Add as a preferred source on Google Asuka appears to be stepping away from WWE programming. On this week’s Monday Night RAW in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Japanese star shared an emotional segment with IYO SKY.
During the segment, Asuka said that SKY has finally reached a top level inside the ring and can be considered her true successor in WWE.
The former champion also thanked SKY for the great match the two had at Backlash last Saturday in Tampa, Florida. At the event, IYO defeated Asuka in one of the most praised matches of the night.
We love to see all the LOVE between these two!! 🫶@Iyo_SkyWWE | @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/jHpzMC0x44
— WWE (@WWE) May 12, 2026
The moment ended with Asuka saying goodbye to SKY, telling her she will return in the future. The farewell comes amid several rumors about her status with the company.
According to Fightful Select, Asuka is expected to take some time off from WWE, but this had already been planned for a while and is not related to the recent cuts made by the company.
There is no word yet on when Asuka will return to programming. However, at least for now, tonight’s farewell seems to be just a break, not the definitive end of her career.