Shawn Michaels Has Been 'So Impressed' By WWE NXT's Dakota Kai

Shawn Michaels has heaped praise on WWE NXT Superstar Dakota Kai, pointing out similarities in her work to what he used to do in the ring.

The WWE Hall Of Famer has worked extensively with Kai in the Performance Center and cannot help but be impressed with what he's seen from her in recent months.

Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, he said: "We have an incredibly talented roster, especially our women, but look at Dakota. She’s a special one. Let’s use the WarGames match [from December] as an example. Look at the a—kicking she took, bouncing around and getting back. That’s an art, and she’s mastering it.

"What you see Dakota doing, I always pictured myself in that role because I wanted to Ping-Pong around the ring for my opponent. That’s one of the reasons I became who I became in the business, so watching Dakota, I am so impressed.

“I don’t want to say she feels under the radar, but I don’t know if everyone gets or appreciates everything Dakota Kai does and everything she brings to the table. She is such a workhorse. She’s really helped propel Raquel, and I keep going back to that WarGames match. She is unbelievable, and doesn’t think twice about the sacrifice that is involved and necessary. She works to the hilt, which is hard not to like and appreciate."

Kai and NXT Women's champion Raquel Gonzalez will take on Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart on next week's NXT.