"We Want Kairi" Chants Break Out From WWE Backlash Crowd During Iyo Sky-Asuka Match
The crowd at Tampa's Benchmark International Arena let WWE fans know of their feelings during the Iyo Sky vs. Asuka match at Saturday's Backlash pay-per-view.
Iyo Sky and Asuka squared off in the penultimate match of Backlash 2026, right after Danhausen and Minihausen won their tag team match over The Miz and Kit Wilson. Saturday's show marks WWE's first pay-per-view since the company began mass roster cuts two weeks ago.
One of the most stunning cuts was that of Kairi Sane, a fan favorite and former NXT Women's Champion. Sane was released on April 24, along with 22 other superstars.
As the Asuka vs. Sky match got underway, the Tampa crowd started thunderous "We want Kairi" chants. Even with WWE commentator Michael Cole calling the match, it was impossible not to make out the chants.
"We want Kairi" chants also erupted during the April 27 episode of Raw in Laredo, Texas.
THE "WE WANT KAIRI" CHANTS FROM LAST NIGHT WERE EXTREMELY LOUD IN THE ARENA.
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) April 28, 2026
(Matt Kempke) pic.twitter.com/MwFtZ2YEb8
Sane and Asuka formed the beloved Kabuki Warriors tag team in two separate tenures, winning three WWE Women's Tag Team Championships together.
WWE Has Released Nearly 30 Talents Since April 24
In their first wave of roster cuts on April 24, WWE also moved on from other veteran stars, including Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, the entire Wyatt Sicks stable and The Motor City Machine Guns.
Eight days later, WWE stunned the wrestling world by releasing The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). The New Day had been together since 2012, with Kingston alone spending two decades in WWE.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 4:56 PM.