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Major Update On Asuka’s WWE Status Following Backlash, Potential Raw Appearance

By John Canton • Published May 11, 2026 11:40 EDT
Asuka
WWE legend Asuka - Image via WWE.com

A big update has been given regarding Asuka’s WWE future.

The legendary Asuka has had an incredible WWE career since debuting in NXT in late 2015.

During her WWE run, the Empress of Tomorrow won the WWE Women’s Title four times, she’s a 5-time Women’s Tag Team Champion (with three different partners), and she was an undefeated NXT Women’s Champion.

Since debuting on the WWE main roster in September 2017, Asuka has established herself as a dominant presence in the women’s division, whether she’s a babyface wowing the fans with her cool moves or a heel who is spitting the blue mist into an opponent’s face.

At WWE Backlash in Tampa, Asuka had a terrific match with her friend Iyo Sky, who has called Asuka her mentor in the wrestling business. Shy won the match after hitting Over The Moonsault, with a key spot being when Sky blocked Asuka from spraying the blue mist into Sky’s face.

After the match, the heel Asuka broke character and hugged Sky, much to the delight of the fans. After the match, Asuka waved to the fans as if she were saying goodbye. It became one of the biggest talking points about Backlash.

On the Backlash post-show, former WWE Champion turned announcer Big E wondered if it was the end of Asuka’s WWE career.

“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 Likely Remains Part Of WWE

Since the Backlash match, there have been numerous reports about Asuka. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer claims that Asuka is “semi retired” at 44 years old, which doesn’t exactly clarify her current status with WWE.

Meanwhile, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Asuka signed a new long-term deal with WWE in the summer of 2024 that could run until 2029 since many deals are five years in length. It was added that many people in WWE believe the Empress will wrestle for the company again.

A new update has been provided by PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, who reports that Asuka is “believed to remain aligned with the company.”

Johnson also added that there are reports among some people in WWE that Asuka may return to Japan for an extended period due to a family matter. However, Johnson doesn’t plan to disclose the family matter.

As for her future, Asuka is in Knoxville, Tennessee, for tonight’s May 11th edition of Monday Night Raw. That doesn’t mean Asuka will appear on WWE Raw, though.

After their Backlash match, Iyo Sky wrote this thoughtful message in tribute to her mentor.

Our story comes to its final chapter with today’s match.
The moment the match ended, my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions.

Meeting ASUKA-san,
Spending the same time together,
Being able to learn so much up close—
These are irreplaceable treasures to me.

Thank you so much ASUKA-San

We love you ASUKA-San❣️

#WWEBACKLASH

Also Read: Backstage Reaction In WWE After Asuka Seemingly Bids Goodbye At Backlash