Former WWE Star Lacey Lane Breaks Silence on Tag Team Frustrations
Lacey Lane, known to WWE fans as Kayden Carter, is pulling back the curtain on her time with the company, revealing a candid, emotionally charged account of what she describes as a pattern of missed opportunities and systemic neglect for her tag team with Katana Chance[1][3][5]. In a recent interview, Lane delivered a pointed critique: “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 just set up just to fail. It was like the hardest thing.”[1]
“We Had to Make Something Out of Nothing” – Lane’s View on WWE’s Booking
Lane’s comments shed light on the relentless uphill battle she and Katana faced. Despite their commitment—constantly pitching ideas, training, and evolving their in-ring style—the duo found themselves fighting not just their opponents, but a system that seemed resistant to their success[1][3][5]. According to Lane, “We gave paragraphs and weeks and weeks of ideas. We tried to change ourselves. We tried to change our moves. We tried to do anything possible to give ourselves a better opportunity.”[1]
A particularly painful memory stands out: their return on SmackDown in the UK. After the match, the emotional toll became too much, and both broke down backstage. “The writing was on the wall long before our releases,” Lane recalled. “That moment wasn’t isolated—it was our reality.”[1]
Backstage Support, But No Lasting Momentum
Lane’s story isn’t one of isolation or complacency. She describes a supportive backstage environment, with producers and peers offering encouragement and praise. Yet, that backing never translated into a meaningful push or sustained momentum on television. “Everyone in the back was so supportive. It was crazy… but if you’re just not the picked people, that’s just how it is. You could work so hard and it just not be in your favor.”[1]
A WWE insider echoed this sentiment, stating, “There was genuine respect for what Lacey and Katana brought to the women’s tag division. But ultimately, creative decisions were made elsewhere, and not everyone gets the opportunities they’ve earned.” This backstage frustration is not unique to Lane and Katana; many performers have voiced similar concerns about WWE’s booking priorities, especially in the women’s tag team division[3][5].
Building a Legacy, Not Just Filling TV Time
Lane emphasized that her partnership with Katana Chance was never a convenience or a placeholder. “We weren’t just two people stuck together. We wanted to be one of the best tag teams that ever existed. That was a true goal of ours.”[1] Their inspiration came from legendary duos like The Usos, The New Day, The Jumping Bomb Angels, and The Hardy Boyz. Lane wanted to help build the division, not just participate in it.
Yet, the opportunities provided rarely felt genuine. When the team did get TV time, it was often in short matches with little room to showcase their chemistry or creativity. “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.”[1] The lack of consistent, meaningful storytelling for women’s tag teams has been a recurring critique of WWE’s creative approach.
Pitching Storylines That Never Saw the Light
Lane’s experience was characterized by a cycle of pitching storylines and character ideas, only for those concepts to be left unused. “We tried to change ourselves. We tried to change our moves. We tried to do anything possible to give ourselves a better opportunity.”[3][5] The feeling of being “held back” is one Lane says was a constant presence during her WWE tenure.
Sources close to Lane confirmed, “She and Katana were always first in line to pitch fresh ideas. They wanted to stand out, not just blend in. The frustration was real when those stories never got traction.”[3]
Emotional Toll and the Pain of Release
The emotional cost of the perceived neglect was significant. Lane described moments of heartbreak, particularly after matches where she and Katana felt they had given everything, only to see no payoff. “We broke down in tears backstage. You just feel helpless,” she remembered[1]. The sense of defeat was compounded by the knowledge that their hard work was acknowledged privately, but rarely rewarded in the public forum of WWE television.
Looking Ahead: Lane’s Next Chapter
With her WWE chapter closed, Lacey Lane is focused on proving her worth as both a tag team and singles competitor. She has openly discussed her interest in joining AEW, feeling that its women’s division is more supportive and aligned with her wrestling philosophy[2][6]. “I think AEW is my speed, because, you know, those girls can really go. I love the way that they work. They don’t bring the bullsh*t…. They bring the fists and you know me, I’m a girl that’s down to fight,” Lane recently said[2][8].
Lane also cited deep connections with mentors and friends in AEW, making it an appealing option for her future. She’s expressed openness to TNA as well, praising the hard work and passion of its women’s roster[2].
WWE’s Women’s Tag Division: Systemic Challenges
Lane’s story is not isolated; it highlights broader issues within WWE regarding the women’s tag team division. Despite sporadic pushes and moments of brilliance, many teams feel their runs are cut short or underdeveloped. The division’s stop-start booking has left fans and performers alike yearning for greater investment and storytelling depth.
A veteran producer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “There’s a lot of untapped potential in the women’s tag division. Lacey and Katana had the drive and talent to make a difference, but the system wasn’t set up to capitalize on that.” This sentiment has fueled ongoing debate about how WWE can better nurture its female tag teams and provide consistent opportunities.
Lane’s Legacy: Resilience and Determination
While her WWE run may have ended in frustration, Lacey Lane’s determination to make a mark in professional wrestling remains undiminished. She is intent on reminding fans and promoters of her value—not just as a tag specialist, but as a versatile, passionate competitor with something to prove.
As Lane herself put it, “WWE may not have picked me, but that doesn’t mean I’m done. I still have a lot to offer, and I want to make a real difference—wherever I land next.”[1][2][3]
The wrestling world will be watching to see where Lacey Lane’s journey takes her next—and whether her mission to elevate women’s tag team wrestling can finally find the platform and support it deserves.