12-05-2025
Reported Details Behind Dakota Kai's WWE Release
Dakota Kai being released by WWE came as a big surprise to plenty of people.
Fans have speculated on the reason(s) behind her WWE exit, and now we have a bit more insight as to why it happened. Dave Meltzer reported (via The Wrestling Observer Newsletter) that part of the reason Dakota Kai was released is due to her age. Kai is 37 years old, and that was noted as 'part of it.' Meltzer noted that Kai received almost unanimous praise inside WWE and her release was a surprise.
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It was noted that Kai was viewed as someone WWE could use on a 'micro level' but was never going to be a top long-term draw like a Rhea Ripley or Charlotte Flair. Meltzer noted one source said Dakota could have worked with other top stars like Becky Lynch or Liv Morgan, but on a short-term level. In general, there was a belief that Kai was being paid too much to just have her lose to talent on their way up in the company.
One WWE source expects her to end up in AEW, as she spoke with the promotion after WWE cut her for the first time in 2022. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select) also reported that there appears to be significant interest in Dakota Kai outside of WWE, as outside companies and agents expect her to have 'plenty of offers.'
Dakota Kai is believed to have a 90-day non-compete clause as a condition of her release. Others who have the 90-day stipulation include: Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter.
Read More: Dakota Kai Posts Heartfelt Message Following WWE Release
Dakota Kai highlights how much fans help a performer
Prior to being released by WWE, Dakota Kai spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard at WrestleMania 41. Kai was asked if there were some moments from her wrestling career she'd like fans to focus on more. She called out some of her work with Rhea Ripley in NXT, noting that many of her favorite matches in that era were in front of an empty building.
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'I haven't wrestled Rhea [Ripley] on the main roster yet. I did have a few matches with her in NXT. So maybe during that time, especially NXT in 2020, when it was like the 'COVID era.' There was a lot of good stuff that happened there,' Dakota Kai explained.
'There was a six-woman ladder match that happened in front of zero people. Do you know how much ladders hurt when no one's cheering for you? [laughs] It hurt a lot,' Dakota added. 'It's surprising how much cheering helps your adrenaline and not feeling pain. That was a match!'
The post Reported Details Behind Dakota Kai's WWE Release appeared first on Wrestlezone.
