Kairi remains unsigned as AEW talks stall amid strong Japanese interest

Key points

• Kairi has not signed a contract with AEW as of the weekend of October 17, 2026, despite ongoing light discussions.
• Interest from Japanese promotions is currently being held up due to the pending AEW negotiations.
• Kairi is scheduled to appear on Chris Jericho’s upcoming cruise, which coincides with a live AEW Collision episode.
• AEW President Tony Khan stated he is 'very intrigued' by the possibility of signing Kairi but could not confirm a deal at the post-WrestleDream media scrum.
• Tony Khan confirmed that absent AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will return to the promotion, though no specific timeline was provided.

Background

Kairi, formerly known as Kairi Sane, was released by WWE in April 2026. She has been a free agent for several months, with previous speculation linking her to a return to STARDOM or a move to AEW. Her potential AEW debut was anticipated at WrestleDream, where she could have faced Mercedes Moné or Thekla, both of whom have prior history with her. Meanwhile, AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm has been absent for seven months following a backstage attack angle, with no confirmed injury but limited public appearances.

How outlets are covering it

Fightful Select and NoDQ.com report that Kairi remains unsigned as of October 17, 2026, with light discussions continuing and Japanese interest being held up by AEW talks. Cageside Seats highlights Tony Khan’s post-WrestleDream comments expressing intrigue about Kairi but no confirmation of a deal, while also noting Khan’s assurance that Toni Storm will return. Wrestle Purists notes that a last-minute signing for WrestleDream was possible but currently unlikely, given the lack of a confirmed contract. All sources agree that Kairi is a free agent and that AEW negotiations are ongoing but unresolved.

Why it matters

Kairi’s potential signing would significantly impact AEW’s women’s division, adding a high-profile former WWE titleholder and former STARDOM/IWGP champion. Her absence from WrestleDream, despite speculation, indicates that AEW’s acquisition strategy may be slower than anticipated. The ongoing negotiations also affect Japanese promotions, as interest in Kairi is being held up by AEW talks. Additionally, the confirmation of Toni Storm’s return addresses fan concerns about the absence of a four-time AEW Women’s World Champion, potentially reshaping the women’s division’s dynamics in the near term.

What to watch

Kairi’s contract status with AEW remains unresolved, with light discussions continuing. Japanese promotions are currently holding interest in Kairi due to the pending AEW negotiations. Kairi is confirmed to appear on Chris Jericho’s upcoming cruise. Tony Khan has confirmed that Toni Storm will return to AEW, but no specific timeline or event has been announced. AEW may still pursue a last-minute signing for future events, though a WrestleDream appearance is now considered unlikely.