Add as a preferred source on Google Asuka may have made her final WWE appearance at Backlash, held last night in Tampa, Florida.
The Japanese star was defeated by IYO SKY in one of the most emotional matches of the premium live event. In the end, SKY survived the Asuka Lock, blocked the mist using an object from the commentary table, and picked up the win after hitting the Over The Moonsault.
After the match, Asuka broke down in tears, hugged SKY, kissed her former partner on the cheek, and waved to the crowd before leaving the ring. SKY, for her part, made a point of raising her rival’s arm and putting the spotlight on her.
During the Backlash post-show, Big E raised questions about the future of the Empress of Tomorrow.
“I don’t want to speculate either. I keep wondering if this is a goodbye. I’ve never seen Asuka that emotional. If it is a goodbye, I know she’ll be deeply missed.”
i definitely feel like asuka is either leaving or retiring, this felt so sincere π₯²#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/M9RthbDi9i
— ππΈπ±π· (@TwistedJohnX) May 9, 2026
His words carried even more weight because, before the event, Asuka posted an image on her social media set to Frank Sinatra’s My Way. On top of that, IYO SKY also posted a message thanking Asuka, saying their story had reached its final chapter.
It’s worth remembering that Kairi Sane, a key part of this rivalry, was recently released by WWE. During the match, fans in Tampa even chanted “We Want Kairi,” but the former Kabuki Warriors member did not appear.
As of now, WWE has not confirmed an Asuka retirement. If it does happen, she’ll be closing out a historic run marked by world titles, a Royal Rumble win, Money in the Bank, Elimination Chamber, and Grand Slam Champion status.