-- Amid rumors that she's headed back to WWE, former IWGP Women's Champion KAIRI spoke at a press conference Monday and noted that after her she has fulfilled her current obligations, she will be taking an "indefinite hiatus" as of the end of September before embarking on a "new voyage" though she did not get into any details of what that would be. Rumors have been rampant that KAIRI will be returning to WWE.
""I have made a decision. I can't say it clearly, but in preparation for a new voyage, a voyage of determination, I would like to put my activities on indefinite hiatus as of the end of September 2023. Rest assured that this is a positive decision. Lastly, I would like to thank President Rossy Ogawa for not giving up on me, who was said to have no talent, everyone at Stardom who supported me, wrestlers from other organizations, the media and the fans who have always supported me. Thank you very much.
-- The standout Japanese wrestler left WWE in 2021 and returned to her home country to work for NJPW and Stardom. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer speculated that the intention was that New Japan was going to use her as their big international star and market her as they attempted to break into the United States. However, the promotion went off in a different direction by signing Mercedes Mone (WWE's former Sasha Banks) who is currently injured but was expected to take the spot that was envisioned for KAIRI.
