WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently shared his thoughts on Kairi Sane’s release from WWE.
‘The Phenomenal One’ admitted that he doesn’t understand the decision given her strong position on television. The former WWE Champion addressed the situation on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, making it clear the timing didn’t make sense to him.
Styles pointed out how strong Sane’s position looked alongside Asuka, particularly as part of their tag team. He praised her recent work and questioned why WWE would make the move now.
“Kairi Sane—yeah, I think that’s where everybody’s a little confused. With Asuka and her as a tag team, and then it just kind of… we don’t know exactly what the case is. That one caught me off guard as well because it was a great tag team thing. I feel like Kairi is doing her best work right now.”
What’s Next for Kairi Sane
Styles openly admitted he doesn’t have answers about Sane’s future. He threw out possibilities including a return to World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan, but made it clear nobody knows what direction she’ll take.
“I wish I had answers—I don’t. I don’t know what this means for her. Is she done wrestling? Is she going to go back to World Wonder Ring Stardom? What’s next for Kairi Sane?” he said. “But I know she was loved, she was amazing, and I just hate that.”
The former WWE Champion addressed speculation about Sane potentially returning to Japan, referencing her previous departure while making it clear he doesn’t believe this was her choice.
“I will say this—the first time she left, she went home to Japan. I don’t know if that has anything to do with this. I doubt it was her choice, because I felt like she was really rolling well,” Styles explained. “But I get it—if you’re living in another country, you’re always going to want to go home at some point.”
The Reality of WWE Cuts
Styles zoomed out to discuss the business side of WWE releases, pointing to space, time, and money as factors rather than anything personal. He referenced other recent cuts including the Motor City Machine Guns.
“I’m sure it comes down to space, time, and money. It’s not anything like it used to be. Even back then, guys would get cut—like the Motor City Machine Guns, I love those guys,” he said. “My biggest fear in my own career was that I wouldn’t get to finish what I started.”
He wrapped up with a message for Sane and others in similar situations, stressing that a release doesn’t define a career.
“That’s the tough part—you sign to do something, and you don’t get to finish it. That’s going to bother you. But don’t let it destroy who you are,” Styles said. “You made it to one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world—that says everything. We don’t know the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for you. Just keep your head up and see where the next chapter takes you. It might be wrestling, it might not—but don’t let it break you.”