Add as a preferred source on Google Kairi Sane’s release continues to draw negative reactions backstage in WWE, mainly because of the timing.
According to Fightful Select, there was strong internal frustration over the fact that Sane was let go before any real payoff to her involvement in the storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY. The feeling is that WWE dedicated considerable TV time to build the conflict but didn’t deliver the part that belonged to Kairi.
The Pirate Princess had been used frequently alongside Asuka, while IYO SKY started aligning with Rhea Ripley. On the RAW after WrestleMania 42, The Kabuki Warriors were defeated by Ripley and SKY, with Sane taking the pinfall after a Riptide and a Moonsault.
[🔴]NEW: A specific point of frustration emanated from the television time given to Asuka and Kairi without actually paying off Kairi's part in the story.
— SuplexInsider (@SuplexInsider) May 10, 2026
(FightFul) pic.twitter.com/DIUQUbml1U
A few days later, Kairi ended up on WWE’s release list, alongside names like Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, and the Motor City Machine Guns. Her departure drew even more attention precisely because her story was still in progress.
At Backlash, held this Saturday in Tampa, IYO SKY defeated Asuka in a highly praised match. After the bout, the two embraced in an emotional moment, closing out the rivalry without any appearance from Kairi.
It remains to be seen whether WWE will still try to explain Sane’s absence on programming, or if the story will simply be treated as wrapped up after the match between Asuka and IYO.