Kairi Sane’s WWE release caught a lot of people off guard, especially since she was still part of an active storyline when she was suddenly cut.
Sane was among the names included in WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts earlier this month. At the time, many fans were surprised because she had been involved in a developing angle that appeared to be building toward a reunion with Iyo Sky after ongoing tension with Asuka.
Dave Meltzer addressed the situation in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, explaining that WWE believed Sane might eventually move back to Japan, and that belief played a role in the company’s decision. He pointed out that her release stood out internally because of where she was positioned on television at the time.
“The biggest surprise on the list was Kairi Sane. She was in the middle of a program where they were teasing her eventually standing up for herself against the bullying of Asuka and getting back together as a team with Iyo Sky. But the angle was dropped cold.”
Meltzer then explained that WWE’s thinking about her long-term plans factored into the final call.
“While most were surprised, we were told part of it was the belief she wanted to move back to Japan at some point and with that knowledge it was part of the decision making.”
He also noted that wrestlers are rarely told the full reason behind releases, beyond general explanations about company finances.
“Talent is rarely told the actual reason they are let go past budgeting purposes.”
Kairi Sane later issued a statement denying that she had asked for her release, pushing back on reports that suggested she personally requested to leave WWE. Still, the belief that she might relocate to Japan appears to have played a role in how WWE evaluated her future with the company.
Do you think WWE made the right decision releasing Kairi Sane based on long-term plans? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.