AEW’s Will Ospreay has unveiled plans for a released WWE star’s comeback match, scheduled for Pro Wrestling EVE’s Wrestle Queendom 8 event next month. This development highlights a notable moment as Dakota Kai, released from WWE earlier this year, prepares for her return to the ring.
Details of Dakota Kai’s Return at Wrestle Queendom 8
Several WWE talents were let go in May, including former Women’s Tag Team Champion Dakota Kai, who has not competed since her departure. Known now by her ring name Charlie, she will make her return at Pro Wrestling EVE’s Wrestle Queendom 8, set for March 8 at London’s Indigo at the O2.
Charlie is slated to challenge AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship, marking a high-profile matchup that has generated considerable anticipation among wrestling fans.
Will Ospreay’s Role in Arranging the Comeback Match
Will Ospreay, who contributes as a producer and creative team member for Pro Wrestling EVE while also wrestling in AEW, shared insights into how he helped bring Charlie back into the spotlight. Speaking with Grapple Theory, he described the process of assembling this significant card.
Ospreay explained how he reached out to key figures to secure approvals for the match lineup and sought to include a wrestler not currently affiliated with a major promotion. Noticing Dakota Kai’s absence from the in-ring scene, he contacted her directly to explore the possibility of her participation.
He said:
“Sometimes the name does come a little bit in handy, but I remember when we were putting this card together and it was November, and I messaged Tony to basically say ‘can I have Willow, Stat, Harley and another one I can’t reveal yet’. But when I asked to get those permissions and Stat for us has been such an incredible champion, I’ve loved having the belt on her, I’ve loved bringing her out, I love the fact she’s got to work with other girls and help them a little bit more, her and Nina was a real sick match.”
?Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler and EVE Producer
Ospreay continued to describe his outreach to Dakota Kai, highlighting her quick and enthusiastic response which made realizing the dream match possible.
“So I just dropped her a message and I just said like ‘what are the chances of making this happen?’ She got back to me right away, like, super eager to do it. I couldn’t believe like, the back and forth between us was so good, and it was just like, she really wants to come down to EVE to celebrate this huge show in the Indigo, but more importantly she’s really wanting to wrestle Kris Statlander.”
?Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler and EVE Producer
Anticipation for the Championship Match at the Indigo
This matchup not only serves as Dakota Kai’s much-anticipated return but also provides a compelling title contest for the EVE International Championship. AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander, known for elevating her opponents’ performances, is set to defend her title against a rival eager to prove herself after her WWE exit.
Ospreay emphasized the quality both athletes bring to the ring, underlining the caliber expected at Wrestle Queendom 8.
“Honestly, I am grateful and blessed that for a show like this, we get to put on a caliber of match of two incredible in-ring workers.”
?Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler and EVE Producer
Context and Potential Impact on Wrestling Fans and Promotions
Dakota Kai’s return at this event underscores how released WWE talents can find new opportunities to continue their careers outside the company, often engaging with promotions like Pro Wrestling EVE and AEW. This collaboration also highlights Will Ospreay’s expanding role behind the scenes in wrestling, blending his in-ring skill with creative responsibilities.
For fans, the match represents a fresh and exciting rivalry, likely setting the stage for further storylines involving the EVE International Championship and the AEW Women’s World Championship. Additionally, this event comes amid speculation about Will Ospreay’s own imminent AEW ring return following a neck injury, potentially adding more intrigue to the company’s lineup in the near future.
