Dakota Kai Reveals Factors Behind Her WWE Release

TLDR

Dakota Kai revealed in a February 2026 interview with Busted Open Radio that her 2025 WWE release was influenced by multiple factors including injuries, a change in management, and feeling constrained by a "glass ceiling" in the corporate environment. The former Women's Tag Team Champion said she needed time to rebuild her confidence after the departure, despite being grateful for her WWE experience. 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, and has expressed openness to joining promotions like AEW or TNA.