Asuka Confirms Reason For Stepping Away From WWE

Asuka has confirmed she has stepped away from WWE TV due to a personal matter, and the former WWE Women's Champion noted her future appearances within the company will be rare.

Addressing the future on her KanaChan TV YouTube channel, Asuka said (translated from Japanese):

"It's already been about two weeks since my last match at Backlash. I know there are a ton of rumours flying around out there. People asking, 'Are we ever going to see Asuka wrestle again?' 'Is she going back to Japan?' 'Is she leaving WWE?' The truth is it was a personal matter. I reached out to WWE and we talked it through. But let's be clear, as you all know from watching my matches, I can still go. I am still at the top of my game.

"I've been with WWE for over 10 years now, almost like it was just a given, and because it became such a part of your daily routine I think my presence there just became something everyone took for granted, but remember, nothing lasts forever. Everything is finite. You see, I'm not just a wrestler by trade. I'm a designer, too. Even the way I live my life has to be art. 

"I'm sure you're all wondering what's next for me and how I'll be involved with TV and the tours moving forward, but don't forget, I am still officially with WWE. So there's a chance I might just pop up in front of you when you least expect it. 

"Let's be honest, no one will ever make the kind of historic impact I made from day one. I don't think anyone will ever climb to the top non-stop, grabbing every title and accolade along the way the way I did. And because I'm a true pioneer, there will never be another Asuka. 

"So from here on out, if you ever catch a glimpse of me, you better cherish it, because it's going to be rare. That said, my YouTube and social media are staying active to stay connected with you guys. I'm going to keep dropping videos non-stop so we don't become too distant. You better come watch. Seriously, don't miss it." 

Asuka appeared to bid farewell to WWE immediately following her loss to IYO SKY at Backlash, with the two former Damage CTRL stablemates reuniting. Asuka then noted on the post-Backlash episode of Raw that she was looking for someone to take over her spot and IYO SKY was that person, with Asuka leaving Raw with her luggage after embracing SKY.

WWE commentator Michael Cole noted Asuka's future was "up in the air", with reports revealing that Asuka was now considered semi-retired and she would be taking an extended period of time away from WWE to go back to Japan and handle a personal situation.

Asuka has been a part of WWE since 2015. She is a three-time WWE Women's Champion, one-time SmackDown Women's Champion, one-time NXT Women's Champion, and five-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion. Asuka also won the 2020 Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match and the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble in 2018.