Speculation about Asuka’s status with WWE following her loss to Iyo Sky at Backlash 2026
As seen during the 2026 WWE Backlash PLE, Iyo Sky defeated Asuka in a singles match. Afterwards, an emotional Asuka hugged Iyo and raised her hand. Asuka also waved to the fans before leaving the ring.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline.com discussed Asuka’s status…
Meltzer: “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.”
Alvarez: “That sucks, I’m going to miss Asuka.”
Later on, the following was stated…
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.”