Is she or isn’t she?
Fans assumed that Asuka (Kanako Urai) was in her own way saying goodbye to WWE after her match with Kairi Sane last night at Backlash.
After being defeated, Asuka broke character, cried and hugged Iyo Sky holding her hand up in victory. In some ways, it looked like Asuka may be saying goodbye.
Fueling the speculation even more, Iyo Sky posted on Twitter:
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
私たちの物語は、今日の試合で最終章。
試合が終わった瞬間、いろんな感情で胸がいっぱいになりました。ASUKAさんと出会えたこと、
同じ時間を過ごせたこと、
近くでたくさんのことを学べたこと
私にとってかけがえのない宝物です。Thank you so much ASUKA-San
We love you ASUKA-San❣️… pic.twitter.com/VMBGxH6m4N
— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) May 10, 2026
On her own feed, Asuka posted a solemn photo of herself.
— The legendary Empress ASUKA / 伝説のASUKA皇后 (@WWEAsuka) May 9, 2026
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE sources have told him that Asuka is now “semi-retired” but wasn’t even sure what that even means. According to him, talent was saying goodbye and wishing her well backstage at Backlash.
But, Bodyslam through someone calling themselves “Viper” reports that isn’t true at all. They were told she is taking an indefinite break for “personal reasons”.
Not much is known about Asuka’s personal life outside of the ring although other WWE talent like Becky Lynch have confirmed that she is a mother saying “she is a bad ass working mom”.
