Kabuki Warriors Claim WWE Had Them on Standby for Women’s Tag Title Match at WrestleMania 42

Paige’s WrestleMania 42 return wasn’t the only backup plan WWE had in place — because Asuka and Kairi Sane were ready to step in if things went differently.

With Nikki Bella dealing with an ankle injury leading into the Women’s Tag Team Title match at Allegiant Stadium, WWE had to prepare for multiple scenarios. While fans ultimately saw Paige take Nikki’s spot in the match, a new update reveals that the Kabuki Warriors were also in position as a potential replacement. Speaking to Neitro V just before WrestleMania 42, Asuka revealed that the company had already given them a heads-up about a possible last-minute call.

“Rumor has it that Nikki Bella’s ankle hasn’t fully recovered yet. Right, right. We were told we might be able to fill in for that match, so we were on standby just in case.”

That wasn’t just talk either — the Kabuki Warriors were clearly preparing as if they were going to be part of the show. Kairi Sane added that the door was still open at the time, and they were ready to step in if needed. She then revealed how far they had gone in preparation for a moment that never came.

“The chances aren’t zero yet, right? That’s the thing about WrestleMania—you never know what’s going to happen. So can we get your hopes up? We’ve actually prepared brand-new gear just for WrestleMania!”

As it turned out, WWE went in a completely different direction. Nikki Bella was pulled due to her ankle injury, but instead of inserting the Kabuki Warriors into the match, Paige made her surprise return and took the spot alongside Brie Bella — ultimately winning the titles in a WrestleMania moment that caught everyone off guard.

That decision left Asuka and Kairi Sane on the outside looking in, despite being ready and waiting backstage if WWE made the call. With WrestleMania known for last-minute changes and surprises, this update shows just how close things were to going in a completely different direction — and how one injury nearly reshaped the entire match.

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