Charlie, formerly known in WWE as Dakota Kai, is gearing up for her first match back following an extended break from wrestling. The wrestler revealed that this hiatus was essential for her well-being, and she appears renewed as she prepares to face AEW star Kris Statlander. Her upcoming bout is scheduled for March 8, 2026, at Pro Wrestling EVE’s Wrestle Queendom VIII event in London, England.
Reflecting on WWE Journey and Reasons for Time Away
During an interview on Busted Open Radio, Charlie reflected on her time with WWE, sharing that stepping back was necessary for her to regain confidence. She expressed gratitude for her experiences and relationships, especially within the locker room.
“I definitely needed to take that sort of step back from it,”
Charlie said.
“I was incredibly grateful for my time at WWE, you know? Everyone I met there and worked with, … the locker room especially [has] such a big part of my heart. I loved that time, but I think I just really needed to take a step back and sort of rebuild myself in terms of confidence and what I thought about myself as a wrestler in this world. I didn’t really know if I still had a place in this world, you know?”
She also acknowledged that injuries influenced WWE’s decision to release her, a move that coincided with the company’s acquisition by the TKO group and corresponding budget cuts. Despite the timing coming as a surprise—especially following her recent participation in a high-profile singles tournament—Charlie understands the release was not personal, and she has since focused on rebuilding herself for her return.
Details on Upcoming Match and Event Spotlight
Charlie will compete against Kris Statlander during Wrestle Queendom VIII at the Indigo at the O2 venue in London, a show that has already sold out. The event will feature a lineup including notable wrestlers such as Willow Nightingale, Harley Cameron, and Rhio. This bout marks an important milestone in Charlie’s comeback, signifying her reentry into professional wrestling after a period of personal and physical recovery.
What Charlie’s Return Means for Her Wrestling Career
Charlie’s return highlights her resilience and continued passion for wrestling. Taking time away allowed her to reassess her place in the sport and regain the confidence needed to perform at a high level. Fans of Dakota Kai Wrestling Comeback can expect a thoughtfully prepared return that showcases her growth. The upcoming match against Statlander is positioned to be a significant moment in both her career and the broader wrestling scene, particularly within Pro Wrestling EVE’s growing profile in the UK.
If any quotes are used, credit is due to Busted Open Radio with a hat tip to Wrestling Inc. for transcription assistance.
