Bayley Reacts After Ex-WWE Partner Teases Retirement At Backlash

By Monika Thapa • Published May 10, 2026 07:22 EDT

Bayley’s former Damage CTRL partner Asuka recently teased retirement at WWE Backlash.

At the Premium Live Event on May 9, the Empress of Tomorrow faced her friend-turned-rival Iyo Sky in a singles match. Asuka lost after Sky hit the Over the Moonsault to secure the victory.

Following the match, the two stars shared an emotional moment, hugging and kissing each other as a sign of mutual respect. Many fans viewed it as a “passing the torch” moment, especially after Asuka appeared to wave goodbye to the WWE Universe, fueling speculation about her retirement.

After Backlash, Bayley took to social media to react to her former partner’s tease, praising both Asuka and Iyo Sky and calling them “two of the rarest wrestlers” in the world.

Asuka Will Be “Dearly Missed” In WWE, Says Big E

On the WWE Backlash post-show segment, Big E also addressed the emotional scene. Like many fans watching in the arena and at home, he questioned whether Asuka’s goodbye gesture was a sign that she is leaving the company.

Big E added that, if it does mark the end, she will be dearly missed and praised the former Women’s Champion.

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.

After Backlash, Asuka further fueled retirement speculation with a cryptic, emotional post. She logged on to Instagram and shared a picture of herself with “My Way” by Frank Sinatra playing in the background.

The opening lyric, “And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain,” led fans to believe that Asuka may have hinted at her departure from WWE. There has been no official confirmation or statement regarding her WWE exit. For now, her departure remains speculative and unconfirmed.