Janai Kai sets the record straight.
Kai, the current MLW Women’s Featherweight Champion, first competed for the company in October 2023, winning the title in her debut. She has been on an impressive run since then, holding the title for nearly 450 days.
Kai continued working for MLW on a freelance basis. In August 2024, Fightful reported that she signed a contract, but specific details were unknown. Kai spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard ahead of her next title defense at MLW Kings Of Colosseum. During the conversation, she confirmed that she did sign a contract, noting that it was a one-year deal.
“Before I signed with them, it was nine months that I was already working with them. So, they asked if I wanted to sign in July last year. [They asked me] to sign for a year and I agreed to that,” Janai Kai explained. “I spoke with [MLW owner Court Bauer] and Salina de la Renta about all of that in the summer. I went ahead and signed, so I’m signed for a year.”
Janai Kai and MLW are on the same page about presentation
Kai said she and MLW are on the same page in regard to presenting women’s wrestling. She feels the league is a great platform to showcase her talents.
“I looked at this as a way to grow and to really showcase myself. They agreed on that as well. Because they’ve seen my stuff for years now and they feel like this would be a great place to do so, to grow, and to show a different type of style,” Kai said. “Especially for women’s wrestling and this division, how I can really show that and establish what this division can really be about. And I agree with all of that.
“They pretty much read my mind when it comes to ideas and they are pretty much on the same level as I am,” she continued. “And they’re very welcoming as well to any other ideas or feedback that I have since signing and everything. I’m very thankful for all that.”
Janai Kai will defend her championship in a “title vs. hair” match against Delmi Exo, the woman she beat for the title, at Kings Of Colosseum on January 11.
Check out our full interview with Janai Kai below:
