Dakota Kai Addresses Potentially Joining AEW After WWE Release

Dakota Kai isn’t locking herself into one destination—and AEW or TNA could both be in play once she’s fully back in the ring.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio on February 12, 2026, Kai addressed speculation about where she could land next following her upcoming return match. While she didn’t confirm talks with any promotion, she made it clear she’s keeping her options wide open.

“Once I get back into it, TNA and AEW and so many more have people that I would love to face in the ring. I haven’t really pinpointed it to any particular thing, I just think once I do this match and get the wheels turning and doing all that, wherever my path may lead, I’m open to it completely.”

That comment comes just weeks after it was confirmed she will compete under the name Charlie at Wrestle Queendom 8 on March 8, 2026—International Women’s Day—challenging AEW’s Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship.

Before that announcement, Fightful Select reported in a Q&A that Kai had gotten new ring gear made, leading to talk that she was preparing for a serious in-ring comeback. Sean Ross Sapp noted he “wouldn’t be surprised” if she ended up back in Japan at some point, though no concrete plans were confirmed.

Kai, released by WWE on May 2, 2025, has kept a lower wrestling profile since, focusing largely on her Twitch community. Still, she recently admitted on stream how much she misses competing.

“I miss wrestling, you guys! I got to get back into it. It’s just one of those things where it has been nice to have a little bit of a break… but I really do miss it.”

Now, with a title match on the horizon and multiple major promotions potentially in play, Kai’s next chapter feels closer than ever.

Where do you think Dakota Kai should land next—AEW, TNA, Japan, or somewhere completely unexpected? Drop your thoughts below and let us know where you want to see her wrestle next.