After a six-month hiatus due to injury, Kairi Sane made a remarkable return to WWE RAW on May 19, 2025. Her comeback match, a Triple Threat qualifier for the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, marked her first in-ring appearance since December 2023. Despite not securing a victory, Sane’s performance reignited excitement among fans and showcased her resilience and skill.
Kairi Sane’s Return Match: A Test of Resilience
In her return bout, Sane faced formidable opponents Rhea Ripley and Zoey Stark. The match took an unexpected turn when Stark suffered an injury, leaving Sane and Ripley to adapt on the fly. Demonstrating her professionalism and in-ring prowess, Sane adjusted seamlessly, delivering a commendable performance despite the loss.
IYO SKY’s Heartfelt Message: A Bond Beyond the Ring
Following the match, IYO SKY, Sane’s former tag team partner and fellow member of the now-disbanded Damage CTRL, shared a touching message on social media: “Welcome back!!! @KAIRI_official ✨✨”. This simple yet heartfelt gesture highlighted the enduring friendship between the two wrestlers, rooted in their shared history from their early days in Japan’s STARDOM promotion to their time in WWE.
The Kabuki Warriors: A Legacy of Excellence
Sane and SKY’s partnership as The Kabuki Warriors left an indelible mark on WWE’s women’s division. Their synergy and dynamic performances captivated audiences, and their reunion in 2023 under the Damage CTRL banner further solidified their status as a formidable duo. Though Damage CTRL has since disbanded, the legacy of The Kabuki Warriors endures, and fans eagerly anticipate potential future collaborations or rivalries between Sane and SKY.
Kairi Sane’s Impact on WWE’s Women’s Division
Sane’s return injects renewed energy into WWE’s women’s division. Her unique blend of technical skill, aerial agility, and charismatic presence enhances the roster’s diversity and depth. As the division continues to evolve, Sane’s experience and talent position her as a key player in shaping its future trajectory.
Potential Storylines and Future Prospects
With her return, Sane opens the door to numerous compelling storylines. A renewed alliance with IYO SKY could rekindle The Kabuki Warriors’ dominance, while a potential rivalry between the two could offer a fresh narrative arc. Additionally, Sane’s pursuit of championship gold, including the Women’s Intercontinental Championship held by Lyra Valkyria, presents intriguing possibilities for her character’s development.
Kairi Sane’s WWE Career Highlights
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Signed with WWE |
| 2018 | Won the inaugural Mae Young Classic |
| 2019 | Formed The Kabuki Warriors with Asuka |
| 2020 | Departed WWE to return to Japan |
| 2023 | Returned to WWE at Crown Jewel |
| 2025 | Returned to RAW after injury hiatus |
Conclusion: A Promising Horizon for Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane’s return to WWE RAW marks a significant moment in her career and the broader landscape of women’s wrestling. Her resilience, coupled with the unwavering support from peers like IYO SKY, underscores her enduring impact on the sport. As she navigates this new chapter, fans and fellow wrestlers alike look forward to the exciting developments that lie ahead for the Pirate Princess.