Asuka’s emotional moment at WWE Backlash apparently was not viewed internally as the end of her wrestling career — despite all the speculation online.
After Asuka lost to IYO SKY and embraced her former student in the ring afterward, fans immediately started wondering whether WWE had quietly given her a farewell moment. The speculation exploded even more after Dave Meltzer claimed Asuka was “semi-retired” — while also admitting he didn’t actually know what “semi-retired” meant in her situation.
Now, according to Fightful Select, most people inside WWE do not believe Asuka has wrestled her final match. The report stated there was confusion backstage as well, with people in the locker room and around creative unsure whether the emotional Backlash scene was actually supposed to be a goodbye. It was also noted that Asuka remains extremely respected backstage, with one WWE higher-up reportedly describing her as:
“Always reliable no matter what was thrown her way.”
The report additionally revealed that Asuka signed a long-term WWE contract during the summer of 2024, with many WWE deals around that time reportedly lasting around five years.
Another interesting detail from the report involved frustration backstage over Kairi Sane’s release. Some people were unhappy WWE spent television time building stories involving Asuka and Kairi without fully paying off Kairi’s role in the angle.
At this point, the situation still sounds unclear internally, but the latest backstage reaction makes it sound like WWE talent and staff largely do not expect Asuka’s career to be over.
Do you think Asuka still has another major WWE run left, or should she step away while still at the top? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.