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Andrew Ravens is a Newsweek reporter. He is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His focus is reporting on wrestling news. He has in-depth knowledge of pro wrestling and has covered the industry extensively. Andrew joined Newsweek in 2025 from WrestlingNews.co and had previously worked at GiveMe Sport. You can get in touch with Andrew by emailing a.ravens@newsweek.com. You can find him on X @andrew_ravens.

Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

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Former WWE superstar Dakota Kai has opened up about her future in professional wrestling. In a recent live stream, the former multi-time champion admitted that while she is enjoying her break from the business, she misses being in the ring and plans to get back to it when the time is right.

Kai’s release from WWE in early 2025 was a surprise to many, as she was a featured member of the popular “Damage CTRL” faction at the time.

Dakota Kai On Her Hiatus

Speaking to her fans on a live stream, Kai was candid about her feelings since her WWE departure. She explained that the time away has been a welcome change after a long and demanding career.

“I miss wrestling, you guys! I got to get back into it,” she said. “It’s just one of those things where it has been nice to have a little bit of a break. I have been doing it for a long time… It is nice to take a step back for a while, but I really do miss it.”

More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match

A Decorated WWE Run

Dakota Kai’s career in WWE was a story of success and reinvention. She was a standout in the “black and gold” era of NXT, known for her exciting in-ring style and her shocking heel turn. She is the first-ever two-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion.

Upon moving to the main roster, she became a foundational member of the “Damage CTRL” faction, alongside Bayley and IYO SKY. The group was a dominant force, and Kai went on to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions with IYO SKY.

What’s Next For Dakota Kai?

Since her release, Dakota Kai has been one of the most sought-after free agents in the wrestling world. It has been reported that both AEW and TNA Wrestling have expressed interest in signing the talented Kiwi superstar.

Her former “Damage CTRL” stablemates have been publicly supportive of her since her departure. Both Bayley and IYO SKY have praised her work and their time together in the group. With her non-compete clause now expired, Dakota Kai is free to sign with any promotion she chooses.

More WWE News:

• Released WWE Superstar Retires From Pro Wrestling
• Released WWE Star Breaks Silence On Departure
• Released WWE Star Wants To Join AEW

For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.