have been suffering severe flu/covid symptoms. I did not want to announce in hopes to make a full recovery by today. But I am still experiencing a high fever and have had to cancel this am.
“I promise to make it up to the NWA fans and Billy and hope to come back for another event. I am so disappointed as I was looking forward to being the referee for the women’s championship title today. Wishing the best of luck to everyone in Philadelphia today and especially the ladies who I know will be bringing down the 2300 Arena tonight!”
IMPORTANT UPDATE pic.twitter.com/gXk25Doovv
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) May 17, 2025
Kenzie Paige highlights what Gail Kim has meant to her
NWA Women’s World Champion Kenzie Paige spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard ahead of the Crockett Cup. Paige highlighted the mentor-like role Gail Kim took in her career, noting that Gail has always been there to give her guidance along the way.
“[I am a] huge Gail Kim fan. And I’ve also tried to [stay in contact] — I don’t bother her much, but I have tried to stay in contact and send matches as I’ve progressed and gotten better. Because she is someone, personally, that I really care about her opinion. From when I was way younger, wrestling Jordynne Grace on the independent scene to now she’s my special guest ref against Nattie Neidhart. For what it’s worth, she’s got to see a little bit of my growth and evolution as I say… That is a very big deal to me in my personal life.
“And to see everything kind of come into play, it’s like all one big circle for me. So, to have her as a special guest ref once again,” Paige said. “And like I said, I’ve tried to keep her up to date with what I am doing and everything I’ve done thus far. So, for her to be a part of this big moment and this big match-up is almost like God kind of set that up for me.”
Read More: Kenzie Paige Picked A Fight With Natalya, Says It’s Much More Than A Dream Match
