Dakota Kai Health Update, What Happened To Dakota Kai?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Aug 17, 2023
Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai is a professional wrestler from New Zealand who is currently signed to WWE. Hailing from New Zealand, Dakota Kai has established herself as a prominent professional wrestler within WWE's realm. A fixture on the SmackDown brand, she goes by the ring name Dakota Kai and is notably associated with Damage CTRL, as well as being a former two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion alongside Iyo Sky.
Her journey also traverses NXT, where she clinched victory in the inaugural Women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and seized the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
Born in Auckland on May 6, 1988, Dakota Kai embarked on her wrestling odyssey in 2007, honing her craft on the independent circuit before WWE beckoned. In 2017, she secured a contract with WWE, commencing her training at the esteemed WWE Performance Center.
Her entrée into NXT materialized in 2018, swiftly establishing her as a beloved figure within the brand. She joined forces with Raquel Gonzalez, forming an impactful tag team that clinched the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship twice. Yet, Kai's prowess extended beyond the tag scene, as she ventured into a successful singles career, even progressing to the finals of the Mae Young Classic in 2018.
The year 2022 witnessed Kai's ascent to the main roster, marking her debut on SmackDown. Her transition was seamless, as she sustained her winning streak, culminating in the capture of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Iyo Sky in 2023.
Renowned for her striking prowess and dynamic aerial maneuvers, Dakota Kai commands attention within the ring. Beyond her physical prowess, she radiates charisma, captivating audiences and amassing a devoted fan base that continues to grow.
Dakota Kai Health Update
Kai encountered a setback with a torn ACL injury, momentarily halting the hinted dissolution of the Damage CTRL alliance. Surprisingly, this year's SummerSlam witnessed Kai's unexpected presence, joining IYO SKY and Bayley in commemorating SKY's triumphant Money in the Bank cash-in and subsequent Women's Championship victory.
Appearing at the event without her leg brace, Kai's participation ignited speculations about her clearance status, further fueled by her subsequent appearance on last week's SmackDown. However, Kai set the record straight during a Twitch stream, confirming that she has not yet received the green light for in-ring competition.
In a parallel predicament, WWE's Sonya Deville also contends with an ACL injury, a condition that curtailed her inaugural championship reign after eight years with the company. Piper Niven has stepped in to partner with Chelsea Green in Deville's stead.
While Dakota Kai has indeed returned to WWE programming, it's important to note that her reentry into the wrestling ring will remain on hold for an extended period. Her reintroduction to WWE occurred last year as a crucial member of Damage CTRL, a decision that left Kai astounded, considering she had been released just a few months earlier. Reports circulated that the promotion didn't view her as fitting for the main roster at the time.
What Happened To Dakota Kai?
Kai encountered a significant setback with a torn ACL injury, temporarily halting speculated plans for a Damage CTRL breakup. Adding an element of surprise to this year's SummerSlam, Kai emerged to celebrate alongside IYO SKY and Bayley, applauding SKY's victorious Money in the Bank cash-in and securing the Women's Championship. Although Dakota Kai has resurfaced on WWE programming, the return to the wrestling ring for the New Zealand talent remains a prospect for the distant future.
Previously, Kai's WWE reemergence was orchestrated as a part of the Damage CTRL collective, a strategic move executed during the previous year's SummerSlam Premium Live Event. This decision baffled Kai, considering her earlier release from the company just a few months prior. Reports circulating suggested that WWE hadn't initially deemed her a suitable fit for the main roster.
Her conspicuous presence at the event, minus her leg brace, stirred questions regarding her medical clearance status. This curiosity only intensified following her subsequent appearance on last week's SmackDown. However, Kai chose to clarify the situation during a Twitch stream, underscoring that she hasn't received the green light for in-ring competition.
In her own words, Kai addressed the misconception surrounding her SmackDown participation: "I'm not healed. You'll probably notice that I'm not really involved with anything that requires 'activity.' Let's put it that way. I still have just under six months to go before I'm actually cleared."
Evidently, Kai isn't alone in grappling with an ACL injury within WWE's roster. Sonya Deville confronts a similar challenge, her torn ACL culminating in the conclusion of her inaugural championship reign spanning eight years with the company. Piper Niven has taken the mantle as Chelsea Green's partner, filling the void left by Deville's absence.
Dakota Kai Career
Dakota Kai, whose birth name is Cheree Georgina Crowley, embarked on her professional wrestling journey back in 2007, initially gracing the independent circuit in her homeland of New Zealand. She further ventured into wrestling scenes in Australia and Japan, amassing an impressive collection of titles, including the IPW New Zealand Women's Championship and the PWWA Championship.
In 2017, Kai inked a deal with WWE and commenced her training at the prestigious WWE Performance Center. Her NXT debut materialized in 2018, propelling her into the echelons of fan-favorite wrestlers within the brand. Aligning with Raquel Gonzalez, their tag team efforts culminated in clinching the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship on two occasions. Beyond the tag realm, Kai excelled in singles competition within NXT, even ascending to the finals of the Mae Young Classic in 2018.
The year 2022 marked Kai's transition to the main roster, where she became a fixture on SmackDown. Unfazed by the shift, she maintained her triumphant trajectory, epitomized by her acquisition of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Iyo Sky in 2023.
Dakota Kai's reputation is anchored in her commanding striking prowess and dazzling aerial maneuvers. Possessing a magnetic charisma, she resonates deeply with audiences, gathering a substantial and fervent fan base.
Her accomplishments within the ring are noteworthy:
Kai's wrestling prowess stands as a testament to her multifaceted talent and dedication. With her youth and untapped potential, her trajectory in the years ahead promises to be a captivating narrative worth watching.
Dakota Kai Health Update - FAQs
Dakota Kai's most recent health update indicates that she is dealing with an ongoing ACL injury.
Yes, despite her ACL injury, Dakota Kai has been making appearances on WWE programming.
Dakota Kai made a surprise appearance at this year's SummerSlam event.
Dakota Kai's appearance at SummerSlam without a leg brace raised questions about whether she has been medically cleared for in-ring competition.
During a Twitch stream, Dakota Kai clarified that she is not yet cleared for in-ring competition, despite her recent appearances.