In a candid interview with Busted Open Radio on February 12, 2026, Dakota Kai shed light on the factors that led to her departure from WWE. The former NXT Women’s Champion revealed the emotional toll her time in the company took on her, as well as the unfulfilled ambitions that ultimately drove her decision to leave.
A Difficult Goodbye
Kai’s WWE tenure was marked by significant accomplishments, including a NXT Women’s Championship reign and a notable run as a member of Damage CTRL. However, her time in the company was not without its challenges. In the interview, Kai spoke about the emotional strain of constantly being “on” and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
“The hardest part for me was the constant scrutiny,” Kai said. “Every move I made, every word I spoke, every action I took was under a microscope. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I felt like I was living in a bubble, and it took a toll on my mental health.”
Unfulfilled Ambitions and Creative Restraints
Kai’s departure from WWE has been widely speculated upon, with many fans and insiders pointing to creative differences as a potential reason. In the interview, Kai hinted that she felt constrained by the company’s storytelling and character development.
“I had ideas and aspirations for my character that I wanted to explore, but I felt like they were being held back,” Kai said. “I wanted to be more than just a heel or a face; I wanted to be a complex, multi-dimensional character. But I felt like that wasn’t possible within the WWE framework.”
A WWE Insider Weighs In
According to a WWE insider, Kai’s departure was a result of a combination of factors, including creative differences and personal burnout.
“Dakota was a talented wrestler with a lot of potential, but she was never quite the right fit for the WWE’s long-term plans,” the insider said. “She was always seen as a short-term solution to a problem, rather than a long-term investment. When you’re constantly being used as a stopgap, it can be demotivating and even lead to burnout.”
A New Chapter Awaits
While Kai’s departure from WWE has been met with sadness from fans, it has also sparked excitement about her future endeavors. In the interview, Kai hinted at potential opportunities outside of the wrestling world, including acting and modeling.
“I’ve always been interested in exploring other creative outlets,” Kai said. “I’ve had opportunities to act and model, and I’m excited to see where those paths take me. I’m not ruling out a return to wrestling, but I’m also not limiting myself to just one thing. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
A Parting Message to WWE
In closing, Kai had a message for WWE and its fans.
“I want to thank WWE for the opportunities I had while I was there,” Kai said. “I met some incredible people and had some amazing experiences. But I also want to say that I’m not bitter or angry about my departure. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and the experiences I had. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life, and I hope that WWE fans will continue to support me on this journey.”
As Dakota Kai embarks on this new chapter, fans can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this talented wrestler. One thing is certain: Kai’s departure from WWE will not be forgotten anytime soon.