Charlie (Dakota Kai) Reflects on Return Match vs Kris Statlander at EVE WrestleQueendom VIII
London, England – Charlie, the former Dakota Kai of WWE, expressed relief and satisfaction following her return to the ring at Pro-Wrestling: EVE’s Wrestle Queendom VIII event on . Facing AEW alum and current EVE International Champion Kris Statlander, Charlie competed in her first match in nearly a year and her first since being released from WWE ten months prior.
Despite falling short in her bid for the championship, Charlie conveyed a positive experience, emphasizing the support of both the crowd and her opponent. “I had so much fun, and being away from wrestling as long as I was, obviously, I was very nervous for me going into it and stuff. But Kris made it easy, obviously like the crowd [played its part], you know what I mean — everything, like, felt really good,” she shared on her Twitch stream, according to reports.
The match itself saw Statlander retain her EVE International Championship, extending her reign to over 250 days. Statlander reportedly secured the victory with three consecutive Saturday Night Fever tombstone piledrivers, demonstrating her dominance in the EVE roster. The bout served as the penultimate match of the evening, preceding a championship clash between Session Moth Martina and Rhio for the EVE Championship, which Martina ultimately won.
Charlie’s return marks a significant moment in her career, following a period of uncertainty after her release from WWE in May 2025. Her initial run with the company ended in 2022, but she was brought back to join Bayley and IYO SKY in the Damage CTRL faction. While she never held a singles women’s championship in WWE, Charlie twice captured the women’s tag team championships on the main roster and twice in NXT, alongside Raquel Rodriguez, becoming the first team to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship on .
The wrestling world has been closely watching Charlie’s next move since her departure from WWE. Her choice to compete at EVE Wrestle Queendom VIII, a prominent event in the UK’s independent wrestling scene, signals a desire to re-establish herself on the international stage. Notably, Will Ospreay, a former two-time AEW International Champion and producer for EVE, publicly voiced his support for Charlie potentially joining the AEW women’s division, adding fuel to speculation about her future.
Beyond the in-ring performance, Charlie addressed concerns about her physical well-being, particularly given past concussion issues. She reassured fans that she was feeling good after the match, though acknowledged the challenges of travel. “I sense great. It’s always the travel though. Across the board, it’s like, you can feel good after a match, and then when the adrenaline wears off and you have to sit on a plane [shakes her head]. [My neck] Is a little stiff, but we’re good,” she said.
The return match against Statlander represents more than just a single contest; it’s a reintroduction of a skilled performer to a global audience. Charlie’s ability to navigate the nerves associated with returning after a prolonged absence, coupled with Statlander’s professionalism, contributed to a successful event for both athletes and fans. The positive reception from colleagues, including messages from Bianca Belair, further underscored the respect and support Charlie enjoys within the wrestling community.
As of , Charlie has not signed with any major wrestling promotion outside of WWE. Her performance at EVE Wrestle Queendom VIII, however, has undoubtedly opened doors and generated significant interest in her future endeavors. The wrestling world will be watching closely to see where the former Dakota Kai, now Charlie, chooses to compete next.
The match between Charlie and Kris Statlander was a key event at EVE 146: Wrestle Queendom VIII, drawing attention not only for Charlie’s return but as well for the high caliber of competition showcased throughout the event. The event highlighted the growing prominence of women’s wrestling both in the UK and internationally, providing a platform for established stars and emerging talents alike.