Is Asuka truly done with WWE?
WWE Backlash this past Saturday featured the highly anticipated clash between Asuka and IYO Sky. Sky prevailed in the hard-hitting contest, pinning the Empress of Tomorrow with a German suplex and moonsault combination.
However, fans were surprised when Asuka broke character after the match and embraced IYO Sky in the ring. Many speculated whether the former Women’s Champion signified her exit or retirement with the gesture, and Big E also did the same during the Backlash post-show.
Now, the burning question after WWE Backlash is “Is Asuka retired from WWE?” So far, reports have some mixed updates.
According to Fightful (via Fightful Select), Asuka’s situation appeared to be a mystery to the locker room and some people in the creative process, who were unsure if this was really goodbye. The report also provided some insight into her current contract status with WWE.
Asuka is expected to compete again, but perhaps on a smaller scale
On the post-WWE Backlash episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, F4WOnline’s Dave Meltzer noted that Asuka is semi-retired. While he didn’t receive any details on what that means, he revealed that people were wishing her goodbye backstage.
“So, the story I heard is that she is semi-retired. I haven’t really gotten an exact meaning of what semi-retired means, but I guess people were wishing her goodbye and things like that backstage. So I don’t know if that means she’s going to Japan and still wrestle. I don’t know if that means she’s going to still do stuff here and there, but I was told semi-retired,” Dave Meltzer said.
Speaking further, Meltzer and Alvarez speculated whether Asuka was a part of the recent WWE talent cuts. The promotion released her Kabuki Warriors partner, Kairi Sane, after WrestleMania 42, leaving their storyline unfinished.
Where is Asuka now?
However, this does not appear to be the case. PWInsider.com’s Mike Johnson reports that he has been told Asuka will “remain aligned with the company.”
There was also a story about Asuka returning to Japan for a family matter making the rounds. Despite this, PWInsider declined to share details, as it could not confirm the accuracy of that report. The outlet effectively debunked it, as they noted that Asuka is in Knoxville, Tennessee, the site of WWE RAW on Monday. However, it is unclear if she will appear on the show this week.
WrestleZone will provide live coverage of WWE RAW later tonight.
Asuka signed with WWE in 2015 and became one of the most decorated stars in the company. She’s a four-time Women’s Champion, one-time NXT Women’s Champion, five-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, Women’s Money in the Bank, and Royal Rumble winner. She also had a 914-day undefeated streak during her early years with the company.
Read More: IYO SKY Shares Emotional Tribute To Asuka Amidst Retirement Rumors
