In the world of professional wrestling, certain stars shine brightly and rapidly gain a following due to their unique abilities and engaging personalities. Dakota Kai, a prominent figure in WWE, is one such star. Her charisma, agility, and relentless drive have made her a fan favorite and one of the most respected talents in the industry. This article dives deep into Dakota Kai’s journey, exploring her roots, career, evolution, and impact on the wrestling world.

Who is Dakota Kai?

Dakota Kai, born Cheree Georgina Crowley on May 6, 1988, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. She has been a trailblazer, representing New Zealand on the global wrestling stage, and her achievements have inspired a new generation of wrestlers from her home country and beyond. Kai’s in-ring talent is complemented by her evolving character, which has seen her transition from a babyface to a fierce heel, captivating audiences with her versatility and commitment.

Before joining WWE, Kai wrestled under the ring name Evie, competing in various promotions worldwide. Her experiences across the globe shaped her as a performer, allowing her to hone her craft in a variety of styles, from technical wrestling to high-flying maneuvers. Her journey to WWE was not an overnight success but a result of years of hard work, persistence, and determination.

Early Career: From Evie to Dakota Kai

Dakota Kai’s wrestling journey began in New Zealand, where she debuted under the name Evie. She competed for Impact Pro Wrestling (IPW) in New Zealand and quickly gained attention for her athleticism and high-flying wrestling style. Her passion for wrestling began early, influenced by her Samoan heritage—her mother, who was a multi-sport athlete, provided her with both athletic inspiration and a competitive mindset.

From the early stages of her career, Kai showed immense promise. As Evie, she became one of the top female wrestlers in New Zealand and Australia, eventually expanding her reach internationally by competing in Japan and the United States. Her time in Japan, specifically in promotions like Pro Wrestling ZERO1, gave her valuable experience and helped her grow as a wrestler. In the U.S., she gained more recognition by competing for independent promotions such as SHIMMER Women Athletes and Shine Wrestling.

The transition from Evie to Dakota Kai happened when WWE came calling. Kai made her WWE debut in 2017, participating in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, a tournament designed to showcase female wrestling talent from around the world. Although she didn’t win, Kai made an immediate impression with her blend of speed, agility, and underdog spirit. She signed with WWE shortly after and officially adopted the ring name Dakota Kai, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Rise to Stardom in WWE

Dakota Kai’s rise within WWE has been a story of perseverance and evolution. Upon her arrival in NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, Kai quickly became known for her resilience and fighting spirit. Often portraying an underdog babyface, she won over fans with her never-say-die attitude, often taking on larger opponents and showing immense heart in the ring.

One of her early standout moments in NXT was her alliance with fellow New Zealander Tegan Nox. The two formed a tag team known as “Team Kick,” a fan-favorite duo that showcased a mix of high-octane offense and genuine friendship. However, Kai’s character would take a dramatic turn in 2019 at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.

In what would become a defining moment in her career, Dakota Kai betrayed her best friend Tegan Nox during the WarGames match, turning heel and shocking the WWE Universe. This betrayal was a turning point for Kai’s character, as she fully embraced a more ruthless and aggressive persona. The shift allowed her to explore new dimensions of her wrestling style and character development, leading to some of her most compelling work in WWE.

As a heel, Kai’s in-ring style became more calculated and vicious, while her promos reflected her new, more cynical outlook on the world. This transformation made her one of the top female villains in NXT, and she thrived in this role, feuding with the likes of Tegan Nox, Rhea Ripley, and Io Shirai.

Key Matches and Rivalries

Throughout her WWE career, Dakota Kai has been involved in several memorable matches and rivalries. One of her most notable feuds was with Tegan Nox, which spanned several months and culminated in a brutal street fight at NXT TakeOver: Portland in 2020. The intensity of the rivalry, combined with the emotional backstory of their friendship, made it one of the most compelling storylines in NXT at the time.

Another highlight of Kai’s career was her participation in the first-ever women’s WarGames match in 2019. Her shocking heel turn during the match remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent NXT history. Additionally, Kai has competed for the NXT Women’s Championship on multiple occasions, facing top competitors like Io Shirai and Raquel González.

Her partnership with Raquel González, which began in 2020, added another layer to Kai’s character. As a team, they dominated the NXT women’s tag team division and became the first-ever NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions in 2021. This partnership allowed Kai to further explore her role as a heel while also showcasing her ability to work as part of a successful team.

Dakota Kai’s Impact on Women’s Wrestling

Dakota Kai’s influence extends beyond her in-ring accomplishments. As one of the few New Zealand-born wrestlers to achieve success in WWE, she has become a source of inspiration for wrestlers from her home country and for aspiring female wrestlers around the world. Her journey from the independent circuit to WWE’s global stage is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Kai has also been a key figure in the ongoing women’s wrestling revolution within WWE. Over the past several years, women’s wrestling has taken center stage in WWE, with female competitors headlining major events and receiving more screen time and opportunities than ever before. Kai’s versatility, character evolution, and in-ring skills have made her a vital part of this movement, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible for female wrestlers.

What’s Next for Dakota Kai?

As of 2024, Dakota Kai remains one of the most exciting and dynamic performers in WWE. Whether competing for singles titles or dominating the tag team division, Kai consistently delivers top-tier performances that captivate fans. With her ability to evolve as a character and adapt to new challenges, the future looks incredibly bright for her.

Given her track record, it’s likely that Dakota Kai will continue to be a major player in WWE for years to come. Her journey from a promising independent wrestler to an established WWE Superstar is far from over, and fans are eager to see what new heights she can reach.

Conclusion

Dakota Kai’s wrestling career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and raw talent. From her early days in New Zealand to becoming a standout performer in WWE, Kai’s journey has been marked by growth, evolution, and a never-ending drive to be the best. As she continues to evolve and push the boundaries of her character, Dakota Kai remains a central figure in women’s wrestling, and her legacy is only just beginning to take shape.

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