Update on Kairi Sane ahead of WWE Backlash | Exclusive
Though she was released by WWE, Kairi Sane might not be totally done with the company.
Our Bryan Alvarez reports that, within WWE, there’s a belief that Sane could show up at Backlash this Saturday to finish out her storyline with IYO SKY and Asuka. It’s not clear if this would be a one-off appearance or not.
“Within WWE, it’s felt there is a better than 50% chance that Kairi shows up at Backlash to at least finish off that storyline,” Alvarez wrote to his subscribers on X.
A singles match between SKY and Asuka is set for this Saturday’s Backlash PLE in Tampa, Florida. Before her release, Sane was involved in a long-running storyline where she was stuck between those two. Asuka was bullying Sane and forcing her to prove that she was truly loyal to her over SKY.
Sane was among those released by WWE in the company’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts. Of those let go, Sane was especially surprising given her talent level and how important she was to the resolution of the SKY vs. Asuka program. Fans have shown their support for Sane through #WeWantKairi hashtags on social media, and AJ Styles said he was especially caught off guard by Sane’s release.
This was Sane’s second stint with WWE. After her 2021 departure, she spent time in her home country of Japan mostly working for Stardom/NJPW. Sane then returned to WWE in 2023.
Seemingly denying rumors that she was released because she wants to return to Japan again, Sane sent out a tweet on April 28 saying that she’s never walked away and has always given it her all.
“What I can say is I know there’s been a lot of speculation, but I truly love this work, my teammates, and my fans. I’ve never walked away, and I’ve given my all in everything I do,” she wrote. “I hope you’re all doing well.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.