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4-Time World Champion “Semi-Retires” After WWE Backlash; Bids Goodbye Backstage

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published May 10, 2026 08:02 EDT
Backlash WWE
Backlash took place on Saturday, May 9. [Source: WWE.com]

A major WWE star has reportedly semi-retired at 44 following their loss at Backlash.

Last night, Asuka squared off against IYO SKY after months of rivalry. Despite her best efforts, The Empress of Tomorrow came up short against The Genius of the Sky.

Following the match, Asuka unexpectedly broke down in tears and embraced SKY. She also waved to the crowd and blew them a kiss as they chanted “Thank you, Asuka!”

Asuka’s emotional moment quickly sparked speculation about her future, with many wondering whether she was retiring or preparing to leave WWE. Big E even addressed the situation during the Backlash post-show.

I wonder if this was a goodbye. We have never seen Asuka this emotional. If it’s goodbye, I know she will be dearly missed. She has been a pioneer and has done truly incredible things in the ring before she even got to WWE.

Asuka Reportedly Bid WWE Stars Goodbye Backstage After Backlash

Speaking on the post-WWE Backlash edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided an update on Asuka’s status, revealing that he had heard that the 44-year-old was semi-retired.

Meltzer also noted that people were wishing the four-time world champion 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.

Meltzer and his co-host, Bryan Alvarez, also discussed whether Asuka was part of the recent WWE roster cuts.

Meltzer: I wonder if she was with other people that was cut. I mean, I don’t know.

Alvarez: I can’t fathom that but I guess it’s possible. But I mean, Kairi was cut and she didn’t even get used to the end of this thing, so. [H/T: f4wonline]

Also read: Asuka May Have Confirmed End Of WWE Career

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