Asuka May Have Confirmed End Of WWE Career
Asuka was in action at WWE Backlash on May 9, and it may have been her final match in WWE. She faced Iyo Sky in a singles match at the Premium Live Event.
Asuka and Sky were former allies who turned rivals after the former betrayed the latter, disappointed that Sky chose to grow closer to Rhea Ripley instead of staying loyal to Damage CTRL. The match was originally planned for WrestleMania 42, but was moved to Backlash to allow more focus and storytelling on a smaller card.
In the weeks leading up to the match, the rivalry intensified. Asuka cost Sky an Intercontinental Championship opportunity against Becky Lynch and repeatedly attacked her with blue mist.
During the match, Asuka attempted to use the mist again, but Sky blocked it with a notebook before hitting her Over the Moonsault to secure the win. After the match, the two shared an emotional moment, hugging and showing mutual respect.
Asuka Teases WWE Departure On Instagram
Following Backlash, Asuka posted a photo on her Instagram story, sitting cross-legged and looking out a window, with the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. The song’s opening lyric, “And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain,” led many fans to believe she may be teasing her departure.
The speculation also comes after Kairi Sane was released on April 24 as part of WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts. Her exit drew backlash, as she was a key part of the ongoing Damage CTRL storyline involving Asuka and Sky, and her departure came before the feud could reach a proper payoff.
While some expected Sane to make a surprise appearance at Backlash, she did not return. However, the crowd in Tampa repeatedly chanted “We want Kairi” during the match between her former stablemates.
The lyrics of the song from Asuka's latest Instagram post ☹️ pic.twitter.com/iRuCOU3BBC
— Punk 🇵🇸 (@TimDrake1482675) May 9, 2026
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