Kai Kavari is walking away from WWE less than two years after joining the company. The former college football player, whose real name is Cyrus Habibi-Likio, announced that he has chosen to leave and return home to California.
Kavari explained in a new social media video that he originally signed a three-year contract with WWE. However, being away from his family and trying to build a second career from across the country ultimately pushed him toward the exit.
Kavari said his life feels rooted in California, where his family lives and where he has been trying to launch a real estate business. Staying in Florida while waiting for his wrestling career to develop made that increasingly difficult.
He also addressed the financial reality of starting at WWE, explaining that new recruits are not immediately earning major money. While the company offers the possibility of a much larger payday down the road, Kavari said he is not in a position to base his future on what might happen.
“When you start with WWE, you don’t get paid the most. Potentially, you can make bread. I’m not at a time in my life where I can live off potential. Being brutally honest, I can go back to California and make main roster money in real estate.”
Kavari said his faith also played a major role in the decision. He thanked WWE for the opportunity, praised the genuine people he met during his time with the company and gave a special shoutout to coach Matt Bloom.
The door is not completely closed on wrestling. Kavari made it clear that he could return to the business at some point, but for now, his focus is on family, faith and building his real estate career in California.
Kavari signed with WWE in 2025 after playing college football. During his time with the company, he competed on WWE EVOLVE and worked NXT live events, but he never reached regular NXT television before deciding to leave.
Walking away from a three-year WWE deal is a major gamble, but Kavari believes he can earn more immediately by betting on himself outside the ring. Whether wrestling eventually pulls him back remains to be seen.
Do you think Kai Kavari made the right decision by leaving WWE to return home and focus on real estate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
