Add as a preferred source on Google Asuka’s future remains up in the air in WWE, despite the farewell-like atmosphere created after Backlash, which took place last Saturday in Tampa, Florida.
The wrestler was defeated by IYO SKY in one of the most emotional matches of the event, officially treated by WWE as a SKY victory over Asuka. After the match, the two embraced in the ring, adding to the feeling that it could have been a goodbye.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the word going around was that Asuka would be “semi-retired.” Meltzer himself, however, admitted he wasn’t sure what that term would actually mean in practice.
However, according to Fightful Select, most people asked backstage don’t believe Asuka has had her last match. The Japanese star is also still highly respected in the locker room, with one source describing her as someone who was “always reliable, no matter what was thrown her way.”
Another key detail is that Asuka signed a new long-term contract with WWE in the summer of 2024. The exact length wasn’t confirmed, but many deals signed during that period were in the five-year range.
On the other hand, Bodyslam.net reported that Asuka would be away indefinitely for personal reasons, but denied the situation is being treated as a retirement or semi-retirement.
Kairi Sane’s departure also reportedly caused frustration internally, mainly because of the TV time dedicated to the storyline involving her and Asuka without a real payoff.
It remains to be seen when Asuka will return to programming. Until then, WWE seems to be avoiding any definitive confirmation about her future.