Kairi Sane joining AEW? Tony Khan expresses interest in signing former WWE star
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Kairi Sane is on AEW’s radar?
Rumors regarding the involvement of Sheamus in AEW have taken the limelight after he quit WWE because there were speculations that some veterans in AEW run by Tony Khan would like to see him join their ranks. But Sheamus is not the only wrestler from WWE to attract AEW attention.
Kairi Sane is another wrestler from WWE who could join the ranks of AEW. Tony Khan, while speaking at the post-show media scrum of AEW WrestleDream 2026, commented on the likelihood of signing Sane.
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Tony Khan’s comments on Kairi Sane joining AEW
When asked about the possibility of Kairi Sane joining AEW, Khan expressed enthusiasm about her availability.
“She’s a fantastic wrestler. I can’t speak to that at this time but I am very aware and excited to see that she’s a free agent. I think that that’s very, very interesting, and I’m very intrigued by the possibility of that. (adding Kairi Sane to AEW)”
Regardless of the praise, Sane has not signed a deal with AEW as of October 18, 2026. As per Fightful Select, negotiations between the two entities are still going on, with interest coming from Japanese wrestling promotions as well.
Joining AEW, Sane would have quite some interesting rivalries. A match with Mercedes Moné would see both international stars who have had some experience with WWE and Japanese professional wrestling. In addition, matches with Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida and Jamie Hayter could prove to be quite exciting for the ladies’ division.
It is possible for Sane to renew rivalries with past opponents in Japan should a dual contract make that possible for her in combination with working for a Japanese promotion.
Sane was released by WWE in April 2026, after which her non-compete clause expired in July. This made her an official free agent. Her release occurred in the middle of a storyline involving herself, Asuka, and IYO SKY. Later on, Sane revealed that it was a shock release as she was at a crucial juncture in her character.
Rise of Kairi Sane into a top wrestler
Before entering WWE, Sane had already made a name for herself as one of the best women wrestlers in Japan. Competing under the ring name KAIRI Hojo, Sane earned a reputation in Stardom through her technical skills, dramatic style of wrestling, and elbow drop finishing move. Sane’s reputation in Japan earned her a WWE contract in 2017.
In 2017, Sane was the Mae Young Classic winner and then won the NXT Women’s Championship. Sane then switched to WWE’s main roster, where she became WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion with Asuka as the Kabuki Warriors.
Since leaving WWE in 2021, Sane has been competing for Stardom and New Japan Pro-Wrestling in Japan. In 2023, she returned to WWE and was added to Damage CTRL, where she became a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
Sane’s experience in various styles of wrestling and international markets makes her a valuable recruit for AEW. At the moment, Khan’s statements show that there is genuine interest, but it remains to be seen whether there will be an actual contract signed.
Has Kairi Sane signed with AEW?
No. As of October 18, 2026, reports indicate that discussions are ongoing, but Sane has not signed with AEW.
Why did Kairi Sane leave WWE?
WWE released Sane in April 2026 as part of its post-WrestleMania roster cuts. Sane said the decision surprised her because she felt her storyline was approaching a significant turning point.
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