Kai Kavari has become an unusual cautionary tale: a WWE-signed talent who chose to walk away from his three-year contract because he can earn more money faster building a real estate business in California than waiting for developmental pay to scale into main-roster money.
Kavari, who wrestled under his real name Cyrus Habibi-Likio, announced the decision in a video posted to his Instagram. He said he signed a three-year deal with WWE but has decided to leave the company, pointing to family, finances, and his faith as the reasons.
Much of Kavari’s explanation centered on money and geography. His family lives in California, and he said trying to launch a real estate business from WWE’s Florida base has been a struggle.
Kavari On WWE’s Entry-Level Pay
Kavari was blunt about the financial trade-off that drove his exit. He said WWE offers the possibility of a big payday later, but he is not in a position to bet his future on that.
When you start with WWE, you don’t get paid the most. Potentially, you can make bread. I’m not at a time in my life where I can live off of potential. Being brutally honest, I can go back to California and make main roster money in real estate,” he said.
He added that his faith was the final factor in his decision to step away.
A Short WWE Run
Kavari, a former college football player, signed with WWE in 2025. He competed on WWE EVOLVE and worked NXT live events during his time with the company, but did not become a regular fixture on NXT television before leaving.
Despite his exit, Kavari spoke warmly about the experience. He thanked WWE, praised coach Matt Bloom, and said there are genuine people within the company. He also left the door open to a return to wrestling down the line.
