WWE Hallmark figure Leilani Kai remains one of the most respected pioneers in women’s wrestling. Now, decades after helping elevate women’s competition on the global stage, Kai has signed a WWE Legends Contract, reaffirming her place within the company’s legacy while opening the door to meaningful involvement behind the scenes.
This retrospective revisits her storied career, her most recent WWE appearances, her interest in coaching at the Performance Center, and why her support of rising NXT Women’s North American Champion Blake Monroe has resonated with fans and talent alike.
A Trailblazer of the Rock ’n’ Wrestling Era
Beginning her career in the 1970s, Kai trained under The Fabulous Moolah before quickly becoming a standout. Her national breakthrough came in 1985, when she defeated Wendi Richter to win the WWF Women’s Championship at The War to Settle the Score. The two met again at WrestleMania I, marking Kai as one of the first women to compete on professional wrestling’s biggest stage.
She later formed The Glamour Girls alongside Judy Martin, winning multiple Women’s Tag Team Championships and touring internationally. Their fierce ring style and strong chemistry helped set the foundation for future women’s tag team wrestling in North America.
Kai continued wrestling and training talent for years after her WWE run, building a reputation as a knowledgeable and generous mentor.
Her Last WWE Appearances
Kai’s two most recent WWE appearances, both in 2025, were warmly received.
- May 2025 — Saturday Night’s Main Event:
Kai appeared in a celebratory segment honoring pioneers of women’s wrestling. - July 2025 — WWE Evolution:
She was recognized again among foundational figures who paved the way for the modern women’s division.
These appearances were brief yet deeply meaningful, spotlighting her contributions to the industry and introducing her legacy to newer audiences.
Signing a WWE Legends Contract
Kai recently shared that she has signed a WWE Legends Contract, bringing her officially back into the company fold.
Legends deals honor longtime contributors while opening opportunities for merchandise, special appearances, and ambassador roles. In Kai’s case, the agreement signals WWE’s respect for her career — and its openness to potentially involving her in talent development and historical storytelling.
This contract ensures that Kai’s legacy is preserved, promoted, and accessible to the next generation.
Interest in Coaching at the WWE Performance Center
Kai has expressed a desire to join the Performance Center as a coach. Her interest centers on helping to guide young talent — especially young women — in areas such as:
- Ring fundamentals
- Character work
- Match psychology
- Storytelling
Given her decades of experience across multiple eras of the business, Kai would bring unique perspective to Orlando. Her approach blends old-school fundamentals with a respect for the evolution of modern athletic women’s wrestling.
If realized, her involvement could offer invaluable historical continuity for the developmental system — connecting today’s emerging stars with the lessons of wrestling’s formative years.
Support for Blake Monroe — A Symbolic Passing of the Torch
Among NXT’s new generation, Kai has been especially supportive of Blake Monroe, the reigning NXT Women’s North American Champion.
Kai has spoken highly of Monroe’s in-ring poise, confidence, and evolving skillset. In a gesture symbolic of her Glamour Girls heritage, she presented Monroe with a strand of pearls and offered guidance — a quiet yet meaningful endorsement from one of wrestling’s earliest national female champions.
For Monroe, this recognition adds depth to her rapidly growing profile. For Kai, it shows her excitement about the future of women’s wrestling, as well as her willingness to invest in tomorrow’s stars.
A Thoughtful New Chapter
Leilani Kai’s reintroduction to WWE has been handled with care and reverence. Rather than nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, her Legends Contract and public interest in coaching represent genuine opportunities to strengthen the developmental system and preserve the lineage of women’s wrestling.
Her admiration for Blake Monroe further highlights her forward-thinking spirit — a veteran who not only honors the past but actively supports the future.
If Kai does step into a Performance Center role, she would bring:
- Generational knowledge
- A unique historical perspective
- A proven commitment to mentoring
That combination could help fortify WWE’s women’s division from the ground up.
Conclusion
Leilani Kai’s journey continues — from WrestleMania I to today’s Performance Center pipeline, her impact remains profound. By signing a WWE Legends Contract, expressing interest in coaching at NXT, and encouraging future stars like Blake Monroe, Kai stands as a rare figure: a pioneer who continues to shape the industry she helped define.
Her story reminds fans that the history of women’s wrestling is not static — it lives on through the veterans willing to guide the path forward.
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