WWE star Kairi Sane, a prominent member of the Damage CTRL faction, has confirmed that she is out of action due to an arm injury. The former Women’s Tag Team Champion shared the update via social media, where she hinted at her determination to recover quickly. This marks yet another setback for Damage CTRL, a faction already grappling with multiple injuries over the past year.
Details of Kairi Sane’s Injury
Kairi Sane last competed on the December 2 episode of WWE RAW, teaming up with IYO SKY in a losing effort against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Scheduled to participate in the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, Sane’s plans were derailed after a backstage attack by the Pure Fusion Collective—a trio consisting of Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville—on the December 16 episode of RAW. Following the storyline attack, it was revealed that her absence was due to a legitimate arm injury.
On January 3, Sane took to social media to provide an update, sharing a photo of herself in a hospital with her arm in a cast. The accompanying caption read, “I’ll get an arm of iron…,” signaling her determination to recover. As of now, there is no official word on when she will return to in-ring competition.
Impact on the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament
Sane’s injury forced her to withdraw from the tournament, where she was replaced by her faction teammate, IYO SKY. SKY advanced to the semifinals but was ultimately eliminated. Meanwhile, another Damage CTRL member, Dakota Kai, has reached the finals and is set to face Lyra Valkyria on the January 13 episode of RAW to crown the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
This incident is part of a broader wave of injuries that has plagued the Damage CTRL faction. Earlier in 2024, Asuka was sidelined with a knee injury that has kept her out of action for most of the year. Additionally, Dakota Kai recently returned to the ring after recovering from a torn meniscus suffered in August. The repeated injuries have raised questions about the faction’s ability to maintain its dominance in the women’s division, especially amid high-stakes tournaments like the Intercontinental Championship.
Fan Reactions and WWE’s Response
The WWE Universe has expressed widespread support for Kairi Sane on social media, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike wishing her a speedy recovery. Many are eager to see her back in the ring, particularly given her high-energy style and contributions to the women’s division since her return to WWE.
While WWE has not officially announced the timeline for Sane’s recovery, speculation is mounting about how her absence may affect future storylines. The company has been known to adapt quickly to such situations, often integrating real-life injuries into ongoing narratives. For now, the focus remains on crowning the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion, a milestone event that has already seen dramatic twists and turns.
What’s Next for Damage CTRL?
With Kairi Sane out of action and other members of Damage CTRL still recovering from injuries, the faction faces an uphill battle in maintaining its presence on WWE RAW. Dakota Kai’s progression to the tournament finals offers a glimmer of hope, but the group’s long-term prospects may depend on the health and return of its sidelined stars.
As WWE continues to build momentum around its women’s division, the success of the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of female competitors. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the January 13 finals to see whether Dakota Kai can bring glory to her faction despite the setbacks they’ve endured.
For now, all eyes remain on Kairi Sane’s recovery journey, as the wrestling world eagerly awaits her return to the squared circle.
