WWE’s newest signee Kana discusses her new opportunity
WWE (NYSE: WWE) made another impactful move by signing international superstar Kanako Urai, aka Kana, to the NXT division. The talented Japanese wrestler answered some questions via email on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
JV: Women's wrestling in Japan is very physical. How do you think that will compare to the physicality in NXT?
K: “I have not experienced NXT, so it is hard to tell at the moment. I know I will be ready for anything they throw at me, including the physicality in the ring.”
JV: What are your thoughts on the talent currently in the WWE/NXT Divas Division?
K: “It has been very inspirational watching the Divas Revolution unfold over the past year or so. They are all great competitors, and I am looking forward to getting in the ring with all of them eventually.”
In August, Kana made a surprise appearance at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn, seated ringside next to WWE Hall of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
K: “I was lucky enough to attend NXT: TakeOver in Brooklyn, and the energy in the building was absolutely amazing and like nothing I have ever experienced before. I can’t wait to be a part of that and create my own chapter in the Divas Revolution.”
Kana, 33, will officially report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando in late September. The women there are trained by former standout wrestler Sara Del Rey, who is well respected in the industry.
JV: Did you know of, or have you ever worked with Sara Del Rey?
K: “Yes, I actually had a match with her 10 years ago when she came to Japan, and she was incredible to work with.”
Kana later wrestled Del Rey in the United States for indie promotions Chikara and Shimmer. Chikara is based in Philadelphia, and Shimmer is a women’s wrestling group housed in Chicago.
JV: What do you think it will be like to train under her?
K: “It definitely helps to know I will be training under someone I am familiar with. I have a great amount of respect for Sara and all she has done in our industry and can’t wait to get to Orlando and soak up everything she has to offer like a sponge.”
Over the course of her 11-year career, Kana has become one of the most exciting women ever to compete in Japan. She has appeared in many organizations throughout the country and held multiple championships.
“’We are very excited to have Kana join the NXT roster,” Paul Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Creative and Live Events, said in a release. “Her exciting in-ring style will make an immediate impact on the already impressive NXT women’s division.”
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This story was originally published September 9, 2015 at 2:38 AM with the headline "WWE’s newest signee Kana discusses her new opportunity."