Dakota Kai recently spoke with Byron Saxton for WWE.com; you can read a few highlights below:
Dakota Kai on her chances against Shayna Baszler in the future:
After that initial match, I learned some important things about my own limits. I hope to get another opportunity, as I know that I’ll be better prepared mentally and emotionally. It’s insane if you’re even slightly lacking in one of those areas, the effect it can have in a high-pressure situation. I also learned things about Shayna. She’s not invincible — no one is. All those mind tricks just prove to me how much of an insecure person she really is. The biggest mistake she can make is underestimating someone who is so quietly confident in ending her reign.
How has she transitioned from leaving New Zealand to joining NXT?
Leaving my family was tough, but I wouldn’t have done it for anything other than pursuing my lifelong dream. Adapting to life here was a lot easier having Steffanie Newell by my side. Steffanie and I started at the exact same time at the WWE Performance Center. We supported each other a lot and still have each other’s back to this day. We even learned how to drive on the other side of the road together. That’s a horror story in itself, which I’ll save for another time.
Kai shares who has influenced her in-ring style:
The main influencers of my in-ring style would have to be Hideo Itami, Finn Bálor and Daniel Bryan. I was watching them since before they were here in WWE and was blown away with the level of skill they consistently showed.
Dakota shares one of her most favorite moments since joining WWE:
One of my favorite moments would have to be watching Steffanie Newell finally get back in the ring after her knee injury which sidelined her for 10 months. There were so many emotions and seeing a friend finally become reacquainted with their passion after such a hardship is a joy to watch.
