Who Was the First Chinese Woman Wrestler in WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Who Was the First Chinese Woman Wrestler in WWE? Professional wrestling has always been a male-dominated sport, but in recent years, we have seen an increase in female wrestlers who have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. One such trailblazer is Kairi Sane, who made history as the first Chinese woman wrestler to compete in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). The Rise of Kairi Sane Kairi Sane, whose real name is Kaori Housako, was born on September 23, 1988, in Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. She developed a passion for wrestling at a young age and decided to pursue it professionally. In 2011, she made her debut in the world of wrestling and quickly gained recognition for her impressive skills and fearless attitude. A Journey to WWE Sane’s journey to WWE started in 2016 when she signed with the company’s developmental territory, NXT. She quickly became a fan favorite with her high-flying moves and charismatic personality. Her signature move, the “Insane Elbow,” where she leaps from the top rope onto her opponent with precision and grace, became iconic. In 2017, Kairi Sane participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament hosted by WWE. The tournament showcased some of the best female wrestlers from around the world. With her exceptional talent and determination, Sane emerged victorious, winning the tournament and etching her name in history as its first-ever winner. Making History After her victory in the Mae Young Classic tournament, Kairi Sane continued to make waves in NXT. She captured the NXT Women’s Championship by defeating Shayna Baszler at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV in August 2018. This made her the first Chinese woman to hold a championship title in WWE. Sane’s reign as the NXT Women’s Champion was filled with memorable matches and incredible moments. Her fearless style and ability to connect with the audience made her a true superstar. She showcased her skills against top talents like Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair. Legacy and Impact Kairi Sane’s impact on women’s wrestling goes beyond her achievements in WWE. She has inspired countless young women around the world to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in male-dominated industries. Sane’s success opened doors for other Chinese female wrestlers to follow in her footsteps and make their mark in professional wrestling. A Bright Future Ahead In 2020, Kairi Sane announced that she would be leaving WWE to pursue other opportunities. Although her time in WWE may have come to an end, her legacy as the first Chinese woman wrestler will always be remembered. First Chinese woman wrestler in WWE Winner of the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament NXT Women’s Champion Inspiration for future generations Kairi Sane will forever be remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers and paved the way for other talented female wrestlers. Her contributions to women’s wrestling will continue to inspire generations to come.
