AEW is continuing to add to its female ranks by reportedly signing former MLW Women’s Featherweight champion Janai Kai to a contract.
Fightful Select reported that sources told them Kai was under a deal, but didn’t have a confirmation as to whether it was a full-time deal or per-appearance. It also appears likely it’s a dual AEW/Ring of Honor contract.
Kai appeared four times in AEW in 2021 and 2022, three of those on Dark and once on Rampage in a :31 loss to Jade Cargill. After making three appearances for ROH in 2025, Kai has wrestled six times for the promotion in 2026. She has yet to pick up a win in singles or tag team action.
Kai held the aforementioned MLW title from October 2023 through January 2025 with 11 title defenses. The 31-year-old works frequently for independents on the East Coast, and has some experience in Japan as well.
Josh Nason
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He’s a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.