April 17th 2023. Simmons Bank Arena. North Little Rock, Arkansas. Monday Night RAW. Last week, IYO SKY won a triple threat match where the winner could get a future RAW Women's Championship Match against Bianca Belair. Dakota Kai was genuinely happy for her friend. Bayley was the opposite, feeling entitled to that opportunity. Of course, Bayley once promised Kai and SKY such opportunities yet lately she's been more interested in herself. Damage CTRL did close last week with a group hug but Grumpley looked uncertain. Maybe she's cheered up?

We'd find out when Dakota Kai faced Bianca Belair in a non-title match. Dakota wanted this opportunity to prove she too should be considered for a title match. IYO was IYO as IYO is so I take that as a good sign she's cool with her friend proving her worth. As for The Role Model... perhaps my concerns about Bayley were wrong. She seemed genuine cheering on Dakota. She didn't look angry at IYO. Was I wrong about selfishness being her true colors?

Our Captain did not waste any time, charging into a lockup at the opening bell. Kai was forced into the corner. Bianca broke the hold before the five. Kai came at her for another lockup. Into the corner a second time. This time, Kai gave Bianca an aggressive push to free herself, sending a message she was in a no shits given mood. Kai took control slipping off a slam and pulling Bianca to the canvas with a legal tug of the braid. Bianca and Kai went at it, this time with Belair tugging at Kai's hair followed by a hair-assisted toss to the turnbuckles.

Kai rolled over Belair as she charged at her, attempting a roll-up. Biana held onto the ropes and somersaulted away from Kai. Dropkick from Bianca. Dakota came at Bianca who evaded with shows of athleticism. Belair took Kai to the canvas with an armdrag and kept her there with a standing moonsault. Dakota got backdropped to the apron. Bianca charged at her but Kai moved. Bianca was stunned, her head between the ropes. Dakota's pump kick stung Belair flush in the cheek, knocking her out of the ring and to the floor.

Another pump kick from Kai sent Belair face first into the turnbuckle post. The action returned to the ring where Kai controlled the match until Belair rolled her up for a two count. Bianca lifted Dakota up for a suplex that Kai countered into an inside cradle for two. Belair fought back, planting Kai with a running blockbuster. There was a long barrage of offense by Bianca. But Kai kicked out after a handspring moonsault. Dakota held onto the ropes to avoid getting pulled to the center of the ring. She got up, going for the Scorpion Kick but Belair caught her leg.

Dakota came at Belair again, caught in wheelbarrow position. Belair intended to plant her with an electric chair drop, however Kai reversed into a victory roll bomb planting Bianca face first to the canvas! Kai held Bianca down for a pin but only got a two count. Dakota tripped Bianca in the corner and smashed her with the running face wash. Our Captain ascended to the top rope, leaping into the air to crash down on Bianca with her double stomp I've previously nicknamed The King's Coup. Bianca rolled out of the way but Kai caught herself before crashing.

Belair caught a charging Dakota with a spinning gutbuster. Kai avoided a KOD attempt but Belair lifted her up on the second. Dakota held onto Bianca's braid, landing on her feet as Belair tossed her off her shoulders hoping to still execute the move. Belair lifted Dakota up for a Glam Slam that Kai reversed into another victory roll, shooting Belair face first into the middle turnbuckle. Dakota quickly made her way to the opposite corner, charging around the ring for the Kaio-Kick. Belair moved out of the way, causing Kai's leg to get trapped on the rope.

Bianca lifted Kai up for a third KOD attempt. This time Belair successfully executed the move, keeping Dakota down for the three count. It wasn't a victory for Dakota. Nor the outcome we her fans hoped for. This was her moment and hers alone. She had one of the fights of her life. But all that only made the fact it was a loss worse. IYO and Bayley were understandably disappointed for their friend. Belair wasn't, holding up the title to taunt IYO who stared back at what will be hers. Bayley comforted Dakota. Am I wrong or did Bayley's face look a bit cold?

In a WWE Digital Exclusive, Damage CTRL were interviewed about Dakota's loss. IYO was giving her friend some comfort. Byron Saxton asked Dakota if the loss was part of turbulent times for the faction. Dakota was about to answer when Bayley interrupted. It looked like Dakota didn't appreciate that. Bayley accused Bianca of putting Saxton up to that question. The Role Model insisted regardless of the outcome Dakota proved her worth. Dakota interrupted, expressing gratitude for her friend always hyping her up but stated this time she simply failed.

Dakota wasn't sure where she goes from here but encouraged IYO that she has to be the one to win the RAW Women's Championship. For Damage CTRL! Now, I'm a tad concerned about Bayley's reaction to Dakota rallying IYO. I really, really hope she wasn't thinking it should be her own opportunity. IYO closed things out stating she's learned Bianca's weakness and will defeat her to win the title. Dakota was genuinely supportive. I think Bayley was...I hope so. Byron did a nice thing for once and wished them luck. Bayley responded they don't need it but thanked Byron.

All our hearts go out to Our Captain. She understandably has doubts about herself. This was a confidence shaking loss. But Dakota always fights back. She faced her fears, standing up to Shayna Baszler. She conquered the demons of her mind. She returned to WWE and was finally part of the main roster. We her fans have not given up hope she'll find her confidence again. Someday she will get her rightful shot at a Women's Title. I don't know what the WWE Draft will mean for The Ladies, however I agree with Matt Camp who said on RAW Talk that Kai and SKY can flourish without Bayley.

Additional | RAW Women's Champion Bianca Belair defeated Dakota Kai (9:55) in a non-title match on the April 17th 2023 WWE Monday Night RAW in North Little Rock, Arkansas at Simmons Bank Arena.