Kairi remains a free agent as discussions with AEW continue, while substantial interest in Japan is reportedly waiting on clarity regarding her next move.
As of this weekend, Kairi had not signed with AEW. Conversations between the sides have continued, but no agreement has been completed. The situation has become particularly notable because interest in bringing Kairi back to Japan is described as heavy, with those possibilities currently being held up while the AEW talks remain active.
The update leaves one of wrestling's most recognizable international performers at an important career crossroads. Kairi has been a free agent since her WWE release in April, and her availability immediately created questions about whether she could return to Japan, re-enter the North American television landscape, or potentially pursue a combination of opportunities across multiple markets.
At present, there is no indication that a deal with AEW has been finalized, nor is there confirmation of which Japanese promotion or promotions are pursuing her. What is clear is that the process is ongoing and that Kairi's eventual decision could have ramifications beyond just one roster addition. Her name carries significant value in both Japan and the United States, making her one of the more closely watched free agents in women's wrestling.
For more background on this topic, read Kenny Omega’s AEW Return for PAC Tribute Show Was a Same-Day Decision.
AEW Discussions Have Yet To Produce a Signing
The key development is straightforward: Kairi remains unsigned despite continuing contact with AEW. That distinction matters. Interest and discussions do not necessarily lead to a contract, and there is no established timetable for a resolution.
AEW has built a women's division with a blend of established names, homegrown talent, international performers, and wrestlers working under varying arrangements. Adding a competitor with Kairi's background would be a meaningful move, but there is currently no official announcement tying her to the company.
Until a contract is completed and publicly confirmed, Kairi's next destination remains open. The ongoing nature of the talks also means that the situation could still change in several directions. AEW could reach an agreement, Kairi could opt for an opportunity in Japan, or she could ultimately choose a path that is not publicly known at this time.
For now, the important point is not to treat the conversations as a done deal. There is reported mutual activity around the possibility, but no signed outcome.
Japan Remains a Major Factor in Kairi's Future
Kairi's standing in Japan makes the reported interest unsurprising. She is a major name with a history that gives any potential return substantial importance, whether it would be framed as a full-time commitment, a prominent featured run, or a more flexible arrangement.
The reported hold on Japanese interest illustrates how interconnected the current free-agent market can be. Promotions are often reluctant to fully map out plans around a performer while another major company is still in discussion. That is especially true for a wrestler whose availability could influence championship programs, special-event cards, tournament fields, and broader roster presentation.
There has been no public confirmation that Kairi has made a decision to prioritize AEW over Japan. Rather, the current status indicates that the AEW possibility is significant enough for Japanese interest to remain in a waiting position. That leaves all involved parties in a period of uncertainty, even as attention around Kairi's next step grows.
For fans hoping to see her wrestle regularly in Japan again, the update does not close that door. In fact, the level of reported interest suggests that meaningful options remain available. The unanswered question is whether those options will become more concrete once her AEW conversations either result in a deal or come to an end.
A Free-Agent Decision With Broad Interest
Kairi's availability has attracted attention because she brings more than name recognition. She is an experienced performer whose presentation, in-ring style, and established connection with audiences can make her an immediate difference-maker in a division.
A major promotion signing a wrestler of her profile does not simply gain another roster member. It gains a recognizable act who can be positioned in high-level matches, used to elevate emerging talent, or slotted into major stories quickly. That potential explains why the situation is being watched closely despite the lack of a final announcement.
For AEW, a successful agreement would add another notable international presence to its women's roster. It could also create a number of fresh match possibilities without requiring the company to rely solely on long-running rivalries. Still, those are only possibilities at this stage. No creative direction, debut plan, match schedule, or role has been announced.
For Japan, Kairi's return would naturally generate its own excitement. Her history and profile would make any future appearance a significant moment, but there is not enough information yet to determine where, when, or under what arrangement that could happen.
The current update should therefore be viewed as a status report rather than a conclusion. Kairi is available, AEW talks remain alive, and Japanese interest is strong. The final result remains unresolved.
Chris Jericho Cruise Appearance Is Confirmed
While her longer-term wrestling future is still undecided, Kairi does have at least one upcoming appearance announced. She has been revealed for Chris Jericho's upcoming cruise.
That announcement confirms that Kairi will be part of the cruise's lineup, though it does not provide an answer regarding her next primary wrestling destination. Appearances on special events and cruises can exist separately from a wrestler's full-time contractual status, so the booking should not be read as confirmation of an AEW signing or of any broader affiliation.
It does, however, ensure that Kairi will remain visible to fans while questions continue around her next move. In a period where no full-time deal has been announced, every confirmed date naturally receives added attention. The cruise booking is currently the clearest scheduled item connected to Kairi's post-WWE calendar.
What Comes Next
There is no stated deadline for Kairi to reach a decision, and no indication that negotiations are at a final stage. The next meaningful development will likely be one of three things: a completed AEW agreement, a clear move toward a Japanese promotion, or confirmation that the talks have not produced a deal.
Until then, the situation remains fluid. Wrestling free agency is often shaped by questions that are not immediately public, including schedule, creative fit, travel, financial terms, and the level of flexibility a performer wants. None of those details have been specified in Kairi's case, so it would be premature to assign a reason for why an agreement has not yet been reached.
The available information supports a narrower conclusion. Kairi has not signed with AEW as of this weekend. Discussions are continuing. Japan has considerable interest in her, but that interest is reportedly in a holding pattern while the AEW possibility remains unresolved.
That is enough to make Kairi one of the most important names to follow in the current women's wrestling landscape. Whether she joins AEW, returns to Japan, or finds another route, her decision will be significant. For now, fans and promotions alike are waiting for the negotiations to produce a definitive answer.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.