Can’t wait till WWE’s Elimination Chamber event in Perth in February? Neither can Kiwi SmackDown Superstar Dakota Kai, who told us how much she’s looking forward to heading home.
What: Elimination Chamber: Perth
When: Saturday, 24 February, 2024
Where: Optus Stadium, Perth, Western Australia
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au
KRASH: How does it feel to be coming back to Australia for Elimination Chamber?
Dakota: When they announced that Elimination Chamber would be in Perth I was just gob-smacked. I couldn’t believe it was something that was actually happening. It’s always been a dream to have a big show like that happen in Australia or New Zealand, so the fact it’s happening in Perth in February – I’m excited! The last time I was in Australia was right before I joined WWE, so that was in 2016, in Melbourne. It’s been a while!
KRASH: What do you think of the Elimination Chamber format?
Dakota: I love matches that happen in a cage. War Games is one of my favourite matches of all time. Any multi-person, cage match I’m all for.
KRASH: Who on the WWE roster would you most like to eliminate?
Dakota: It would have to be someone like Bianca Belair because that’s putting the world on notice. If you eliminate someone like Bianca, Becky Lynch or Charlotte – that tier – that’s a big deal. So any one of them!
KRASH: What do you want people to know about your Kiwi heritage?
Dakota: New Zealand is such a small country but we are mighty in the sense we’re very passionate about things. I think people will be surprised by the amount of passion Kiwis show for something like the WWE coming into Perth.
KRASH: How would you describe your wrestling style?
Dakota: I use my speed and my strikes a lot in the ring. I can also be unpredictable. I might not be the strongest or the biggest but I’m definitely someone who will be rough and tough and make sure you remember who I am.
KRASH: How did it feel when you got to step up from NXT to the main roster?
Dakota: It was such a surreal moment, especially when joining the main roster alongside Iyo and Bayley –two women who I look up to immensely. The fact we were put together in a faction has just made this whole journey so much more special than I could ever have asked for.
KRASH: What match are you most proud of?
Dakota: One match I’m particularly proud of is my street fight in Portland against Tegan Nox. I think she and I were in this rivalry for quite a long time. And that was such a special moment for both of us because it was the first NXT Takeover that we were both on together in a singles match capacity.
KRASH: Have you got a message for your Australian and Kiwi fans?
Dakota: Kia Ora Australia and New Zealand. You guys have the opportunity of a lifetime to head over to Elimination Chamber in Perth. This is going to be such a crazy big show. You don’t want to miss this!
