The Laredo crowd let WWE know exactly how it feels about Kairi Sane’s release.
Loud “We Want Kairi” chants broke out during Monday’s episode of Raw at Sames Auto Arena, ringing out as Asuka stood over a downed IYO Sky following a Women’s Intercontinental Championship match.
The segment came after Becky Lynch, fresh off her WrestleMania 42 win over AJ Lee, issued an open challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Title. IYO Sky answered the call. After Lynch retained the championship, Asuka attacked Sky and locked in a submission, choking her out as the Laredo fans began chanting for the recently released Sane.
Kairi Sane’s Release Looms Over The Storyline
Sane was among the WWE roster cuts announced on April 24, departing in the middle of an active storyline with Asuka and IYO Sky. The angle had centered on Asuka manipulating Sane and isolating her from Sky, with fans expecting a payoff at WrestleMania 42 that never came.
Per Fightful Select, Sane’s release was met with frustration backstage given the unresolved nature of the program. The hashtag #WeWantKairi has trended on social media since her departure, even drawing brief support from WWE broadcaster Jackie Redmond, and the Laredo crowd’s chants made the campaign audible inside the arena.
According to PWInsider, Sane has already returned to Japan, ruling out any immediate WWE return. She is bound by a 90-day non-compete clause before she can sign elsewhere.
Asuka Vs. IYO Sky Set for Backlash
The Asuka vs. IYO Sky program has been announced for Backlash on May 9 in Tampa. With Sane out of the picture, WWE is reshaping the feud as a direct singles confrontation between the two former Damage CTRL members.