Who is the former WWE star known as Charlie?

Charlie is the new professional name for the wrestler formerly known as Dakota Kai. She adopted this moniker following her departure from WWE and subsequent return to active competition on the independent circuit.

When was the former WWE star released from her contract?

The wrestler formerly known as Dakota Kai was officially released from her WWE contract on May 2, 2025. Following this departure, she took a hiatus to focus on her health and personal life before returning to wrestling in 2026.

What is the status of negotiations between TNA and Charlie?

TNA Wrestling is actively pursuing Charlie to bolster the Knockouts division, and discussions have progressed significantly over the last forty-eight hours. The company has already drafted a formal contract offer and aims to finalize the deal before their upcoming autumn television tapings.

Who is Charlie currently engaged to?

Charlie is engaged to fellow professional wrestler Karl Fredericks, who is known for his work under the ring name Eddy Thorpe. The couple became engaged in Sanford, Florida, on the date of their two-year anniversary.

Why did Charlie leave the independent circuit?

After her WWE release, Charlie spent a year competing on the independent circuit to shake off ring rust and refine her technical style. With her personal life now settled, she is transitioning her professional focus back toward national television with TNA being the primary frontrunner to sign her.

TNA is emerging as the frontrunner to sign Dakota Kai

TNA Targets Former WWE Star Charlie to Boost Knockouts Division

TNA Wrestling is actively pursuing free agent Charlie, formerly Dakota Kai in WWE. Sources indicate that contract discussions have progressed significantly over the last forty-eight hours.

The Auckland native has been a coveted free agent since her release in mid-2025. TNA officials hope to secure her services before the autumn television tapings. It is a clear bid to revitalize the women's division.

Charlie has spent the last year rebuilding her career on the independent circuit while sorting out her personal life. As first reported by PWInsider, the former WWE star is now engaged to Karl Fredericks, who performed as Eddy Thorpe.

The proposal occurred on their two-year anniversary in Sanford, Florida. With her personal life settled, her professional focus shifts back to national television. TNA has positioned itself at the front of the queue.

The timing of these negotiations matches TNA's recent signing spree and roster rebuild. With the promotion capitalizing on cross-promotional buzz, adding a versatile worker like Charlie is a priority. Backstage sources claim TNA has already drafted a formal contract offer.

From Damage CTRL to Independent Rebirth

Charlie's journey to this point is a mix of high-profile success and sudden frustration. In WWE, she found her greatest success as a founding member of Damage CTRL alongside Bayley and Iyo Sky.

That run secured her multiple WWE Women's Tag Team Championship reigns. Despite her in-ring utility, she was often booked as the background player. She frequently took the pin in major matches to protect her stablemates.

Her release on May 2, 2025, stunned fans who viewed her as a television fixture. She admitted the exit caught her completely off guard, leaving her confidence shaken.

She took a prolonged hiatus to heal physical issues and clear her mind. She returned to active competition in March 2026, debuting for Pro Wrestling EVE under her new moniker.

Performing simply as Charlie, she described the name as being "under construction" on her podcast. She hinted that a surname would follow once she found a permanent home.

Her indie run allowed her to shake off the ring rust. She worked a more physical, less restricted style. It reminded the wrestling world of her technical proficiency, which was often masked by WWE's character-heavy presentation.

The Nic Nemeth Blueprint and the TNA Locker Room

TNA Wrestling has proved to be a lucrative landing spot for former WWE talent seeking creative redemption. Look no further than Nic Nemeth, who captured the TNA World Championship at Slammiversary 2026.

Nemeth cashed in his Call Your Shot trophy to defeat Mike Santana in a physical encounter. The victory marked his second reign at the top of TNA. Following Nic Nemeth's recent comparisons of his world title wins in WWE and TNA, the appeal of the promotion is clear.

"I win 60% of the time, maybe 65, but I’m not the guy that loses 99% of the time and you have to suspend all belief that I’m good at wrestling and let me be champion," Nemeth explained when comparing his current run to his final years in WWE.

This creative flexibility is what makes TNA attractive to Charlie. Rather than being lost in the massive roster of AEW, TNA offers a focused environment.

TNA's lighter touring schedule also aligns with her personal life. She can balance her upcoming wedding plans with a national television presence. It is a formula that has already worked for her contemporaries.

Furthermore, the locker room environment under the current management team is reportedly a major selling point. Wrestlers are encouraged to pitch their own angles. This is a far cry from the rigid system Charlie experienced in WWE.

Reuniting the Knockouts and the Allie Effect

TNA's Knockouts division has received a massive shot of adrenaline. With Allie recently expressing her thrill over returning to the promotion, the locker room vibe is high.

Allie had spent years in AEW as The Bunny before taking a two-year hiatus. She made her full-time return to TNA early this year, culminating in a title win at Slammiversary. Allie reunited with Rosemary to win the Knockouts Tag Team Championships, ending a seven-year absence from TNA's title picture.

Allie spoke glowingly about the backstage atmosphere on the Studio 1 Sports Channel, emphasizing how different the culture is compared to other major companies.

"I walked back into that building, and everyone came up and hugged me and said hello and welcome back," Allie said. "There was just so much collaboration and so much openness."

If Charlie signs, she enters a division that boasts some of the best female talent in North America. A feud with Jordynne Grace represents a ready-made marquee matchup.

Charlie's slick counter-wrestling and striking would contrast with Grace's raw power. She could also target the new tag team champions, Rosemary and Allie. That would renew old rivalries in a fresh setting.

The Red Flags: Injury Concerns and Branding Hurdles

While the signing looks excellent on paper, it is not without significant risk. Charlie's history of knee injuries is a major concern that cannot be ignored.

She suffered multiple torn ACLs during her WWE tenure, which altered her high-flying style. TNA cannot afford to invest in a talent who might end up back on the injured list. Reliability is key.

There is also the challenge of her current presentation. The name Charlie lacks the immediate brand recognition of Dakota Kai.

Rebranding an established star is difficult. The 'under construction' gimmick risks alienating casual fans who do not follow independent wrestling. TNA's creative team must establish her new identity on day one.

Finally, TNA's production values and smaller venues remain a step down from what Charlie is used to. The transition from stadium shows to television tapings in smaller arenas can be jarring. TNA must ensure she is booked as a top-tier star to maintain her aura.

Probability Assessment and Expected Debut Timeline

We rate the probability of Charlie signing with TNA Wrestling as high. Our sources place the likelihood of a deal closing at 75%.

She wants a national television platform. TNA has the creative space and budget to accommodate her. AEW's roster is simply too crowded, and a WWE return seems unlikely.

If the deal is finalized this week, expect her to debut at the upcoming television tapings in August. This would allow TNA to build her up for a major match at Bound for Glory in the autumn. The creative team is already sketching out potential debut angles.

The Expected Impact

Signing Charlie would be a major coup for TNA Wrestling, signaling that the promotion remains a viable destination for top-tier free agents. She brings instant credibility, exceptional in-ring work, and valuable television experience to the Knockouts division. Her arrival would immediately freshen up the title picture and provide Jordynne Grace with a legitimate challenger.

For Charlie, it is the perfect opportunity to prove she can lead a division on her own terms. Free from the constraints of WWE's booking and the crowded roster of AEW, she has the chance to define her legacy as one of the best workers of her generation. The next few weeks will determine if she is ready to make TNA her new home.