Dakota Kai’s First Post-WWE Match and In-Ring Name Revealed

After months of speculation and subtle teases, Dakota Kai’s first match since her WWE release has officially been announced—and it’s going down on a massive stage.

Will Ospreay took to Twitter to confirm the news: Kai—now wrestling under the name Charlie—will challenge AEW star Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship at Wrestle Queendom 8 on Sunday, March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

*”Sunday 8th March 2026 | International Women’s Day | Wrestle Queendom 8
Kris Statlander (c) Vs Charlie (fka Dakota Kai)
EVE International Championship”*

The match will take place at indigo at The O2 in London, a venue known for spotlighting top-tier women’s wrestling through the Pro Wrestling: EVE promotion. Doors open at 3PM, and the event is age-restricted to 18+.

This announcement marks Kai’s official return to in-ring competition since her release from WWE on May 2, 2025. While rumors of a comeback were fueled by her recent comments and reports of new ring gear, this is the first confirmed booking—and it’s a big one.

Fans who’ve followed Kai’s earlier work in Stardom and Zero1 already know she’s no stranger to the Japanese or UK wrestling scenes. But a title shot against a dominant force like Statlander makes a bold statement: she’s not easing back in—she’s going full throttle.

After spending the last several months focused on streaming and rebuilding her personal brand, Kai told fans on Twitch:

“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. I have been doing it for a long time. Longer than the last seven years that I was in WWE. You know what I mean? It is nice to take a step back for a while, but I really do miss it.”

Well, she’s back—and she’s already stepping into a title match against one of AEW’s most physically imposing stars. Whether this is a one-off or the start of a major international run remains to be seen, but fans are hyped.

Will you be watching Dakota Kai—now Charlie—take on Kris Statlander in London? Think she walks out with gold in her first match back? Drop your thoughts and feedback below.