Summary

The Kabuki Warriors said they were kept ready as a possible WrestleMania 42 backup plan in case Nikki Bella could not compete.

Kairi Sane and Asuka explained that they were told they might need to step into the match if Bella's injured ankle did not improve in time. That adds another layer to the late changes around the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship bout, where Paige was reportedly set to replace Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 42 before the final switch played out on the show.

Instead, Paige returned and teamed with Brie Bella to win the titles at WrestleMania 42.

Quotes

**Kairi Sane:** "Rumor has it that Nikki Bella's ankle hasn't fully recovered yet."

**Asuka:** "Right, right! We were told we might be able to fill in for that match, so we were on standby just in case."

**Kairi Sane:** "The chances aren't zero yet, right?"

**Asuka:** "Exactly. It might still be possible, so we're staying ready and waiting."

**Kairi Sane:** "We've actually prepared brand new ring gear just for WrestleMania."

What the Kabuki Warriors update says about WWE's WrestleMania planning

WWE clearly had to keep multiple contingency plans in play once Nikki Bella's ankle became a real question heading into WrestleMania 42. The Kabuki Warriors being on standby shows how late the situation may have stayed fluid, even though Paige ultimately became the replacement who entered the match.

It also says something about where Asuka and Kairi Sane still sit in the division. Even without making the card, they were close enough to the title scene that WWE viewed them as viable emergency options for one of the biggest matches on the weekend.

Sources

As reported by Fightful