Following this past weekends Backlash premium live event, it was reported that WWE star Asuka was stepping away, with one report claiming she was now “semi-retired.” This has sparked considerable speculation online about the reason, with some suggesting she may have been among the talent asked to take a pay cut. However, according to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Asuka was not asked to take a pay cut because she has urgent personal and family matters in Japan to address.
“I don’t want to elaborate on what that is, but I was straight-up told tonight she was not a part of any cuts. She was not a part of any, she wasn’t asked to take a pay cut. As best I know, WWE did not want Asuka to be gone for a while, so to speak. Here’s what I heard: Asuka had approached WWE and said, ‘There’s stuff I’ve got to attend to,’ which we’re not going to elaborate on. It’s back in Japan. She’s going to be spending some time there. I don’t know how much time that’s going to be.” – Sean Ross Sapp
Born Kanako Urai, Asuka debuted in Japan in 2004 as Kana and built a decorated independent career. Signing with WWE in 2015, she became NXT’s longest-reigning Women’s Champion with a record 510-day reign and an undefeated streak. On the main roster, she won the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble, multiple Raw and SmackDown titles, and formed The Kabuki Warriors. A true pioneer, Asuka is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s wrestlers in history.
- WWE Hall Of Famer Could Be AEW-Bound - May 14, 2026
- Major Name Snubs Dark Side Of The Ring TNA Documentary - May 14, 2026
- Big Bill’s AEW Exit Could Be Looming - May 14, 2026
