Nearly a month ago, in the lead-up to WrestleMania, WWE was under endless internet scrutiny for various polarizing remarks. Roman Reigns, the president of the promotion, Nick Khan, was under fire because of everything from political beliefs to hypocritical philosophy on booking talent.
Although the heat subsided, the criticism picked back up last week, when, in the midst of the best financial run in the history of the company, WWE still released numerous superstars across all of its brands. One of the more stunning cuts was Dakota Kai, who has recently been a Women's Intercontinental Championship contender. The rumors around that particular firing have caused a former WWE World Champion to speak out against potential sexist hiring practices.
While speaking on the "Backlash" post-show, Big E went off on his employer for the blatant double standard around the men and women on the roster.
"And the way we talk about age with women and the way we talk about age with men is so different," Big E said. "For a lot of women who are in their late 30s, it's all, 'Are you winding down? When are you ready to get out'? But look, it feels like 75% of the male side is 38, 39, 40, or 45. We just celebrated Randy wanting to do another 10 years. So let's give women the same honor and the same grace as well."
Big E discusses the disparity perception of age in women’s and men’s wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/yFh5FPJbly
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 11, 2025
Kai is 37, and a few reports were suggesting that there was nothing left she could do in her current run, which is simply a ridiculous claim. At worst, she could have helped prop up young talent before trying to evolve her character.
Dakota Kai defeats Ivy Nile and becomes the no.1 Contender for Lyra Valkyria’s IC Title!#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/XKiv0F5gf5
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 18, 2025
Big E deserves props for addressing the alleged disparity and saying the quiet part out loud. Hopefully, this public blast will change some narratives with the higher-ups, and some needed changes can be made.
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