AJ Styles Admits He Was Caught Off Guard by Kairi Sane’s WWE Release

Kairi Sane’s WWE release left a lot of questions, and now AJ Styles is saying he’s just as confused as everyone else.

While speaking on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, AJ Styles addressed the departure of Kairi Sane and didn’t try to pretend he had answers. Instead, he made it clear the situation didn’t make much sense to him, especially given where she was on TV.

He started by pointing out how strong Sane’s position looked, particularly alongside Asuka, and why the timing of the release stood out, admitting that Kairi’s release caught him off guard.

"Kairi Sane—yeah, I think that’s where everybody’s a little confused. With Asuka and her as a tag team, and then it just kind of… we don’t know exactly what the case is. That one caught me off guard as well because it was a great tag team thing. I feel like Kairi is doing her best work right now."

The Phenomenal One didn’t stop there. He openly questioned what comes next for Sane, throwing out possibilities while making it clear nobody really knows what direction she’ll take.

"I wish I had answers—I don’t. I don’t know what this means for her. Is she done wrestling? Is she going to go back to World Wonder Ring Stardom? What’s next for Kairi Sane? But I know she was loved, she was amazing, and I just hate that."

He also addressed the speculation about her potentially returning to Japan, referencing her past while making it clear he doesn’t believe this was something she pushed for.

"I will say this—the first time she left, she went home to Japan. I don’t know if that has anything to do with this. I doubt it was her choice, because I felt like she was really rolling well. But I get it—if you’re living in another country, you’re always going to want to go home at some point."

From there, AJ Styles zoomed out and spoke about the reality of WWE cuts in general, pointing to the business side of things rather than anything personal.

"I’m sure it comes down to space, time, and money. It’s not anything like it used to be. Even back then, guys would get cut—like the Motor City Machine Guns, I love those guys. My biggest fear in my own career was that I wouldn’t get to finish what I started."

He wrapped up with a message that clearly came from experience — acknowledging how tough moments like this can be, while also stressing that it doesn’t define a career.

"That’s the tough part—you sign to do something, and you don’t get to finish it. That’s going to bother you. But don’t let it destroy who you are. You made it to one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world—that says everything. We don’t know the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for you. Just keep your head up and see where the next chapter takes you. It might be wrestling, it might not—but don’t let it break you."

Bottom line — even someone like AJ Styles doesn’t have a clear answer on why Kairi Sane is gone, but his reaction says a lot. From being caught off guard to praising her current work, it’s clear her exit didn’t sit right with people inside the locker room either.

Do you think WWE made the right call releasing Kairi Sane, or did they pull the plug too early on her run? Let us know your thoughts.

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