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Ex-WWE Champion Breaks Silence On In-Ring Return After 10 Months

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Feb 07, 2026 16:37 EST
wwe logo over dakota kai
WWE logo over Dakota Kai - Source: WWE.com

A former WWE Champion has recalled going through a tough journey amid their in-ring return soon.

Dakota Kai was one of the several talents released by the Stamford promotion on May 2, 2025. Some of the other popular names on the list included Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Cora Jade, and Gigi Dolin.

While Cora Jade recently signed with TNA under the ring name Elayna Black, Gigi Dolin performs in the independent circuit as Priscilla Kelly.

Strowman has temporarily stepped away from wrestling and is in no hurry to return. He currently has his own TV show called “Everything On The Menu with Braun Strowman,” which is produced by WWE Studios.

Baszler, on the other hand, works as a guest coach in the company’s Performance Center.

In December last year, Pro-Wrestling EVE tweeted that Dakota Kai would be returning to in-ring action, revealing that she would be called Charlie. In her return match at Wrestle Queendom VIII on March 8, 2026, she will challenge Kris Statlander for the Pro-Wrestling: EVE International Championship.

Ex-WWE Champion Speaks About In-Ring Return

On Saturday, EVE released a vignette on X featuring former WWE Champion Dakota Kai, which contained a voiceover of her talking about her recent struggles and how the upcoming match as reignited her passion.

This past year’s been tough. I’ve had so much doubt about my place in wrestling but this opportunity, it’s reigniting my passion and I’m more certain than ever. Sunday, March 8th at the Indigo O2, I’m in charge of my own story, and my opponent, someone I’ve watched for years and has consistently blown me away. Kris (Statlander), you’re impressive, strong and one hell of a champion. But you’re in my crosshairs now. I’ll see you soon, Pro-Wrestling: EVE. [H/T: Fightful]

Charlie (Dakota Kai) is a former is a former 2-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.