December 30, 2024. Toyota Center. Houston, Texas. WWE Monday Night RAW. The war between Damage CTRL and Pure Fusion Collective runs straight through the semifinal round of the tournament to crown the first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion when Dakota Kai battles Zoey Stark. King Kota came into this match with momentum, having teamed with long-time rival Bianca Belair to defeat PFC’s Sonya Deville & Zoey Stark in a dark match following WWE SmackDown December 27, 2024.

Dakota and Zoey have fought each other in nine matches over the last four years, but Kai’s only ever singles win over Stark was back on WWE NXT March 17, 2021 in what was also their only one-on-one match prior to December 30, 2024. IYO SKY will face Lyra Valkyria in the other semifinal match. It could be Kai vs. SKY in an All Damage CTRL finals.

Prior to her match against Zoey. Dakota stated it would be an honor to face her Damage CTRL sister IYO SKY in the finals, but in the end all that matters is that someone from Damage CTRL becomes the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. As for PFC, Kai pointed out PFC taking out Kairi Sane and always using cheap tactics is proof PFC know they don’t have what it takes to beat Damage CTRL. Kai exclaimed that she looks forward to personally knocking Zoey out of the tournament.

Dakota came out kicking right at the bell, canvassing Stark with a charging pump kick. Stark took control for a time until Kai mounted a comeback. The Kairopractor. Kaio Kick. Corner running face wash. Dakota mauled Zoey with some of her strongest offense, not wasting time trying to pick up the win. But Zoey still had fight in her, turning Kai inside out with a half and half suplex then smashing her in the face with a murder knee. Kai countered Stark’s offense with a sunset bomb for two. Stark struck back with a rolling death valley driver.

Stark evaded Dakota’s springboard curb stomp, smashing Kai’s face into the top turnbuckle. Zoey springboarded from apron to sky for her sniper dropkick, only to be brutally sniped down by a Dakota superkick. I love it how she always cuts Zoey off with that. Dakota scooped Zoey onto her shoulders and struck her with Go to Kick knocking Stark out for the three count, advancing Kai by pinfall to the tournament finals. After her win, Dakota made a heart with her hands for the crowd, grateful for their support.

Later on, SKY went to battle with Valkyria with Kai watching on from the audience. It was a hard fought match from both, ending with Lyra bridging her way to a pinfall victory. The final match of the tournament to crown the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion will be Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyrie on WWE Monday Night RAW January 13, 2025.

On RAW Talk, Lyra and Dakota came face to face. Dakota told Lyra that she understands her passion more than anyone but reminded Valkyria that she’s been through hell to get a chance at her moment. Said moment: Kai’s first singles moment on the main roster where she not only wins her first singles WWE championship but also becomes the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Kai finished passionately that she’s not letting anyone take it from her. May the Best Woman Win responded Lyra. Dakota nodded in agreement.

Additional Information | Dakota Kai defeated Zoey Stark (8:15) in a semifinal match of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament on WWE Monday Night RAW December 30, 2024 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.