As noted before, Saturday’s WWE Backlash 2026 event in Tampa, Florida featured IYO SKY and a very emotional Asuka embracing in the ring following their match and Asuka waving to the crowd as she left in a potential farewell moment for Asuka. Asuka is believed to be “semi-retired” after WWE’s event.
Bodyslam.net reported that their sources stated that Asuka is currently “out indefinitely” for undisclosed personal reasons. In regards to Asuka being semi-retired, it was reported that those spoken to stated that this is not the case for her.
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that they believe Asuka has not had her final match. It was reported that Asuka is “unanimously” popular among both the talent and staff within WWE with one higher-up stating that WWE was happy with her. This same higher-up source reportedly also stated that Asuka’s performance over the past year was “always reliable no matter what was thrown her way.”
It was also reported that Asuka had signed a long-term deal with WWE in 2024 and the belief was it being for five years in length. It was also reported that while many within the locker room were not sure what to make of Asuka’s situation following her match at Backlash, some had said their farewells to her in person in addition to the social media tributes.
Several of those spoken to reportedly stated there was a lot of frustration around Kairi Sane’s release but it was not mentioned if Asuka had been among those who communicated those frustrations. One point of frustration among those backstage reportedly revolved around the amount of television time given to Asuka and Sane’s storyline without actually paying off Sane’s role in it.