Uncertainty Surrounds Asuka’s WWE Future Following Raw Segment

Questions continue to surround Asuka’s future with WWE following an emotional segment on Raw and recent backstage reports regarding her status.

During Monday’s episode of Raw, commentary acknowledged uncertainty surrounding Asuka’s future after her loss to Iyo Sky at WWE Backlash. Michael Cole specifically stated that The Empress of Tomorrow’s future was “up in the air”.

Earlier in the show, WWE aired a backstage segment featuring Asuka and Sky embracing following Backlash. Asuka told Sky she had spent years searching for someone worthy of taking her place in professional wrestling and believed Sky was that person. Sky responded emotionally, telling Asuka that they would always remain family, even if they fought each other in the ring.

“Goodbye, Asuka-san,” Sky said before the two embraced again.

Asuka then kissed Sky on the forehead, spoke to her in Japanese and walked away carrying luggage, a moment many viewers interpreted as a possible farewell tease.

Dave Meltzer Reported That Asuka Is “Semi-Retired” Following WWE Backlash

Following Backlash, Dave Meltzer discussed Asuka’s situation on Wrestling Observer Radio and stated that he had heard the former Women’s Champion was “semi-retired”.

“So, the story I heard is that she is semi-retired,” Meltzer said. “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.”

Meltzer added that it remains unclear whether that could mean a return to Japan, occasional appearances, or a reduced in-ring schedule moving forward. Despite the speculation, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported on Monday that the former four-time WWE Women’s Champion is still believed to remain aligned with WWE.