Kairi Sane on Mae Young Classic, Singles Wrestling, Her Aura, and More

Rolling Stone held a recent interview with Kairi Sane discussing the Mae Young Classic tournament, being more comfortable as a tag or singles wrestler, her aura as a star, and more.

On the topic of the Mae Young Classic, Sane stated she still has a small sense of shock from actually winning the tournament.

I was so focused on winning, and I have still been surprised that I did it, and now I know I have to realize, “The end is the beginning of something new.” So I’m telling myself, “What’s my next goal?” And I know what that is, so I’m ready.

When asked if she has become more comfortable as a singles competitor after mainly being a tag wrestler in Japan, Sane mentioned the Mae Young Classic was very helpful for her transition into becoming more of a singles competitor in the WWE.

Yes, it affected me greatly. There were 32 athletes competing from worldwide, and I was doing as many as three [matches] a day, and I have to say I was proud of myself that I could participate. It was such a big deal.

On the topic of Mae Young herself, Sane stated she knew who Mae Young was when she started her career in Japan and felt very proud to be included in the tournament honoring Young’s memory and career.

I’ve known of Mae Young from the beginning, and I was so proud participating in a tournament with her name in it. Even when I was living in Japan, I thought athletes like Mae Young were powerful and attractive and charming. There was always something attractive with those women.

On the topic of her aura as a wrestler, Sane stated her main goal is to be an inspiration to others on never giving up on their dreams even if things look bleak or tough. She mentioned how she was the shortest competitor in the Mae Young Classic tournament but managed to come out victorious in the end despite her opponents being taller and tougher.

It’s very important to me that I give my vitality and courage to my audiences. I was the shortest [Mae Young competitor], as you know, but I won like this and just want to give the impression to everybody that you don’t have to give up on your dream. I want all women to know that women are strong, and the women’s revolution in WWE is very important to me.

Later in the interview, Sane discussed her upcoming time in NXT and looking forward to wrestle at the next Takeover event in Houston. She stated her main goal will be to provide some hope and entertainment to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

I’m very much looking forward to being there. Those people, it’s so unfortunate they had to suffer. And my purpose in being there is to encourage them to hope, and I know I’m going to do my best.