Asuka is believed to still be aligned with WWE following her loss to Iyo Sky at Backlash

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.

According to PWInsider.com, it’s believed that Asuka is still aligned with WWE following her loss at Backlash. However, there has been internal speculation within WWE that she may return to Japan for an extended period due to a family matter.

Fightful Select reported that Asuka signed a long-term WWE deal in the summer of 2024, with most contracts from that period believed to be for around five years. The exact length of Asuka’s specific deal has not been confirmed.

Fightful stated the following…

“The situation appeared to be a mystery to the locker room, and to a number of people around the creative process, who weren’t sure if this was actually a ‘goodbye.’ One thing that was firm was that everyone that Fightful spoke to does not believe Asuka has had her final match.”