WWE Hall of Famer and Hardcore Legend Mick Foley shared a Tweet discussing his disappointment with WWE releasing several top NXT 2.0 stars recently. 2-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Dakota Kai was one of ten superstars released by WWE in April 2022.
Dakota Kai and Malcolm Bivens have been released by WWE, per @SeanRossSapp pic.twitter.com/ZityH1u4mB
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) April 29, 2022
NXT roster releases in April 2022 and superstars react
WWE released ten superstars from NXT on April 29th, 2022. Dexter Lumis, Dakota Kai, Malcolm Bivens, Harland, Persia Perotti, Blair Baldwin, Sanjana George, Raelyn Divine, and Draco Anthony were all released superstars. WWE has termed these releases “budgetary cuts” and has used this reason for many superstar releases in the past.
WWE Superstars And More React To Latest Wave Of NXT Layoffs https://t.co/V6z8UyDDCB pic.twitter.com/XCcP7lrFQB
— Wrestling Resource – The Sportster (@WrestlingSheet) April 30, 2022
Fightful Select reported that John Laurinaitis was the reason for the releases, but WWE stated it as “budget cuts.” These recently released superstars have 30-day non-compete clauses. We won’t be seeing them in other promotions for at least one month. Several stars across different promotions have reacted to these releases. Many female wrestlers paid tribute to Dakota kai.
.@DakotaKai_WWE is a leader and an outstanding talent. One of my favorite woman wrestlers and a lovely human being.
— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) April 29, 2022
.@DakotaKai_WWE is far & away one of the best wrestlers I have ever been in the ring with. And the gap is large…..now watch it grow. #KingKota pic.twitter.com/BS9Fcma7IM
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) April 29, 2022
@DakotaKai_WWE is one of my fav people and wrestler. I learned so much from her and she has the BEST PUMPKICK in the business. ( I learned from her ) ❤️ can’t wait to wrestle you again KotaKai !!!!
— TAYNARA MELO (@TayConti_) April 29, 2022
Mick Foley disappointed with the release of Dakota Kai
WWE Legend Mick Foley took to Twitter and discussed his disappointment with WWE for releasing Dakota Kai. Foley has praised Kai many times for her performances on NXT. He praised Dakota Kai’s match with Kay Lee Ray at an episode of NXT 2.0 in December 2021. He praised her performance and creativity in creating a hardcore match at its finest. Mick Foley believes Dakota Kai to be one of the biggest superstars in NXT during her time in WWE. He also believes that her best work in wrestling is yet to come.
Still trying to process the departure of @DakotaKai_WWE
As with many who leave @WWE the best is yet to come for her. https://t.co/df4J70DJs6
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 30, 2022
Dakota Kai reacts to her WWE release
The Captain of Team Kick was a mainstay of NXT long before it got revamped. She is a 2-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion. Dakota kai released a statement regarding her release on social media. This is what she had to say.
“Above everything, thank you all. I am so overwhelmed at all the love and support. The DMs, txts, tweets..you all have my heart. I love you. I am thankful for being able to meet, work and intertwine with so many beautiful people, people I looked up to, people I learned from..I met some of my best friends over these last few years that will remain in my life forever. I don’t know what’s next for me. I chose ‘Evie’ at 17 years old. That chapter is shut…just know this; I’m far from being done.”
Not another damn notes app lol.
Tldr: i love u, see u soon x pic.twitter.com/9009IwhILc
— ???????????????????????????????????????????? ???? (@DakotaKai_WWE) April 30, 2022
Dakota Kai was one of the most talented superstars during her time in NXT. The 33-year-old wrestler assured her fans that her WWE release was not the end of her wrestling career. It won’t be long before she starts working in a rival promotion (perhaps AEW). What are your thoughts on Dakota Kai’s WWE release? Share your comments below.
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