Damage CTRL ended 2023 the strongest they have ever been. IYO SKY is still your WWE Women's Champion. Dakota Kai and IYO brought Kairi Sane into the group. Bayley revealed on SmackDown December 29, 2023 that Asuka decided to join on her own. Kairi and Asuka reformed The Kabuki Warriors, setting their sights on bringing the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles back to the group. Bayley declared entry into the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble. Dakota continues to be The Captain of All Trades as she waits to be cleared for her in-ring return.
January 5, 2024. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Rogers Arena. SmackDown: New Year's Revolution. That thief Michin stole a pin on IYO during the Holiday Havoc Match during the December 22, 2023 SmackDown so got herself a shot at the WWE Women's Championship. There was a time when Our Captain Dakota Kai and Michin were close friends, having competitive matches in SHIMMER. In 2019, Michin stole what should have been Dakota's Women's WarGames Match spot by not speaking in Kai's favor, therefore becoming her enemy.
Michin was given the opportunity to make amends with Dakota in 2022 but chose to continue to be her enemy. Her championship opportunity to begin 2024 will be her reckoning. Dakota and company accompanied IYO to the ramp. SKY gave them all high fives. IYO would continue down to the ring on her own. The Genius of the SKY brought the fight to her challenger, including a brutal bridging German suplex on the ring apron to the delight of the crowd. It's warming to see Vancouver is Damage CTRL Country.
Equally brutal was Michin crashing IYO from the second rope to the canvas with a Styles Clash. IYO got a hand on the rope to avoid getting pinned. SKY turned respite on the floor to a strategic move, evading a suicide dive. Michin smacked the floor then got smashed against the barricade by IYO's double knees. The action returned to the ring and quickly to a close as SKY crashed down on Michin from the top with Over the Moonsault, retaining her championship by pinfall.
Damage CTRL celebrated IYO's victory backstage. Bayley spoke about her vision for them in 2024. IYO'S forever reign as champion continues, and next Bayley vowed Asuka and Kairi will become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Dakota reminded Bayley that vision includes Bayley winning the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble and going on to win the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania. It was an inspiring moment between The Ladies until that resident pain in their backside decided to be a party pooper. They are clearly sick and tired of her.
Bianca Belair interrupted The Ladies, declaring her own entry into the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble. Belair arrogantly vowed to eliminate Bayley, win the Rumble and defeat IYO for the championship at WrestleMania. Bianca took her leave. SKY told Dakota to relate to Bayley that since Bayley is the leader of Damage CTRL, it's up to her to take care of Bianca so she doesn't jeopardize Bayley's vision of the group having all the gold. Dakota and IYO are absolutely correct. It's time for Bayley to be like CJ and finally catch that damn train.
