Dakota Kai Shoots On Wrestling Hiatus After WWE Release

Dakota Kai wants the record set straight — she has not retired, and she has no intention of leaving people without a proper explanation if that ever changes. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Kai addressed the speculation that had been circulating on social media during her extended absence from wrestling and offered a candid account of the mental and emotional process of returning to the ring after stepping away following her WWE release in 2025.

“The longer I was out of wrestling, the more anxious I got. But having my first match back — the pressure building. And everyone thinks I’ve retired. I’m like, ‘Oh, you guys make things up.’ They’re like, ‘She’s definitely retired.’ I’m not retired — yet. But with a year off, I can understand why people would think that way. But I wouldn’t leave people hanging — I’m going to give them a reason or something,” Kai said.

Dakota Kai Says Will Ospreay Reaching Out to Her and Getting Matched With Kris Statlander Made Her Return Feel Perfect

Kai also described the circumstances that made her return to the ring feel right after a period of genuine uncertainty. “I wanted to get back into wrestling on my terms and just find that passion and that love for it and just do it for fun. Then when Will Ospreay hit me up — he’s basically like, we’d love to have you on the show. When I found out I’m wrestling Kris Statlander I’m like, oh my god, perfect. She’s been on my bucket list for years, literal years. So it just worked out.” On the subject of a potential WWE return, Kai was measured but not dismissive. “I would never want to burn bridges ever in any capacity. They always treated me well and gave me opportunities, so who knows, really? I’d never just take any contract right now for the sake of it. I’m at the point of my career where I want to do things with intention.”