Kairi Sane has made a dramatic return to WWE, quickly aligning with one of SmackDown’s premier champions!
The unexpected comeback occurred during the clash between Bianca Belair and IYO SKY at WWE Crown Jewel. Just as Belair appeared to be turning the tide, Sane emerged from among the spectators to deliver a decisive spinning backfist to Belair.
This intervention nearly led to SKY winning by count-out, but Belair narrowly re-entered the ring at the nine-count. Without missing a beat, SKY performed her iconic moonsault on Belair and secured the pinfall, retaining her title.
In the aftermath, the ring saw Sane and SKY embracing, while Bayley, SKY’s Damage CTRL comrade, watched on in apparent disbelief – perhaps not privy to Sane’s planned involvement. Commentator Michael Cole mentioned that it was Bayley who had effectively removed Sane from WWE storylines over three years earlier.
Speculation about Kairi Sane’s WWE homecoming started circulating in August, with Dave Meltzer later hinting that her return was set for this month, post her engagements with STARDOM and other Japanese circuits.
During her hiatus from WWE, Kairi Sane left television appearances in July 2020 but stayed with the company in a non-wrestling role until her contract ended in December 2021.
Sane made a triumphant return to STARDOM, her original wrestling home, where she achieved the milestone of becoming the first IWGP Women’s Champion, a title she held for 90 days until Mercedes Mone, previously known as Sasha Banks, claimed the championship. Sane also showcased her talents in various other Japanese wrestling organizations, such as GLEAT, Sendai Girls, and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
