AEW president Tony Khan expresses interest in signing the Japanese star; visa issues could delay deal

Kairi Sane (right), the Japanese professional wrestler known as the "Pirate Princess," is in talks to join AEW after leaving WWE. [Getty Images]
Kairi Sane (right), the Japanese professional wrestler known as the "Pirate Princess," is in talks to join AEW after leaving WWE. [Getty Images]

Kairi Sane, 38, the Japanese professional wrestler who recently parted ways with WWE, is in discussions with rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) about a contract. However, a US work visa issue has emerged as a potential complication, raising the possibility that her signing could take more time.

US pro wrestling outlet Fightful reported that talks between Sane and AEW are ongoing but that no formal contract has been signed. Discussions between the two sides continue, and Japanese wrestling promotions have also expressed strong interest in signing her.

Sane became a free agent after WWE released her in April. She has since been mentioned as a target for several promotions but has yet to sign with a new organization.

AEW President Tony Khan publicly signaled his interest as well. At a press conference following the AEW WrestleDream event on Saturday, Khan was asked about the possibility of signing Sane and called her an outstanding wrestler, adding that he was very intrigued by the prospect of the free agent joining AEW.

Visa issues may be behind the delay in finalizing a deal. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported Sunday through Wrestling Observer that Sane is believed to be waiting on a visa required to work for AEW. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp had earlier identified a visa as the legal obstacle preventing Sane from appearing on the US scene.

Sane is scheduled to participate in Chris Jericho's pro wrestling cruise event running from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, where she is expected to meet fans and take part in photo sessions and other activities. Her participation does not, however, indicate that a contract with AEW has been signed or that she will compete in a match.

A return to the Japanese scene also remains a possibility. Fightful reported that Japanese promotions have shown considerable interest in signing her, though the ongoing negotiations with AEW are affecting those discussions. Some observers suggest that even if a deal with AEW is reached, she could work both promotions simultaneously.

Japanese professional wrestling star Kairi Sane. [Personal social media]
Japanese professional wrestling star Kairi Sane. [Personal social media]

Sane is a star in Japanese women's professional wrestling, known for combining in-ring ability with broad fan appeal. Her compact frame, cheerful demeanor and expressive personality have won her a devoted following, while her daring aerial offense and intense ring work have earned her respect as a competitor.

She earned the nickname "Pirate Princess" through a pirate-themed ring persona built around her background as an actual competitive sailor. Her signature move is the Insane Elbow — a flying elbow drop launched from the top turnbuckle — celebrated for the sweeping arc of her body in the air and the precision of her strike.

Before joining WWE, Sane was already an elite performer in Japanese women's promotion Stardom. Since her debut in 2012, she captured both the World of Stardom Championship and the Wonder of Stardom Championship once each, won tag team gold three times as part of a duo and five times as part of a trio, and was named Stardom's MVP in 2015.

She made her name on the US stage by winning the Mae Young Classic, a women's tournament held by WWE in 2017, and went on to capture the NXT Women's Championship and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.

When she returned to Japan in 2022, she became the inaugural champion of the newly established IWGP Women's Championship. She rejoined WWE the following year and resumed competing in the United States.


yjc@heraldcorp.com