Speculation surrounding Asuka’s future continues following the emotional ending to her match against IYO SKY at WWE Backlash 2026.
After losing to SKY during the show, Asuka embraced her former ally in the ring before emotionally waving to fans while leaving ringside, immediately fueling retirement speculation online.
Asuka Retirement Speculation
The discussion intensified during the Backlash post-show when Big E openly questioned whether fans may have just witnessed a goodbye moment.
“I am wondering if this was a goodbye. We’ve never really seen Asuka this emotional,” Big E said.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed he had heard Asuka is currently considered “semi-retired,” though he admitted the exact meaning remains unclear.
“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,” Meltzer said.
Bryan Alvarez also reacted emotionally to the possibility of Asuka stepping away.
“That sucks, I’m going to miss Asuka,” Alvarez said.
Later in the discussion, Meltzer and Alvarez raised the possibility that Asuka could have been part of WWE’s recent roster cuts, though neither could confirm that scenario.
“I wonder if she was with other people that was cut. I mean, I don’t know,” Meltzer stated.
“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,” Alvarez responded.
Following the match, IYO SKY also posted an emotional message to Asuka on social media.
“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❣️”
At this point, WWE has not officially commented on Asuka’s status or future with the company.
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