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After months of anticipation and hints, Dakota Kai’s return to WWE has been confirmed, and she’ll be competing on a significant platform.
Will Ospreay shared the news on Twitter, announcing that Kai will be wrestling under the name charlie, facing off against AEW star Kris Statlander. This match will be for the EVE International Championship at Wrestle Queendom 8 on Sunday, March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
*”Sunday, March 8, 2026 | International Women’s Day | Wrestle Queendom 8″
Chris Statlander (c) vs Charlie (fka Dakota Kai)
EVE International Championship”*
The event will take place at the O2 Indigo in London, a venue renowned for showcasing elite women’s wrestling through Pro Wrestling: EVE Promotions. Doors will open at 3 PM, and the event is restricted to those aged 18 and over.
This announcement signifies Kai’s official return to the ring following her release from WWE on May 2, 2025. Rumors about her comeback have been fueled by her recent comments and hints at new gear, making this her first official booking, and it’s a significant one at that.
Fans familiar with Kai’s work in Stardom and Zero1 are aware of her experience in both the Japanese and British wrestling circuits. Challenging for a title against a formidable opponent like Statlander clearly shows Kai’s determination to make a strong comeback and signals that she’s fully committed to revitalizing her career.
After focusing on streaming and rebuilding her brand for several months, Kai expressed her eagerness to return to wrestling during a Twitch session:
“I miss wrestling, guys! I’ve got to get back to wrestling. Wrestling is just one of the things that was nice to take a little bit of time off from. I’ve been wrestling for a long time, longer than the last seven years I’ve been in WWE. You know what I mean? It’s nice to take a step back for a while, but I really miss it.”
Now, she’s back and stepping directly into a title match against one of AEW’s most physically dominant stars. It remains uncertain whether this match will be a singular event or the beginning of a larger international endeavor, but fans are undoubtedly thrilled.
Are you planning to watch Dakota Kai (now Charlie) take on Kris Statlander in London? Do you believe she will secure the title in her comeback match? Share your thoughts and comments below.
Fan Take: This news is monumental for wrestling fans as it signals a reinvigorated competitive spirit, not only for Dakota Kai but for women’s wrestling as a whole. Kai’s return could inspire a wave of fresh talent and exciting rivalries, making the landscape more dynamic and engaging.
