Kairi Sane Bio
Kaori Housako, known as Kairi Sane, is a prominent Japanese professional wrestler and actress born on September 23, 1988, in Hikari, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. With a career that began in 2012, Kairi has competed in various promotions, including a successful stint in WWE where she is celebrated for her role as one-half of the Kabuki Warriors along with Asuka. Sane’s accolades include winning the inaugural Mae Young Classic, the NXT Women’s Championship, and multiple team championships. After leaving WWE, she became the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion, showcasing her exceptional skills and popularity in the wrestling industry.
Early Life and Background
Kaori Housako was born on September 23, 1988, in Hikari, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. She has a sister, who is three years older than her. Housako had an extensive sports background in yachting, competing in intercollegiate and national competitions, while also taking part in world championships with dreams of making it to the Olympics. After graduating from Hosei University with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese literature, Housako began pursuing a career in acting. She also did some theater work, and one of her performances, where she portrayed a professional wrestling villain, caught the attention of Fuka, the general manager of the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion, who invited her to one of their events. She quickly fell in love with professional wrestling’s unique combination of acting and sports and decided to become a wrestler herself.
Path to Professional Wrestling
Housako started training with Stardom in 2011. On November 14, 2011, she passed her “pro test” and graduated as part of Stardom’s third class of trainees. Now working under the ring name Kairi Hojo, she made her debut for Stardom on January 7, 2012, losing to Yuzuki Aikawa. Playing off her yachting background, Hojo was dubbed the “Pirate Princess.” She quickly became a founding member of the Zenryoku Joshi stable, led by Aikawa. In November 2012, Hojo formed a new tag team with Natsumi Showzuki, finishing second in the 2012 Goddesses of Stardom Tag League. Hojo won her first title on April 29, 2013, at Ryōgoku Cinderella, where she and Showzuki, billed collectively as “Ho-Show Tennyo,” defeated Hailey Hatred and Kyoko Kimura for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship.
Kairi Sane Career
Early Career (2012–2017)
During her early years in Stardom, Kairi Hojo achieved significant success, becoming a one-time World of Stardom Champion and a three-time Goddesses of Stardom Champion. In 2015, she was named Stardom’s MVP, solidifying her status as a top competitor. In March 2017, Hojo signed with WWE, where she adopted the ring name Kairi Sane. She made her WWE debut in the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, winning the competition and earning a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Sane captured the NXT Women’s Championship in 2018 and was recognized as the Female Competitor of the Year and Overall Competitor of the Year at the 2018 NXT Year-End Awards. In 2019, she debuted on WWE’s main roster, forming the Kabuki Warriors with Asuka. The team won the Women’s Tag Team Championship, marking Sane’s first reign with the title. She became the longest reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, holding the title for 181 days. Sane’s time in WWE was marked by her dynamic performances and significant contributions to the women’s division.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kairi Sane’s signature work includes her victory in the Mae Young Classic and her role in the Kabuki Warriors. She received multiple awards, including the WWE Year-End Award for Women’s Tag Team of the Year in 2019. Her dramatic moments in the ring, including her championship reigns and memorable matches, have made her a beloved figure in professional wrestling.
Kairi Sane Award Nominations
Kairi Sane has received numerous nominations throughout her career, highlighting her impact in the wrestling industry and her exceptional performances.
Kairi Sane Awards Won
Kairi Sane has won several prestigious awards, including the Female Competitor of the Year and Overall Competitor of the Year at the NXT Year-End Awards in 2018, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Kairi Sane Family
Kairi Sane is married as of February 22, 2020. She has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on her wrestling career.
Personal Life
In January 2022, Kairi Sane opened a 24-hour gym called “PARA-FIT24” inside Shōnan-Enoshima Station in Kanagawa, Japan. She has also been involved in various charitable activities and community engagements, further establishing her presence beyond the wrestling ring.
