Dakota Kai was released by WWE on April 29, 2022 after being a regular on NXT, working dark matches on the main roster, and being told she would be part of the 2021 WWE Draft.
Kai remained a free agent after her non-compete clause expired and didn't take independent bookings before returning to the company at WWE SummerSlam.
Speaking on Getting Over, Kai confirmed she did have talks with other companies during her free agency period.
"The talks never got super far, but we definitely touched base," she said when asked if she talked to other promotions. "I didn't hear anything for a few weeks until Triple H contacted me. There were a few independent promotions here and there, but it was 'lax talks,' I would say. They never progressed to anything further. At that point in time, I had waited a few weeks. I think it was meant to be when Triple H called me because at that time, I felt good, I felt ready to get back in the ring and sure enough, this guy calls and wants me back. Yeah, there were talks."
Kai did not name any specific promotions she spoke to.
Kai was re-introduced to the WWE audience at SummerSlam by Bayley, who was making her return from injury. The duo were joined by IYO SKY, also coming off an injury, to form Damage CTRL.
Kai & SKY are currently the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
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