Katana Chance, known as Kacy Catanzaro during her WWE career, expressed deep shock at being released from WWE on May 2, despite her long tenure with the organization. Speaking openly about her reaction, she revealed how the experience caught her off guard after spending eight years with the company—an unexpected event that left fans and colleagues surprised as well.
The news that Katana Chance was surprised by WWE release after long tenure highlights both the volatility of the wrestling industry and the personal impact such changes have on performers like her. Catanzaro and her tag partner Kayden Carter were let go during a recent round of roster cuts, officially ending Catanzaro’s WWE journey which began in 2017 after she rose to fame competing on American Ninja Warrior. Catanzaro’s WWE debut was seen as a promising move for the athlete, who quickly adapted her skills to professional wrestling and built a strong following.
Unexpected End to a Noteworthy Run
Catanzaro’s departure came as WWE made several cuts to their roster earlier this May. Her journey with WWE started as she transitioned from her successful American Ninja Warrior background into the world of pro wrestling, quickly becoming a recognizable face on both NXT and main roster programs.
During her eight years under the WWE banner, Catanzaro, alongside Kayden Carter, weathered previous rounds of dismissals that affected others on the roster. That history made the recent decision to release her particularly shocking, as Catanzaro herself admitted during a recent episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
At first I thought that I was in shock and not able to process it, because I feel like when you work there, there is a joke of, like, you could literally be fired at any time. We’re nervous about it often. Not like, oh, I’m sitting there upset every day. But enough that someone will make a random joke every now and then, like, oh, something happened, ‘Well, what if we get fired?’ It is in the back of your mind because it does happen, and you know how the business works,
—Catanzaro, Former WWE Superstar
Despite the constant uncertainty that comes with working in sports entertainment, Catanzaro believed she would continue with the company. She reflected that while a general sense of job insecurity existed, she had managed to avoid getting too anxious about it in her daily life.
Finding Clues After the Fact
Looking back, Catanzaro recognized there might have been signs foreshadowing her release. She discussed how, at the time, none of these situations indicated an imminent end to her WWE career. Only when recounting the events did she see possible warning signs she had previously overlooked.
But I actually was very surprised. It just wasn’t on my radar. Then as I was telling the story of kind of how it led up to it, at first I was like, ‘Yeah, I really didn’t have any notice.’ Then as I told the story, I was like, ‘Wait, maybe I could have taken some of those as signs that something could have been coming.’ But also things change so often. If every time something got pushed, or every time we didn’t travel I went into a spiral thinking that we were going to get fired, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my time. So I feel like I was surprised. It was a shock, but I had been there for so many years that I think that that’s normal.
—Catanzaro, Former WWE Superstar
Among the moments she retroactively recognized as warning signs were the shifts between WWE’s two main shows: Raw and SmackDown. Creative plans seemed to move targets, with programs and matches getting delayed or dropped without explanation. One particular example was a planned six-woman tag team match that would have paired Catanzaro and Carter with Zelina Vega against Chelsea Green, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre—a match that never materialized.
Changes in Show Assignments and Storylines
Catanzaro spoke about being transferred from Raw to SmackDown, noting how such changes could be seen as both opportunities and potential red flags, especially as WWE Raw was shifting venues to Netflix while she and Carter were sent elsewhere. These changes were often followed by a period of creative limbo, where pitches and storylines were suggested but not picked up.
So we got moved from Raw to SmackDown. Originally, you’re like, ‘Oh man, Raw just got moved to Netflix. That’s really big and now they’re taking us off of it. Is that bad?’ But then people are like, ‘Well, there’s more time on SmackDown, we want more storylines for you guys.’ Cool, that’s believable. I love that. So we get to SmackDown, there’s a big pay-per-view coming up, so the stories are all kind of already happening for the pay-per-view for the next two weeks,
—Catanzaro, Former WWE Superstar
Even as Catanzaro and Carter pitched new concepts and angles, stakes seemed to escalate with the approach of major events like WrestleMania. The uncertain environment made it difficult to feel secure about their status, with every delay or non-inclusion in storylines looming larger as a possible threat to their contracts.
So we’re like, ‘Okay, we’re not doing anything yet. Again, makes sense. That’s how things happen. That totally makes sense.’ So then the pay-per-view passes. Now it’s another month or so, we’re pitching stuff. We’re pitching all the angles, sending storylines in, trying to get in. We’re trying to fit into what’s already happening, trying to pitch off-the-wall stuff that could be cool and different, whatever. So as it gets closer, now we’re getting to Mania season. So now it’s like a month before WrestleMania. So we’re like, okay, I know that if something that we’re doing isn’t in WrestleMania, anything can happen, because everything has to lead up to that.
—Catanzaro, Former WWE Superstar
The tension surrounding big events such as WrestleMania added further pressure, with all major creative decisions centered on these high-profile shows. This left performers like Catanzaro and Carter trying to find their place as storylines were finalized, only to end up sidelined as months passed without new feuds or angles.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Catanzaro?
Now, Catanzaro—whose real name is Kacy Catanzaro—faces a period of uncertainty about her future in wrestling. She told Van Vliet that she has yet to decide on her next move and will spend the remainder of her non-compete clause considering her options. Kayden Carter, her longtime tag partner, was also affected by the cut, and the pair’s WWE run has come to a sudden halt.
For fans and industry veterans alike, Catanzaro’s exit is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change even for seemingly secure WWE stars. As the company continues to evolve, with increased focus on major streaming partners like Netflix and frequent roster adjustments around tentpole events like WrestleMania, other wrestlers may look to Catanzaro’s experience as an example of both the unpredictability and the emotional turbulence that defines a career in this field.
The Katana Chance surprised by WWE release after long tenure story will remain a touchpoint for conversations about WWE’s roster management and the personal toll such business decisions can take on dedicated performers. As the wrestling landscape shifts, all eyes are on where Catanzaro might compete next, once she is free from contractual restrictions.
