Asuka is making one thing crystal clear about her WWE status — she has not left the company, and she has not quit.
The former WWE Women’s Champion addressed the speculation directly on social media after a fan asked whether people claiming she had left WWE were spreading false information. The question came months after Asuka stepped away from WWE television following an emotional stretch that had fans wondering whether they had just watched the end of her run. The fan asked Asuka whether she was simply taking a break rather than leaving WWE altogether. Asuka didn’t leave much room for interpretation with her response.
“I haven’t left the group. I haven’t quit.”
That statement lines up with what Asuka previously said about her future after WWE Backlash. Back in May, speculation exploded after she lost to IYO SKY and embraced her longtime friend in the ring, with the emotional scene looking an awful lot like a farewell to fans watching at home.
Ringside News covered the uncertainty surrounding Asuka’s WWE future after Backlash, as multiple accounts of her status began circulating. WWE talent and fans were also left wondering what they had just witnessed after the emotional post-match scene.
The situation continued on the May 11 episode of WWE RAW. Asuka appeared in a backstage segment with IYO SKY and spoke about being proud of her before the two embraced. Ringside News covered Asuka appearing to pass the torch to IYO SKY during RAW, with Asuka telling SKY she would see her later before walking away.
WWE commentary also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Asuka at the time. Ringside News covered Michael Cole stating that Asuka’s future was “currently up in the air” during the May 11 RAW, which only added to the questions surrounding her next move.
Asuka later made it clear that she intended to return to WWE and that her absence was connected to a personal matter. Her latest response is even more direct: whatever her current break looks like, she still considers herself part of WWE.
There is still no confirmed timetable for when Asuka will return to WWE television or step back into the ring. What she has now eliminated is the biggest question surrounding her status — this is not a WWE exit.
Asuka may have walked away from WWE television with an emotional goodbye, but she clearly doesn’t consider that goodbye permanent. Until she gives fans a return date, the waiting game continues, but “The Empress of Tomorrow” has now personally shut the door on claims that her WWE career is already over.
When do you think Asuka should make her WWE return, and who should be waiting for her when she comes back? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
