Former WWE Star Opens Up About Her Emotional Journey
Lacey Lane, known to WWE fans as Kayden Carter, has broken her silence regarding her tumultuous tenure in WWE, specifically her partnership with Katana Chance. In a candid interview, Lane described a backstage atmosphere where she and Katana felt not just overlooked, but actively set up for failure—despite tireless effort, creativity, and a genuine passion for elevating women’s tag team wrestling[1][2]. Her revelations have sparked renewed discussion about the treatment of female talent and the direction of WWE’s women’s division.
Feeling Defeated Despite Relentless Effort
Lane’s frustration is rooted in a pattern of missed opportunities and what she perceives as deliberate obstacles. She recounted how she and Katana would routinely pitch detailed storyline ideas, adapt their wrestling styles, and work harder than ever to carve out a place in a crowded roster[1]. Yet, the duo’s efforts rarely translated into meaningful screen time or storyline momentum.
“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,” Lane explained[1].
The lack of feedback—and the absence of constructive criticism—added to their uncertainty. According to Lane, after each match, they received general praise from producers but few actionable notes, leaving them in the dark about what WWE actually wanted or why their pitches weren’t resonating[2].
One Heartbreaking Night in London
The breaking point for Lane and Katana reportedly came during a SmackDown taping in the UK. After another brief, unfulfilling match, both women broke down backstage, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and defeat[1][2].
“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,” Lane recalled, emphasizing that this was not an isolated incident but a recurring reality throughout their WWE run[1].
Sources backstage confirmed the emotional scene, describing how the pair’s passion and drive stood out, but their opportunities seemed limited by forces outside their control.
Backstage Support But No Spotlight
Despite the adversity, Lane and Katana were not lacking for backstage support. Fellow wrestlers and producers routinely complimented their work ethic and in-ring chemistry. However, Lane observed a persistent barrier: unless you were among the “chosen” talent, hard work alone rarely led to sustained pushes or major storylines[1][2].
“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,” Lane said, echoing the sentiment of many WWE performers who feel left behind by creative decisions[1].
According to a WWE insider, “Producers loved their energy and willingness to adapt, but the creative direction for the division was constantly shifting, which made it hard for new teams to get traction.”
A Vision for Tag Team Wrestling Beyond WWE
Lane stressed that her partnership with Katana was not a mere convenience or a placeholder act. Their goal, she explained, was to become one of the best tag teams in WWE history, drawing inspiration from legendary duos like The Usos, The New Day, The Jumping Bomb Angels, and The Hardys[1]. For Lane, success meant building a legacy for women’s tag team wrestling—a vision she felt was stifled by WWE’s booking philosophy.
“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,” she said[1].
Lane’s remarks have fueled broader discussion about the state of WWE’s women’s tag team division, which has struggled with inconsistent storytelling and a lack of long-term investment in new teams.
The Painful Reality of Favoritism and Missed Opportunities
Lane’s experience highlights a systemic issue within WWE: the perception that only “hand-chosen” talent receives genuine opportunities, while others are left to languish regardless of their effort or creativity[2]. Lane recounted emailing WWE officials, pleading for a chance on major shows and premium live events, only to be told, “Timing’s everything”—a response that felt dismissive and reinforced her belief that favoritism played a significant role in booking decisions[2].
Her struggles echo those of other women in WWE who have voiced similar concerns about the tag division’s lack of direction and investment.
Emotional Toll and the Search for New Opportunities
The internal battles took a significant emotional toll on Lane. She described how the lack of feedback, direction, and genuine opportunities left her questioning her value as both a tag team specialist and a singles competitor[2]. Lane believes fans saw only a fraction of her potential during her WWE stint.
“I feel like I have so much to offer, and I feel like I wasn’t able to showcase that,” Lane said, reflecting on how her individuality was overshadowed by her tag team role[2].
Now a free agent, Lane is determined to remind the wrestling world of her worth. She’s already eyeing new horizons, including a possible run in AEW, where she believes her style and fighting spirit would be a better fit[2][7].
WWE’s Women’s Tag Team Division: A Broader Crisis?
Lane’s story isn’t unique; it reflects ongoing concerns about the women’s tag team division’s lack of consistent investment. Despite high-profile debuts and occasional pushes, many teams struggle to achieve sustained relevance. WWE’s shifting priorities and creative unpredictability have led to disappointment among fans who crave deeper storylines and more opportunities for emerging talent.
Backstage sources suggest that while WWE leadership acknowledges the need for tag team innovation, structural and creative challenges persist. Some producers advocate for more long-term storytelling and stable divisions, but these changes have yet to materialize in a meaningful way.
What’s Next for Lacey Lane and Katana Chance?
With Lane now exploring her options outside WWE, her determination to succeed as both a singles star and a tag specialist remains undiminished. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see where she lands next—and whether her outspoken critique will inspire changes within WWE or other promotions.
“We literally broke down after this match… we had no clue. And we just were so upset in London. And it was, it was horrible,” Lane said, capturing the emotional cost of a system that can leave even the most dedicated performers feeling powerless[2].
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, Lane’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for genuine opportunity, transparency, and respect for the craft of tag team wrestling.
Keywords: Lacey Lane, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, WWE, women’s tag team wrestling, backstage, WWE release, creative frustration, favoritism, AEW, SmackDown, wrestling news