Asuka: "No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side, Kairi"

On April 24, 2026 will be remembered as another "black Friday" in WWE after the company carried out a new wave of layoffs that ended with about twenty superstars out of the company. Talents like Alba Fyre, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, or The Wyatt Sicks in full, put an abrupt end to their stay in the company.

One of the names that has generated the most surprise and indignation among fans is that of Kairi Sane. And it is that, in addition to being one of the most beloved wrestlers, she was also a recurring talent in the company's television programming. This afternoon, "The Pirate Princess" wanted to say goodbye to the fans with an emotional message.

"I am truly grateful to have people like you by my side. Thank you for always being with me. I will set sail... in my own time. Until then... I love you," wrote Kairi Sane on her X account.

The message quickly received a multitude of responses, many of them directly from fellow wrestlers, including Asuka, one of her best friends. "Whatever happens, I will always be by your side, Kairi. I will never let you feel alone", wrote "The Empress of Tomorrow".

"As an athlete, I understand that we all face a turning point at some point when thinking about our life or career, but I am saddened that it has come so suddenly. Kairi was loved by all her colleagues, both as a performer and as a person. Kinder than anyone, a bit absent-minded and funny, charming, and my proud best friend. A battle companion with whom I grew up in the United States, facing countless difficulties, crying a lot together. It is painful to accept that she will not be by my side in the passenger seat of the rental car, but... Kairi has her innate talent and the wonderful knowledge and experience she has forged in WWE, so I am sure that her new adventure will also be absolutely amazing. From the bottom of my heart, I wish success and happiness to my beloved Kairi. I love you very much, Kairi. We will be best friends forever and ever," wrote IYO SKY.

"I am finding it very difficult to find words for this. I love you and it was an honor to tell stories with you," wrote Bayley.

"I will miss you, Kairi. One of the sweetest in the locker room. Always love and respect. Thank you for dancing with me," wrote Jade Cargill. 

"Thank you for your love and kindness! I also loved meeting your family," wrote Jacob Fatu.

"Kairi! I love you! You have so much more to offer in this industry and you have already given so much. You are truly an inspiration and an incredible talent. I will miss you! I can't wait to see all the amazing things you will continue to do. The locker room won't be the same without you," wrote The Bella Twins.

The fans' reaction has not been long in coming. And, the hashtag "WeWantKairi" is in fourth place in sports trends in X worldwide, with a campaign that aims to pressure WWE to bring back the wrestler, as happened last year with R-Truth.

Regardless of the reasons that led WWE to include Sane on its layoff list, the truth is that the wrestler has always been a very beloved person inside and outside the locker room, as has been evident in the reactions after her unexpected departure. Another issue to consider is the creative aspect, as Kairi leaves the company in the middle of a storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY on Monday Night Raw.