Why WWE Really Released Dakota Kai

The WWE’s roster became a lot smaller after recent releases, and now it’s been explained why the company let go the popular Dakota Kai.

Dakota Kai was amongst a host of names let go by WWE on May 2, with the likes of Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler also shown the exit door.

A number of NXT names were also released at the same time, with the likes of Cora Jade, Dani Palmer, Gallus, and Jakara Jackson now looking to continue their careers elsewhere. Cora Jade wasted no time in revealing her new ring name as NXT talent only have to wait 30 days before they can work elsewhere.

WWE reportedly let one star go due to their high salary, and now the reason for Dakota Kai’s exit has seemingly been revealed.

Dakota Kai Let Go As Damage CTRL Ends

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez shone light on why WWE decided to cut Dakota Kai as it seems the end has come for Damage CTRL as a group:

Dakota Kai was probably the biggest surprise, I would say. The story there is – and I don’t know if this is official – but I was told unofficially that Damage CTRL’s done. The group is done.

That probably means maybe Asuka and Kairi might come back as a tag team and IYO’s obviously a big singles star and maybe they just figured that Dakota, she’s not gonna be at the level of an IYO, she doesn’t have a partner, we don’t do a six-woman division so she got cut. But that one is surprising.

This release marks the second time that Kai has parted ways with WWE, having previously been released in April 2022 before returning to the fold just three months later.

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