Dakota Kai Announces Engagement to Karl Fredericks

Dakota Kai, the former WWE Superstar whose real name is Cheree Crowley, is engaged to be married. Kai revealed the news on the Zelvx and Charlie Girl podcast, sharing that longtime partner Karl Fredericks — known to WWE audiences as Eddy Thorpe — proposed on the couple’s second anniversary.

The proposal came with a small hitch. Fredericks had planned to pop the question in a nearby garden following a dinner date to mark the occasion, but arrived to find it had already closed for the evening. Rather than let the moment pass, he pivoted and brought Kai to Sanford, Florida — a location that holds sentimental value for the couple, as it was the site of their second date. It was there that Fredericks got down on one knee, and Kai said yes.

Kai also revealed that Fredericks had been planning the engagement for some time. During a trip to New Zealand over Christmas, he asked her parents for their blessing well in advance of the proposal itself.

Both Kai and Fredericks departed WWE during the company’s roster cuts in May 2025. Fredericks subsequently confirmed he had requested his release. Since leaving, Kai — now competing and performing under the name Charlie — has returned to the independent wrestling scene after taking time away from the ring. She also co-hosts the Zelvx and Charlie Girl podcast alongside former WWE star Zelina Vega.

Fredericks, meanwhile, has expanded his focus into DJing and music production, while keeping a hand in wrestling. He is set to co-produce an event with Produce Wrestling in October.

Congratulations to the happy couple.