Dakota Kai, now performing under the name Charlie, competed in her first wrestling match following her WWE release, which took place on Sunday in London. The event occurred at Pro Wrestling EVE’s Wrestle Queendom 8, hosted at the indigo at The O2 venue, where Charlie faced Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship.
Details of the Match and Outcome
Kris Statlander retained her championship by pinning Charlie after executing multiple Tombstone piledrivers. Observers, including the commentary team, suggested that the repeated use of this finishing move may have been excessive during the contest. This bout marked Charlie’s first recorded match since her appearance at the WWE Main Event tapings on March 24, 2025, held at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.
Reflections on Career Break and Return
Charlie was released as part of WWE roster cuts announced on May 2, 2025. She recently admitted to taking a pause after leaving WWE to regain confidence and reassess her place in professional wrestling.
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,
she said during an interview with Busted Open Radio.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans noted Charlie’s long-awaited return, marking her first entrance in 350 days since departing WWE. The wrestling community shared enthusiasm about her performance and energy during the match.
charlie (dakota kai) making her first entrance in 350 days since leaving wwe ❤️pic.twitter.com/SvfMLdmMXV
Charlie (Dakota Kai) is going at it and with an impressive backbreaker #WrestleQueendom pic.twitter.com/xDCzOMVMQ5
NOT ONENOT TWOBUT THREE STATURDAYNIGHT FEVERS!! KRIS STAT DEFEATS CHARLIE!!!!!#WrestleQueendom pic.twitter.com/AgiuIsZfJP
Significance and Future Prospects
Charlie’s return to the ring after nearly a year away highlights her efforts to rebuild and redefine her career outside WWE. Competing against an established champion like Kris Statlander provides valuable experience and exposure on the independent circuit. This match may serve as a stepping stone for Charlie as she explores new opportunities and continues her wrestling journey beyond mainstream promotions.
https://twitter.com/ushigoroshi89/status/2030727309263524305
Charlie (Dakota Kai) is going at it and with an impressive backbreaker #WrestleQueendom pic.twitter.com/xDCzOMVMQ5
— Ace Humphreys 🏴🦢 (@Ace109610) March 8, 2026
NOT ONE
NOT TWO
BUT THREE STATURDAYNIGHT FEVERS!!
KRIS STAT DEFEATS CHARLIE!!!!!#WrestleQueendom
— Self Made AO 💫 (@KXNGAO) March 8, 2026
