Asuka’s WWE story isn’t over. After months of uncertainty and plenty of retirement speculation, WWE wants her back—and whenever Asuka decides she’s ready, the door is wide open.
During a Q&A session, JoeyVotes and TC of WrestleVotes addressed Asuka’s status and made it clear that her lengthy absence isn’t the result of WWE moving on from her.
“I know they want her back. I know this is not a closed-door type of situation. When she’s ready, they’re ready to get her back.”
There apparently doesn’t need to be some massive process to make that happen either. TC noted that Asuka is back in the United States and described her as someone who could suddenly return with very little warning. If she tells WWE she’s ready to work again, the company apparently won’t need much convincing.
“She’s one of those that can pop up on a moment’s notice, and with her being back in the States, she’ll let them know, ‘Hey, I’m ready to work again,’ and they’ll be happy to take her back.”
There is one major change, though. According to JoeyVotes, Asuka is now working under a part-time schedule.
“He’s also saying Asuka is now on a part-time schedule.”
That would certainly explain why Asuka’s WWE future has looked so unusual over the past several months. She hasn’t appeared on WWE television since the May 11 episode of Monday Night RAW following Backlash. During that appearance, Asuka passed the torch to IYO SKY before stepping away, creating plenty of questions about whether fans had just witnessed the beginning of the end.
Those questions only grew after Asuka uploaded an emotional YouTube video later that month reflecting on more than a decade with WWE.
“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.”
Reports subsequently described Asuka as “semi-retired” while she dealt with family matters in Japan, but Asuka herself never said she was finished. She also warned that appearances would become considerably rarer while confirming she remained under WWE contract.
“So from here on out, if you ever catch a glimpse of me, you better cherish it. Because it’s going to be rare. 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!”
Three months later, that warning makes considerably more sense. Asuka may no longer be someone WWE fans should expect every Monday night, but she apparently hasn’t closed the door—and neither has WWE. The Empress of Tomorrow can return when she wants, and with her back in the United States, that could happen without much warning.
What do you make of Asuka moving to a part-time WWE schedule? Let us know in the comments below.
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