Tag: Kairi Sane WWE release

#WeWantKairi floods responses to Triple H’s WWE WrestleMania 42 post 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Triple H promoted WWE’s latest video revealing the behind-the-scenes preparation for WrestleMania 42. 

He posted a snippet on X, featuring his interaction with CM Punk from the official WWE video. However, that was met with a majority of the WWE fans instantly responding with #WeWantKairi to the post.

“It’s a team effort. Just a small glimpse into what makes #WrestleMania happen. Watch now on @WWE YouTube” Triple H captioned the post. 

Last Friday, WWE released nearly 20 talents from the roster including Kairi Sane. She was in the middle of an ongoing feud, aligning with Asuka against IYO SKY. Their rivalry had been building up since the second half of 2025.  

Before WrestleMania 42, there were reports on Asuka and Sane’s participation in the PLE. There were initial plans of a triple threat match among Asuka, Sane and SKY. Later, The Kabuki Warriors were rumored to replace The Bella Twins in the fatal-four way Tag Team Title bout due to Nikki’s injury. However, Paige returned as her replacement and eventually won the Tag Team Championship with Brie. 

Sane clarified that her WWE exit had no relation with her moving back to Japan, and she had never walked away from what she loved doing. 

WWE fans have often relied on social media to make their voices heard, and they have proven to be impactful in the past. In 2024, when The Rock returned and hinted at taking over Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania spot against Roman Reigns, #WeWantCody flooded social media platforms forcing WWE to alter plans. 

Similarly, last year when R-Truth announced his abrupt WWE release, fans chanted ‘We want Truth’ on Raw and SmackDown in addition to X. This ultimately led to his return at Money in the Bank, a week later.

No reported change in Kairi Sane’s WWE status despite fan backlash

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Kari Sane was among the many names WWE released last weekend. 

According to PWInsider, Sane’s WWE release has not been revoked despite social media trends calling for a change in her status with the company. The report also claims that Sane has returned to her home country, Japan, effectively ruling out any possible appearances on Raw. 

Sane and Asuka were feuding with IYO SKY on Raw, especially after Sky’s association with Rhea Ripley. Asuka opposed her alliance with Ripley which led to their long term feud in 2025. 

Sane started her wrestling career at Wonder Ring Stardom in 2011, where she commenced training. Her first stint with WWE was from 2017 to 2021. She competed for a couple of years on NXT before forming The Kabuki Warriors with Asuka. Sane returned to WWE in 2023 and joined Damage CTRL along with Dakota Kai, Bayley and Sky. When the group split up, The Kabuki Warriors focused on their pursuit of the Tag Team Titles. They won the titles in November last year and held gold for 55 days before Ripley and SKY ended their title reign in January this year.

SKY wrote a supportive note for Sane after the announcement of her WWE release. #WeWantKairi started trending on social media shortly after her name was confirmed to be in the list of stars let go by the company.

The stars released by the company include Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Apollo Crews, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark and more.

IYO SKY reacts to Kairi Sane’s WWE release

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

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.