Asuka Makes In-Ring Return Following WWE SmackDown Injury

WWE star Asuka made her return to the ring this past weekend, amid concerns that an injury could put her WrestleMania 40 status in doubt.

The Empress of Tomorrow was eased back into in-ring action at the March 23 non-televised live event in Springfield, Illinois, where she teamed with Damage CTRL stablemates IYO SKY and Kairi Sane in a loss to Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and Naomi.

Asuka had been pulled from live events on March 16 and 17 after suffering a knee injury on the March 15 episode of SmackDown.

Asuka is currently one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions (alongside Sane). They last defended their titles on the March 11 edition of Raw, defeating Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.

At this point, it is unclear whether The Kabuki Warriors will be booked to defend their titles at WrestleMania on April 6-7. It is currently the only main roster title not up for grabs at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Regardless of whether or not Asuka is in action during WrestleMania weekend, she is likely to be on hand to watch SKY defend her WWE Women's Championship against Bayley.