Dakota Kai is finally opening up about her WWE departure—and the emotional toll it took on her behind the scenes.
Speaking to Busted Open Radio on February 12, 2026, the former Women’s Tag Team Champion revealed how her 2025 release affected her confidence and sense of identity in wrestling. While she’s on the verge of a major comeback, Kai admitted that walking away from WWE was a heavy moment she needed time to recover from.
“It was hard. I definitely needed to take that step back from it. I was very grateful for my time in WWE, especially the locker room—I loved that time. I just needed to take a step back and rebuild myself and my confidence as a wrestler in this world. I didn’t know if I still had a place in this world.”
She acknowledged that the corporate environment at WWE left her feeling boxed in. When asked if her release came as a surprise, Kai pointed to multiple factors—including injuries and a change in management.
“Being in that company, there’s sort of a glass ceiling. That’s not a unique experience by any means. I would always try to remind myself not to think of myself the way they might, because at the end of the day, it’s just business. It could have been that. I think that definitely had a part to play. The change in management had a big part to play too. It was surprising only because we were just coming off the Intercontinental tournament, and obviously plans change.
That was one of the things—I was constantly fighting that glass ceiling. Even when I thought I was going to break through it, it obviously came back. There were a lot of things at play that were out of my hands.”
Now wrestling under the name Charlie, Kai is set to face Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship at Wrestle Queendom 8 on March 8, 2026. She’s also expressed openness to joining AEW or TNA, making it clear that she hasn’t pinned down her next move—but she’s excited to explore what’s next.
“Once I get back into it, TNA and AEW and so many more have people that I would love to face in the ring. I haven’t really pinpointed it to any particular thing… wherever my path may lead, I’m open to it completely.”
From heartbreak to new horizons, Dakota Kai is stepping back into the ring with a new perspective—and something to prove.
Do you think Dakota Kai was held back in WWE? And where do you want to see her make her next full-time move—AEW, TNA, or Japan? Share your thoughts below and let’s talk.
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