Backstage Reaction In WWE After Asuka Seemingly Bids Goodbye At Backlash

A new report has revealed the WWE backstage reaction to Asuka seemingly bidding goodbye at the Backlash 2026 PLE.

Asuka has been with the WWE since 2015. After achieving the longest NXT Women’s title reign, The Empress of Tomorrow arrived on the main roster in 2017. She continued to succeed even on the main roster, as the Japanese veteran has held multiple Women’s world title and tag team title reigns during her tenure. Over the past few months, Asuka has been involved in a storyline with Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane.

Kairi got released from the company recently, but Asuka and Iyo Sky continued their feud, which culminated in a singles match at the recent Backlash 2026 PLE. Iyo managed to secure the win over the Empress at the PLE. After the match, Asuka got emotional and hinted at a farewell from in-ring competition.

Following the moment at Backlash, Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Asuka is semi-retired after her match at Backlash 2026:

So, the story I heard is that she is semi-retired. I haven’t really gotten an exact meaning of what semi-retired means. 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 noted.

However, the above report was contradicted by Bodyslam.net, as they said Asuka is not semi-retired but will be out for personal reasons:

I was told last night that Asuka is ‘out indefinitely’ for personal reasons that myself or Bodyslam will not be disclosing. As far as retirement or ‘semi-retired’ like Dave is alluding to, as of last night, i’m told that is not the case.”

Backstage reaction to Asuka’s seeming goodbye at WWE Backlash

Fightful Selectrecently addressed the contradicting reports of Asuka’s potential semi-retirement by both Dave Meltzer and Bodyslam.net.

According to the report, Asuka’s situation is a mystery to the WWE locker room and to a number of people around the creative process. It was also stated that many believe that the 44-year-old legend has not had her final match against Iyo Sky at Backlash 2026.

Asuka’s situation appeared to be a mystery to the locker room, and to a number of people around the creative process.

One thing that was firm was that everyone spoken with does not believe she has had her final match.

– @FightfulSelectpic.twitter.com/mKxekaQZNm

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 11, 2026

Fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the Empress of Tomorrow after she lost to Iyo Sky at the Backlash 2026 PLE and seemingly said goodbye.

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