A new report provides an update on Asuka’s current status with WWE amid exit rumors.
After her loss to IYO Sky at WWE Backlash, fans began to speculate about Asuka’s future in the company. Big E also addressed it during the PLE’s post-show, asking if it was really goodbye.
Amid the exit rumors, Asuka had an emotional segment with IYO Sky on last night’s RAW and left the arena with her suitcase. Michael Cole then mentioned on commentary that her future is “up in the air” and that “She appeared to say goodbye tonight, but who knows.”
Reports also provided mixed updates, with Fightful saying Asuka’s situation appears to be a mystery and Dave Meltzer saying she’s semi-retired and speculating if she was part of the recent talent cuts. However, PWInsider later reported that the former Women’s Champion will remain aligned with the company and said they couldn’t confirm the accuracy of a story claiming she returned to Japan for a family matter.
New report reveals Asuka was not part of talent cuts
Now, speaking on Fightful’s RAW post-show, Sean Ross Sapp addressed the Asuka situation. He revealed that the Empress of Tomorrow is taking an extended time away from television to handle a family issue. He revealed that she wasn’t a part of the recent talent cuts and that she signed a multi-year deal with WWE in 2024.
“I found out definitively what’s going on, and I don’t want to miscredit the person who said it but the person who said there’s personal stuff going on, that’s accurate. I don’t want to elaborate on what that is but I was straight up told tonight she was not a part of any cuts. She wasn’t asked to take a pay cut as best I know. She signed a new deal in 2024. It was a multi-year deal.
“Obviously, WWE did not want to have Asuka be gone for a while, so to speak. Here’s what I heard, Asuka had approached WWE and said, ‘Stuff I’ve got to attend to.’ It’s back in Japan, she’s going to be spending some time there. I don’t know how much time that’s gonna be.
“Obviously, it’s not what WWE wanted to hear but it’s something that they felt was important to honour and all that. Asuka is beloved in that company. When people naturally were like, ‘Was she cut? Was she asked to take a pay cut?’ a number of people hit me up and they’re like, ‘Man, we can’t speak higher of the job that she does,’” Sapp said. [H/T Cultaholic]
Read More: AJ Styles Debunks Rumor About His WWE NXT Future
