Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile – WWE Raw February 17, 2025: Full Match Breakdown & Analysis

Monday Night Raw delivered another exciting chapter in the Women’s Division with a high-stakes No. 1 Contender’s match between Dakota Kai and Ivy Nile. With the winner earning a shot at the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship, the stakes couldn't have been higher. This match had solid action, intriguing storytelling, and an outcome that will shape the division moving forward.

Let’s break down the match in full, analyze the key moments, and rate the performance.

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📖 Match Recap: Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile

With Lyra Valkyria reigning as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, the Raw women’s division has been heating up, and both Dakota Kai and Ivy Nile had a chance to claim a title opportunity. The contrast in styles was evident right from the start—Kai, the crafty striker, against Nile, the powerhouse technician.

🔥 The Opening Moments

The match began with both competitors feeling each other out. Nile used her superior strength to take control early, applying a side headlock that transitioned into a powerful takedown.

Kai, knowing she couldn’t match Nile’s power, tried to create distance with her quick footwork and leg strikes. A low calf kick staggered Nile, and Kai followed up with a running boot to the face, sending Nile to the outside.

💪 Ivy Nile’s Dominance

Once Nile regrouped, she caught a charging Dakota Kai mid-air and transitioned straight into a deadlift suplex—a moment that showcased her incredible power.

Nile continued the assault with:

• A gut-wrench suplex into a pin attempt (Kai kicked out at two).
• A modified crossface submission that had Kai scrambling to the ropes.
• A gorilla press slam that left Kai stunned in the center of the ring.

Kai played the role of the underdog here, selling Nile’s strength and making it clear that she was in a fight against a physical beast.

🎭 Dakota’s Tactical Turnaround

As Nile went for another high-impact move, Kai countered with a drop toe-hold, sending Nile throat-first into the ropes. This turned the tide in Kai’s favor.

From here, Kai:

• Worked on Nile’s leg, using a series of kicks and a well-placed dragon screw.
• Applied a modified half-crab submission, trying to wear down Nile’s explosive power.
• Hit a corner Yakuza Kick, nearly knocking Nile unconscious.

Kai's ability to slow down Nile with precise strikes was an excellent David vs. Goliath strategy.

💥 The Final Stretch – A Brutal Ending

The final minutes of the match were intense. Nile powered through the pain, countering a Kai-ropractor attempt into a fallaway slam. She then locked in her dragon sleeper submission, forcing Kai to fight for her life.

Just when it looked like Kai might tap, she rolled through, reversing the hold into a flash pin attempt that got a near-fall.

The final moments saw:
✔ Kai connecting with a scorpion kick
✔ Nile attempting a powerbomb, but Kai rolled through again
✔ Dakota hitting the GTK (Go To Kick) for the 1-2-3!

With that, Dakota Kai became the new No. 1 contender for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Post-match, Lyra Valkyria walked out, standing face-to-face with Kai as they stared each other down. A respectful yet intense confrontation set the tone for their upcoming match.

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🌟 Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

✅ What Worked

✔ Great contrast in styles – Nile’s strength vs. Kai’s striking made for an engaging matchup.
✔ Kai’s clever counter-wrestling – She knew she couldn’t overpower Nile, so her reversals were a strong part of the story.
✔ Post-match stare-down with Lyra Valkyria – It immediately hyped up the next championship feud.

❌ What Could Have Been Better

• More time – This match felt like it ended right when it was heating up. Another 5 minutes would have made it even better.
• Nile needed more shine – Though she dominated much of the match, she didn’t get to hit her finisher, which could’ve made her loss feel more dramatic.

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🔥 What This Match Sets Up Moving Forward

1️⃣ Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria – Women’s IC Title Match

The moment the match ended, it was clear that WWE is setting up Kai vs. Valkyria for a major showdown. Both women have been booked strong, and their contrasting styles should lead to a hard-hitting, fast-paced championship match.

The big question: Will Dakota Kai finally win singles gold on the main roster?

2️⃣ Ivy Nile’s Next Move

Despite losing, Nile put in a strong showing. She could:

• Seek revenge against Kai in a rematch
• Move into the Tag Team Title picture with a new partner
• Turn heel out of frustration and start wrecking the division

It would be a shame to let this momentum go to waste.

3️⃣ The Strength of the Women’s Midcard Division

With a Women’s IC Title match on the horizon, Raw’s women’s division feels more structured than ever. WWE is doing a great job making secondary titles matter, giving talented women a spotlight outside the main title picture.

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👀 Final Thoughts – What We Want to See Next

✔ Kai vs. Valkyria getting real time to shine – Their styles complement each other, and this should be a sleeper hit of an upcoming show.
✔ Nile staying in the title conversation – Whether it’s a rematch or a new feud, she deserves more spotlight.
✔ More women’s midcard feuds – With the IC Title now established, let’s get more multi-layered rivalries.

Overall, this was a solid match with great moments, and it helped build towards an exciting title bout in the near future.

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🏆 Final Verdict: Dakota Kai Earns Her Shot, Ivy Nile Gains Respect

Dakota Kai has worked for years to prove she belongs in big-match situations, and this victory puts her right where she should be—in title contention. Ivy Nile, on the other hand, may have lost, but she continues to impress with her strength and growing in-ring ability.

Did Dakota Kai deserve the win? Should Ivy Nile get a rematch? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇🔥