Lacey Lane, formerly known to WWE fans as Kayden Carter, marked a significant step in her post-WWE career by appearing at recent Ring of Honor (ROH) tapings ahead of the September 10, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite. This move highlights Lane’s clear intention to remain a prominent figure on the wrestling scene, potentially setting the stage for her next big run outside WWE.
Lacey Lane’s WWE Departure and ROH Debut
After a seven-year tenure with WWE, where she was primarily recognized as one half of the popular tag team with Kacy Catanzaro, Lacey Lane was released in May 2025. Since then, Lane has navigated the wrestling landscape looking for new opportunities to showcase her individual talents beyond the tag division that defined much of her WWE career[1].
Her appearance at ROH tapings — with her match expected to air on an upcoming ROH TV episode — represents one of her first notable steps into the broader wrestling world post-WWE. ROH, under AEW ownership, has become a strategic platform for emerging talent and established stars to reinvent themselves and gain fresh momentum[2][3].
Strategic Move: Circling the AEW and ROH Ring
While Lane has not officially signed with AEW, sources close to the promotion suggest that her ROH appearance may be a calculated preview of her potential integration into AEW programming. “Lacey’s presence at the ROH tapings was very much about positioning herself in front of the AEW audience and management,” a backstage source familiar with AEW operations explained. “She’s got the skill set, the look, and the drive that AEW values. It’s about timing and fit now — and she’s making sure they see what she brings to the table”[2].
ROH’s current ecosystem, which benefits from AEW’s broader visibility and resources, offers Lane a valuable stage to demonstrate her in-ring evolution. This is particularly crucial as Lane has emphasized her desire to move beyond the tag team spotlight and revive her dynamic, lucha-inspired individual style that she feels was underutilized during her WWE run[1].
Lacey Lane’s Vision for Her Wrestling Future
In a candid interview since her WWE departure, Lane has made clear that her ambition is to prove her capability as a solo performer. She expressed a longing to showcase the “spark” and aggressive, high-impact style that initially defined her career, something she feels did not fully flourish in WWE’s environment.
She stated, “People are used to seeing me in a tag team, and I love that… but I also want to remind people that I am an individual. The same passion and drive are still there, and I want to show the world I can shine on my own. Whether it’s Japan, AEW, ROH, or NWA, I want to prove I can bring something unique and exciting that people haven’t seen yet”[1].
This ambition aligns well with AEW and ROH’s current emphasis on showcasing diverse wrestling styles and individual character growth, suggesting Lane’s timing for this appearance was no accident.
What This Means for Lane and AEW/ROH Fans
Lacey Lane’s emergence in ROH content—and proximity to AEW programming—opens several interesting possibilities for fans and the wrestling business:
For Lane: The ROH exposure is likely an audition for a more permanent role within AEW or its affiliated brands. Given AEW’s track record of elevating former WWE talent through ROH or Dynamite shows, Lane could see a substantial boost if she capitalizes on this momentum.
For AEW/ROH: Lane’s style, blending agility, strength, and a lucha flair, could add fresh diversity to the female division. AEW’s women’s roster, while improving, is always on the lookout for new talent with proven in-ring abilities and character depth.
For Fans: Witnessing Lane’s transformation from WWE tag wrestler to a potential singles star will be an exciting storyline to follow. Her journey underscores the expanding opportunities for wrestlers outside WWE’s structure, providing fans with renewed narratives and matchups.
Behind the Scenes Insight
According to an insider close to the ROH creative team, “They’ve been impressed with Lacey’s work ethic since day one. Her willingness to adapt, her energy in the ring, and the way she connects with the audience ticks all the boxes. This ROH debut feels like the start of something bigger, not just a one-off appearance”[2].
This backstage buzz emphasizes just how much potential is seen in Lane by those tasked with shaping ROH and AEW’s future stars.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch For
As Lacey Lane continues to make appearances across AEW’s umbrella — from ROH TV to Dynamite — wrestling fans should watch for several key developments:
Will she sign officially with AEW or potentially explore other top promotions like New Japan or NWA, as she has mentioned?
How will Lane’s in-ring style evolve now that she’s free from WWE’s creative constraints?
What storylines and rivalries will ROH and AEW integrate her into to maximize her renewed showing?
Given Lane’s track record and evident motivation, her trajectory looks promising. The upcoming ROH TV episodes featuring her matches will be critical viewing for fans eager to witness her rebirth as a singles competitor.
Lacey Lane’s ROH appearance ahead of the September 10 AEW Dynamite is not just a one-off — it’s a strategic move signaling her intent to return to wrestling prominence on her own terms. With support behind the scenes and a clear vision, Lane is poised to seize new opportunities and redefine her career in the eyes of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.