A former multiple-time WWE champion who hasn’t competed since last year is set to return to the ring next month to take on AEW’s top talent. Considering the star – Dakota Kai – has recently publicly expressed her desire to face other talent in the Tony Khan-led company, the All Elite CEO could bring the former Damage Control member to his company to make her debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Slam.

Dakota Kai signed with WWE in 2016 and established herself in the company’s NXT developmental program. Although she was fired by the sports entertainment giant in 2022, a promotion a few months later saw her compete at that year’s SummerSlam alongside Bayley and Iyo Sky. King Kota’s run on the main roster ended in May 2025, when the Stamford-based company released her again.

Dakota has been away from the ring since last March 27 in the main event against Ivy Nile. In December, Kay announced her new ring name, Charlie, Will return to the ring to face former AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander In March this year, she will participate in the 8th edition of Professional Wrestling EVE Queen of Wrestling. In a recent interview, She also expressed interest in facing all other elite players upon her comeback.

Considering AEW head Tony Khan said earlier that he’s looking for noteworthy free agents to sign, it’s not out of the question that he could make Charley the latest acquisition for his promotion.

Dakota Kai (Charlie) said she would like to join TNA or AEW.​“Once I get back in the ring, (TNA and AEW) and more, there are guys I want to face in the ring. I’m not really pointing to anything specific, I just think once I get in this match and get the wheels turning, no matter where my path leads, I’m totally open to it.”​(@BustedOpenRadio)

The New Zealander’s All-Elite debut could come at the Australian Grand Slam this Saturday.

AEW Star Will Ospreay Schedules Dakota Kai vs. Kris Statlander Match

Although Will Ospreay is currently on hiatus from AEW programming due to neck surgery, he continues to serve as a producer and creative contributor for the British independent promotion Pro Wrestling EVE. in a recent interview grab theory“Aerial Assassin” publicly contacted Dakota Kai to participate in the EVE International Championship on March 8 against Kris Statlander. Ospreay revealed The former WWE Superstar quickly replied to his message saying:

“I just sent her a message and was like, ‘What are the chances of making this happen?’ She got back to me right away. Like, super eager to do it. It’s been a great back-and-forth between us. She really wants to come to EVE and celebrate this big show at Indigo, but more importantly, she really wants to wrestle Kris Statlander.” – (H/T Wrestling Purists on X)

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It remains to be seen whether Charlie can defeat the Cosmic Killer when they finally confront.