Charlie, the former WWE star known as Dakota Kai, has openly addressed the perception that she is injury-prone, acknowledging the challenges her medical history has posed during her career. In a recent interview with Ring The Belle, she reflected on the setbacks that defined her tenure in WWE, which spanned nearly a decade before her release in March 2023.
During her time in WWE, Charlie sustained significant injuries, including two torn ACLs, a torn meniscus, and a concussion. These setbacks, she admitted, contributed to the narrative that she was prone to injuries. “Oh yeah, I do get that a lot,” she said. “I understand it though because I did have a bout of injuries and things like that so it was just bad luck on my end, and it’s one of those things that will just always unfortunately be. Fair. But I think a lot of people go through it too that haven’t had injuries as well, and it is what it is.”
Charlie emphasized that while the perception frustrates her, she remains focused on proving herself through her work. “It’s just one of those things and it does tend to get to me sometimes too because I’m like, ‘No, no, I’m freaking strong’ or whatever but, that’s just the perception they have and all I can do is go out there and continue to do matches and hopefully change the perception of that. But I did have a bad bout for a second there. It was just bad luck and yeah, it is what it is.”
Since her departure from WWE, Charlie has transitioned to the independent circuit, where she continues to compete and refine her craft. She has also partnered with former WWE colleague Zelina Vega—now known as ZELVX—to host a YouTube show, further expanding her presence in the wrestling landscape.
Charlie’s journey highlights the physical toll of professional wrestling and the resilience required to persist in the sport. While her injury history remains a part of her story, her current efforts on the independent circuit and media ventures underscore her determination to redefine her legacy beyond the narrative of fragility.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit Ring The Belle and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.