Released WWE Star To Challenge AEW Champion After A Year’s Absence
A former WWE star has been advertised to wrestle AEW Champion Kris Statlander.
Dakota Kai was one of the several wrestlers let go by the Stamford-based company on May 2.
This was Kai’s second departure from the company, after being released for the first time in 2022. The Kiwi wrestler has not stepped inside the squared circle despite her non-compete clause ending in August.
During her time away, the 37-year-old stayed connected with her fans through her Twitch and other social media platforms.
In September, Wicked Lester Clothing shared a post on X, revealing that the ex-WWE star had reached out to them to design a new ring gear, sparking speculations about her return.
Pro-Wrestling: EVE has announced that Dakota Kai, now competing under the name Charlie, will face Kris Statlander for the Pro-Wrestling: EVE International Championship at Wrestle Queendom VIII on March 8, 2026.
KRIS STATLANDER VS CHARLIE (FKA DAKOTA KAI)@callmekrisstat@ImKingKota
SUNDAY MARCH 8TH AT THE O2 INDIGOSTANDING TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE#EVEwrestling#wrestling#Womenswrestling#TrendingNow#women#aew#AllEliteWrestling#wwe#njpw#tna#trendingpic.twitter.com/V7ec3BKceM
— EVE – Riot Grrrls of Wrestling (@ProWrestlingEVE) December 5, 2025
Will Ospreay Invites WWE Star For Wrestle Queendom VIII
Following the official announcement of her upcoming match with Kris Statlander, Dakota Kai reposted the original tweet on her X account.
WWE’s Bayley responded to the massive announcement, expressing excitement.
Subsequently, AEW’s Will Ospreay, who is on Pro Wrestling EVE’s creative team, invited The Role Model to attend the event, even offering to buy her a Nando’s meal.
Oi if you ain’t doing nothing on Sunday 8th March, come down and I’ll buy ya a nandos https://t.co/1ERC0Fvo9W
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) December 6, 2025
On multiple occasions, the former WWE Women’s Champion has shared pictures of herself with Kris Statlander. Whether she accepts the invitation remains to be seen.
Also read: Vince Russo Calls Out Will Ospreay For Shocking Real-Life Reason