10 WWE & AEW Wrestlers Poised To Break Out In 2022
4. Dakota Kai
Despite Dakota Kai first debuting on NXT TV on 14 October 2015 - then going by the name Evie and being squashed by Nia Jax in 2:13 - she is yet to claim the full spotlight for herself. Though she's had her first taste of championship gold, holding the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships with Raquel Gonzalez, the reign lasted a single evening before Shotzi and Ember Moon snatched the gold. This championship reign also comes with the caveat that Kai and Gonzalez were awarded the championships by William Regal after being screwed out of the main roster equivalent by poor officiating.
When Gonzalez tasted solo success winning the NXT Women's Championship, Kai ran through the old but reliable resentment-fuelled heel turn arc, becoming a more impressive character in the process.
Kai ended 2021 with a series of defeats, including a Street Fight loss to her former partner. Yet, she she still managed to look impressive. Her athletic ability and simmering heel persona make her a natural to spearhead the women's division.
While it would've been ideal for her to seize the NXT Women's Championship from Gonzalez, she should be the immediate successor to whichever face takes the belt from Mandy Rose.