IYO SKY has issued a heartfelt statement about the sudden WWE exit of her friend Kairi Sane.
Sane departed as part of a large wave of roster cuts on April 24, 2026. It is not yet known whether the company released her from her contract or if the agreement expired.
SKY addressed the situation in a message on X. The former WWE Women’s World Champion reflected on their long friendship:
I understand that, as wrestlers, everyone eventually reaches a crossroads when thinking about their life and career. But I feel so sad that this moment came so suddenly. 💔
Kairi was truly loved by everyone, both as a performer and as a person. Kinder than anyone, a little bit airheaded in the sweetest way, funny, charming, and my best friend, whom I’m so proud of.
She’s my comrade-in-arms, someone I struggled with countless times in America, cried with so many times, and grew alongside. It’s hard to accept that Kairi won’t be sitting beside me in the rental car anymore…
But Kairi has her own natural talent, along with all the wonderful knowledge and experience she gained in WWE, so I’m certain her new voyage will be an amazing one.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish success and happiness for my beloved Kairi. I love you so much, Kairi. We’ll always, always be best friends. 🌊⚓️✨
Sane and SKY previously competed together as members of the Damage CTRL faction. They faced each other during the April 20 episode of Monday Night Raw. That recent tag team encounter featured Sane and Asuka against SKY and Rhea Ripley.
The Japanese star initially signed with WWE in 2017 before leaving in 2021. She returned to the promotion in 2025 and reunited with Asuka as the Kabuki Warriors.
SKY also sent love to the departing Nikki Cross, Zelina Vega, Alba Fyre and Zoey Stark:
Yesterday was a really tough day. I want to send them my heartfelt thanks and love. My kind and wonderful friends.
@WWENikkiCross@ZelinaVegaWWE@KLR_KayLeeRay@ZoeyStarkWWEI’m going to miss you all. 🥲
