Dakota Kai Bio
Early Life and Background
Cheree Georgina Crowley, known professionally as Dakota Kai, was born on May 6, 1988, in Auckland, New Zealand. Growing up in a family with a rich sporting background, she was introduced to wrestling at a young age by her brother, Earl. Crowley is of Irish and Samoan descent, with her mother hailing from the Samoan village of Lepea. She has two younger siblings, including a sister who is a mixed martial artist.
Crowley’s passion for wrestling led her to pursue a career in the sport, and she began training in 2007. Her early exposure to various wrestling styles and promotions would shape her future in the industry. She has cited her grandfather, Pat Crowley, a former All Blacks rugby player, as an inspiration in her athletic pursuits.
Path to WWE
Dakota Kai made her professional wrestling debut on December 15, 2007, under the ring name Evie for Impact Pro Wrestling in New Zealand. Over the years, she competed in several promotions, including Pro Wrestling Women’s Alliance in Australia and Shimmer Women Athletes in the United States. Her performances gained her recognition, leading to opportunities in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom.
In 2015, Crowley signed with WWE, adopting the ring name Dakota Kai. She participated in the Mae Young Classic, where she showcased her skills and resilience, defeating notable opponents before being eliminated in the quarterfinals. Her journey in WWE began in earnest as she joined the NXT brand, where she quickly made a name for herself.
Dakota Kai Career
Early Career (2007–2015)
During her initial years, Dakota Kai established herself on the independent circuit, winning multiple championships and accolades. She became the first Impact Pro Wrestling NZ Women’s Champion in 2012 and made significant strides in Australia and Japan. Her time in the independent circuit laid the groundwork for her future success in WWE, where she would further develop her in-ring style and persona.
WWE Breakthrough (2015–2022)
Dakota Kai made her WWE debut on October 14, 2015, as Evie, losing to Nia Jax. After signing a contract with WWE in December 2016, she rebranded as Dakota Kai and entered the Mae Young Classic in 2017. Her performance in the tournament garnered attention, and she soon became a key figure in NXT.
In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic alongside Raquel Gonzalez. This victory led to her becoming the inaugural NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Kai’s character evolved over time, showcasing her versatility as both a face and a heel, particularly during her time with the Damage CTRL stable.
WWE Main Roster Era (2022–Present)
After a brief release from WWE in April 2022, Dakota Kai returned to the company in July of the same year. She joined the main roster as part of Damage CTRL, alongside Bayley and Iyo Sky. The trio quickly made an impact, with Kai capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice during her tenure.
In 2023, Kai participated in the Royal Rumble, eliminating five competitors before being eliminated herself. However, her season was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL, which sidelined her for a significant portion of the year. Despite these challenges, she remained a prominent figure in WWE, continuing to engage with fans and contribute to her team’s dynamics.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Dakota Kai is known for her athleticism, agility, and striking ability. Her wrestling style combines high-flying maneuvers with technical prowess, making her a versatile competitor in the ring. She is also recognized for her storytelling ability, effectively conveying emotions and character development through her matches.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout her career, Dakota Kai has achieved significant milestones, including being the inaugural NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. Her participation in historic matches, such as the first all-women’s pay-per-view, has solidified her legacy in women’s wrestling.
Dakota Kai Career Wins
Dakota Kai has accumulated numerous victories across various promotions, particularly in WWE and NXT. Her championship reigns and tournament wins highlight her success as a professional wrestler.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Dakota Kai has captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice, showcasing her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Her first win came alongside Iyo Sky, marking a significant achievement in her career. Kai’s most recent title reign ended after 114 days, but her resilience and determination continue to make her a formidable competitor in the ring.
Previous NXT Series Achievements
In NXT, Kai’s accomplishments include winning the inaugural Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and holding the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. Her performances in high-stakes matches have earned her a reputation as a skilled and reliable performer.
Dakota Kai Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Dakota Kai comes from a family with a strong athletic background. Her grandfather represented New Zealand in rugby, and her siblings are also involved in sports, with her sister competing in mixed martial arts. This lineage has influenced her pursuit of a career in professional wrestling.
Personal Life
Dakota Kai is currently in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Karl Fredericks. She maintains close friendships with several wrestlers in the industry, including Shayna Baszler and Mia Yim, and often shares insights into her life through social media and streaming platforms.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging yet pivotal year for Dakota Kai. After recovering from injuries sustained in the previous year, she has made a strong return to the ring, participating in key matches and storylines. Her resilience has been evident as she navigates the competitive landscape of WWE, particularly within the Damage CTRL faction.
Kai’s performances have showcased her growth as a wrestler, with several standout matches that have captivated audiences. As she continues to build momentum, her outlook for the remainder of the year appears promising, with potential championship opportunities on the horizon.
