WWE Reportedly Cut Kairi Sane Because She’d Indicated She Wanted To Move Back To Japan

WWE reportedly released Kairi Sane because she wanted to move back to Japan.
On Friday, April 24, WWE had their latest round of releases, as fans learned 25 names that would be leaving the company. However, while the cuts included some significant talent, perhaps the most surprising news was when it emerged that Kairi Sane had been cut from the roster despite currently playing a key role in the on-screen feud between Asuka and IYO SKY. With viewers still scratching their heads as to why WWE let ‘The Pirate Princess’ go, a possible reason behind the decision has now been revealed.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, it’s believed Kairi Sane’s WWE release may have been because she indicated to the company that she wanted to move back to Japan.
“So, the Kairi thing. The reason she was cut was I think she had kinda indicated that she wanted to move back (to Japan). I agree (Kairi should show up at Backlash), we’re in the middle of a program. The reality is, this is not a money issue. You know what I mean? This company makes… whatever it is. The revenue between UFC and WWE and throwing everything in, the revenue’s in the billions of dollars. To keep a cohesive storyline, it’s not that expensive to do. They probably spend way, way more on things that are inconsequential compared to that.”
-Dave Meltzer
This follows along with yesterday’s report from PWInsider, stating there had been no charge with regard to Kairi’s WWE status despite fan backlash to her departure, and that the star had already travelled back to Japan. However, the company’s fanbase continued to voice their displeasure during last night’s RAW, with the Laredo crowd loudly chanting ‘We Want Kairi’ during Asuka’s post-match beatdown of IYO SKY.
Plus, it wasn’t just fans who were shocked at Kairi Sane’s sudden departure, with Fightful Select reporting that there was ‘heavy frustration’ among WWE talent in response to the release. You can read more on that here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Kairi Sane’s WWE release as soon as we hear more.
If you use the quote above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to WrestlePurists.com for the transcription.