Backstage Update on WWE’s Release of Kairi Sane

As previously reported, Kairi Sane was among the latest wave of roster cuts this week. The news was especially shocking as Sane was in the midst of a major ongoing storyline between Iyo Sky and Asuka, and also competed on last week’s WWE Raw. During today’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer offered some insight explaining why Kairi was released.

Meltzer stated on Kairi, “So the Kairi thing, I think that she had kind of indicated that she wanted to move back [to Japan].” As noted, Kairi Sane already returned to Japan following the news of her being cut.

However, fans were audibly chanting, “We Want Kairi” during last night’s WWE Raw, expressing their disappointment regarding her exit. Additionally, the hashtag “#WeWantKairi” became a trending topic on X following the news of her release.

Kairi Sane Returns to Japan Following Her WWE Release

Kairi previously exited WWE in December 2021 after her contract expired, becoming an ambassador for the promotion overseas. However, she would make her WWE in-ring return about two years later in November 2023, returning at Crown Jewel that year and joining Damage CTRL.

Meltzer and co-host Bryan Alvarez both questioned why Kairi Sane didn’t stick around a little longer for a proper blowoff to her storyline with Iyo Sky and Asuka, with her two former stablemates scheduled to face off in a singles bout at WWE Backlash next month. There’s no additional information regarding why Kairi was unable to stay in the U.S. longer for a proper conclusion to her storyline, or at least find a better way to write her off of WWE programming.

WWE Backlash 2026, featuring Iyo Sky vs. Asuka, takes place on Saturday, May 9. The WWE PLE will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.