Dakota Kai was set for another match against Cora Jade on NXT December 14, 2021. Prior to their match, Dakota confronted Cora during a backstage interview warning her that her friendship with Raquel Gonzalez was all about Raquel using her. Although Dakota said such from her personal take on her former ally, it's hard not to at least consider her take could have some merit when you remember the unkind glances Raquel gave Cora in recent weeks when Cora expressed interest in facing Mandy Rose for the Women's Championship -- something Raquel feels she's automatically entitled too.

Cora didn't take kindly to Dakota's take on Raquel. "Thanks mom but I don't need the advice." The youngster went onto state that if she beat Dakota in their match she would be a step closer to a shot at the NXT Women's Championship. Dakota gave Cora a look but it had nothing to do with the part about the title shot. In her current mental state, Dakota questioned if in fact she was actually Cora Jade's mother in a strangely endearing moment!

Dakota might not be Cora's mother but she would show her some tough love working over the shoulder Cora had injured during her insane dive at NXT WarGames. Kai tried to go for the win after hitting favorites such as the running face wash and Roll of the Cap. But Cora kept kicking out much to Dakota's horror. Unlike Mandy Rose who arrogantly thought Cora was a fluke, Our Captain never took such a stance, knowing Jade wasn't a joke. But failing to score a win was nonetheless still aggravating.

Perhaps seeing no other option, Dakota retrieved her shovel from underneath the ring to use. The referee and her tugged over it, allowing Cora to take advantage and roll up Dakota for the pinfall victory. Kai laid out Cora post-match with a big boot much to her own horror. She was troubled, arguing with her voices who encouraged her to pick up the shovel and assault Cora. It felt like she would succumb to their beckon, however before we could know for certain Raquel ran in and brawled with her to the parking lot where the referee squad would separate them.

Raquel challenged Dakota to a street fight. This rivalry had to end and Raquel thought it fitting to do so in the same type of match where they became allies at TakeOver: Portland 2020. Dakota was happy to accept. This was her chance to finally end Raquel and in her mind, bury her past and find much needed serenity. Yet, such a fulfillment of vengeance could just as well result in a reckoning there would be no coming back from.

Additional Information | Cora Jade defeated Dakota Kai (6:29) on the December 14, 2021 episode of WWE NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.