Dakota Kai, a former multi-time WWE champion who has not competed since March 2025, is close to returning to the ring against a prominent AEW competitor next month. As someone who has recently expressed interest in facing athletes from Tony Khan‘s All Elite Wrestling promotion, Kai could be signed and introduced during AEW’s Grand Slam event in Australia in 2026. This potential signing highlights Tony Khan’s ongoing efforts to acquire notable free agents for his roster.
Dakota Kai’s Wrestling Career and Recent Developments
Kai initially joined WWE in 2016 and made her mark on the company’s developmental brand, NXT. Although WWE released her in 2022, she returned later that year at SummerSlam with Bayley and Iyo Sky. However, her run with WWE’s main roster concluded in May 2025 when she was released again. Since then, Dakota Kai, now performing under the name Charlie, has not competed in WWE. She is scheduled to return to action at Pro-Wrestling EVE’s Wrestle Queendom VIII this March, where she will face former AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander.
Will Ospreay’s Role in Arranging Kai’s Upcoming Match
Will Ospreay, currently on hiatus from AEW due to neck surgery but still active behind the scenes for Pro-Wrestling EVE, has been instrumental in setting up Dakota Kai’s upcoming match against Kris Statlander. In an interview with Grapple Theory, Ospreay described how he reached out to Kai, who responded quickly and was enthusiastic about the opportunity. He said,
“I just dropped her a message and said, ‘What are the chances of making this happen?’ She got back to me right away. Like, super eager to do it. The back and forth between us was so good. She really wants to come down to EVE and celebrate this huge show in the Indigo, but more importantly, she’s really wanting to wrestle Kris Statlander.”- Will Ospreay, AEW star and producer
This match will be an important test for Charlie as she faces The Cosmic Killer, a formidable opponent known for her achievements in AEW.
Tony Khan’s Continued Interest in Signing Free Agents
AEW CEO Tony Khan has previously mentioned his intention to scout and recruit impactful free agents for the promotion. Given Kai’s recent statements about wanting to compete against AEW talent and her upcoming high-profile matches, Khan’s acquisition of Charlie would add a proven star to the AEW women’s division. Her debut could generate significant excitement at next year’s Grand Slam event in Australia, further strengthening AEW’s roster ahead of future storylines and shows.
Will Ospreay discusses getting Charlie (FKA Dakota Kai) for EVE Wrestle Queendom VIII against Kris Statlander:
“I wanted to try and find a wrestler that isn’t attached to any other major company. I just had this moment of going like, ‘Oh, Dakota Kai’s out of work right now. I… pic.twitter.com/7pNhWadyBM
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 12, 2026
