IYO SKY reacts to Kairi Sane’s WWE release
Former WWE tag team partner and recent on-screen rival, IYO Sky, has bid farewell to Kairi Sane following Sane’s WWE release.
Recently, before the April 24, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, multiple WWE main roster and NXT talents were let go by the promotion. While WWE released some, others’ contracts were not renewed. And, among them was Kairi Sane, who was let go by WWE.
Shortly after Sane’s release, her recent on-screen rival, IYO SKY, broke character and reacted to her shocking departure (quotes translated from Japanese).
“I understand that everyone, as an athlete, eventually faces a turning point when thinking about their life and career, but I feel so heartbroken that it came at such an unexpected time,” she wrote.
“Kairi [Sane] was truly loved by all her colleagues, not just as a performer but as a person. She was kinder than anyone, a little airheaded in the most endearing way, funny, charming, and my proud best friend. A comrade-in-arms who faced countless hardships in America, shed so many tears, and grew together with me. It’s so hard to accept that Kairi won’t be in the passenger seat of the rental car anymore, but,” SKY continued.
Praising her talent and thinking positively about Sane’s future, SKY wrote, “I’m absolutely certain that with her innate talent and the incredible knowledge and experience she’s gained in WWE, Kairi’s new journey will be something truly amazing. From the bottom of my heart, I wish for my beloved Kairi’s success and happiness. I love you so much Kairi. We’ll be best friends forever and always,” she finished.
While she was recently paired with Asuka as The Kabuki Warriors, Sane was also a part of The Damage CTRL alongside IYO Sky, Dakota Kai, and Bayley. Sane, 37, is a former multiple-time WWE Women’s tag-team champion as well as a former WWE NXT Women’s Champion.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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