Dakota Kai
A charismatic and fierce New Zealand wrestler who evolved from a bubbly fan favorite into a ruthless, take-no-prisoners faction leader.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Kiwi professional wrestler·Birthday: May 6·Millennials
Biography
Dakota Kai's journey in wrestling is a story of compelling reinvention. Born Cheree Crowley in New Zealand, she cut her teeth on the independent scene before signing with WWE. Initially presented as a spirited, high-flying underdog from the 'Kiwi Buzzsaw,' she connected with fans through her infectious energy and explosive kicks. A pivotal turn came when she shockingly betrayed her best friend, launching a darker, more aggressive persona. This evolution culminated in her leadership of the dominant faction 'Damage CTRL,' alongside Bayley and IYO SKY. As the group's fierce lieutenant, Kai traded smiles for snarls, her in-ring style becoming more calculated and brutal. Her career arc demonstrates a rare versatility, proving she could be both the beloved babyface and the convincing, cutthroat heel at the center of WWE's women's division storylines.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dakota was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dakota Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dakota's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the inaugural WWE Women's Tag Team Champion in 2019 alongside partner Raquel González (then Raquel Rodriguez).
- Won the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble match as part of the Damage CTRL faction (though the win was awarded to Bayley).
- Captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships with Raquel González.
- Competed in a high-profile match at WrestleMania 39 as part of a fatal four-way for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
Did You Know?
Before wrestling, she was a competitive cheerleader and even worked as a zookeeper.
Her ring name 'Dakota Kai' is derived from her love for the U.S. state of South Dakota and the Māori word for 'food' or 'eat' (kai), though she has noted it's not a direct translation of her name.
She is a self-professed major fan of anime and video games, often referencing them on social media.
“I'm not here to be liked; I'm here to be remembered.”
