Credit: WWE.com
Lacey Lane, widely recognized by WWE fans as Kayden Carter, is set to make a high-profile debut in Ring of Honor (ROH) this Thursday on the HonorClub streaming service. Following her release from WWE in May 2025, where she held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Katana Chance, Lane’s move to ROH marks her first major appearance outside WWE and immediately positions her as a title contender.
Kayden Carter’s ROH Debut Comes with a Championship Opportunity
Lane’s ROH debut is notable not just for her arrival but the fact that she will be challenging for the interim ROH Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa in her very first match for the promotion. This swift elevation demonstrates ROH’s faith in Lane’s star power and in-ring abilities, as well as the ongoing strategic use of recently released WWE talent to bolster their roster.
Sources close to the ROH creative team revealed that Lane’s signing and immediate title chase were planned to generate buzz and capitalize on her established fanbase. “They see her as a ready-made star,” said one ROH insider. “Giving her a shot at the title from the get-go speaks volumes about how highly they think of her.”
From WWE NXT to ROH: A New Chapter
Kayden Carter’s journey in WWE began in 2018, where she built a solid reputation for her athleticism and teamwork. Alongside Katana Chance, Carter secured both the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, showcasing her versatility across WWE’s women’s division. However, as part of WWE’s wide-ranging roster cuts in May 2025, both Carter and Chance were released, leaving fans curious about their next moves.
Her transition to ROH comes amid a wave of former WWE and NXT talents joining other promotions under Tony Khan’s ownership, including All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This includes other notable names such as Isla Dawn, who made her AEW debut shortly after her own WWE release. Lane’s debut at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia—the same venue famous for historic wrestling events adds to the significance of her new chapter.
Strategic Expansion of ROH Women’s Division
ROH has been steadily enhancing its women’s division in recent years, with the company placing a stronger emphasis on credible title programs and new rivalries. Lane’s immediate inclusion in the title picture not only elevates her but also infuses fresh competition into the women’s scene.
A wrestling source specializing in the current wrestling landscape explained, “ROH is taking advantage of the WWE roster shakeups, and Lane fits perfectly with their vision for a strong, competitive women’s division. This strategy helps the promotion gain traction with fans who followed her WWE journey.”
What This Means for Kayden Lane’s Career
This move represents a significant opportunity for Lane to reinvent herself outside WWE’s environment and possibly expand her fan reach. Her immediate push to the top of the card suggests ROH is positioning her as a key part of their future plans. Industry analysts expect that if Lane captures the interim ROH Women’s World Championship, it could pave the way for even bigger storylines and cross-promotional appearances with AEW.
Furthermore, the timing of her debut during a taping aligned with AEW Dynamite gives her exposure to a broader audience, underscoring the promotional synergy Tony Khan is carefully cultivating across his wrestling properties.
Insider Perspectives and Future Outlook
According to a WWE insider familiar with Lane’s departure, “Kayden’s release was a surprise given her talent and popularity. But the wrestling business is unpredictable. Her move to ROH is a smart step and one that could redefine her career in ways WWE’s system might not have allowed.”
As ROH continues to grow under Tony Khan’s ownership, the integration of formerly WWE wrestlers like Lacey Lane is likely to become more common, enhancing the promotion’s overall quality and fan engagement.
Fans can look forward to Thursday’s episode of ROH on HonorClub to witness Kayden Lane’s first match and championship challenge a match that could signify the beginning of a new, exciting phase in her wrestling career.