Kayden Carter Reflects on WWE Departure: A Look at Main Roster Challenges & Life After WWE
The wrestling world was surprised in May when WWE released Kayden Carter (now Lacey Lane) and her tag team partner,Katana Chance. While the decision sparked discussion, the reasons behind it remained largely unspoken – until now. In a revealing interview with Denise Salcedo, Carter opened up about the difficulties she and Chance faced transitioning from NXT dominance to the WWE main roster, alleging a consistent pattern of being “set up to fail.” This article delves into Carter’s candid account, explores the challenges faced by NXT graduates, examines the current landscape of women’s tag team wrestling, and looks at what’s next for both Carter and chance.
from NXT Champions to main Roster Struggles: A Disconnect?
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance weren’t just any tag team; they were record-breakers. As Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter in NXT, they held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships for a remarkable 261 days – the longest reign in the title’s history. This success fueled high expectations for their arrival on the main roster in 2023. However, the reality proved far more complex.
“Kacy and I, we had our ups and downs together, and thankfully, we had each other to be ther for those moments,” Carter shared with Salcedo. “I just remember her and I returning to SmackDown in the UK, it just felt like we were set up for such failure. We tried to do our best, to do whatever, and it just felt like we were set up just to fail, and it was the hardest thing.”
This sentiment highlights a recurring issue within WWE: the ofen-difficult transition for talent moving from the developmental system of NXT to the pressures and fast-paced environment of Raw or SmackDown. The creative freedom and consistent storytelling frequently enough found in NXT can be drastically different on the main roster, where time constraints and shifting priorities can hinder even the most talented performers.
the Pressure Cooker of Main Roster time Constraints
Carter pinpointed a key factor contributing to their struggles: the limited time allotted for matches. “She [Chance] saeid,’I just feel like we’re always set up to fail and we have to always work so hard to make something out of nothing. We have to go out there and kill it in three minutes or whatever situation they put us in.'”
This echoes concerns voiced by other wrestlers about the challenges of delivering compelling matches within extremely tight timeframes. Building a narrative, showcasing skill, and connecting with the audience requires more than just a few minutes. A recent study by Wrestling Observer Newsletter (November 2023) indicated that the average women’s tag team match on Raw and SmackDown in 2023 lasted under 7 minutes, significantly less than the average men’s tag team match duration. This disparity underscores the challenges faced by women’s tag teams in consistently demonstrating their abilities.
What Happens When Opportunity Doesn’t Align with talent?
The core of Carter’s frustration lies in the feeling that their established chemistry and proven track record weren’t fully utilized. Having spent their entire WWE journey as a tag team, the lack of consistent opportunities to showcase their skills felt notably disheartening.This raises a broader question about WWE’s utilization of tag team wrestling, particularly within the women’s division. While the company has made strides in elevating women’s wrestling, the tag team division often feels like an afterthought.
Life After WWE: New Beginnings and Uncertain futures
Following their release, Carter and Chance have embarked on different paths. Carter, now performing as Lacey Lane, has quickly made an impact on the autonomous circuit, signing with Ring of Honour and making appearances in All elite Wrestling (AEW). She recently challenged Mercedes Moné for a championship on AEW television, demonstrating her continued ambition and talent.
Katana Chance, however, has remained largely inactive in professional wrestling since her departure from WWE. This raises questions about her future in the industry, and whether she’ll choose to pursue opportunities elsewhere or explore other career paths.
Beyond the Ring: The Importance of Mental Wellbeing in Professional wrestling
Carter’s story also highlights the emotional toll that the wrestling industry can take on performers. The pressure to succeed, the constant scrutiny, and the uncertainty surrounding job security can all contribute to stress and anxiety. It’s crucial for wrestlers to have strong support systems and prioritize their mental wellbeing. Resources like The Trevor project and mental Health America offer valuable support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
**The Future of Women
