The Empress of Tomorrow’s Struggles with Media Perception in Japan
Before becoming a revered figure in WWE’s women’s division, Asuka faced significant challenges in her native Japan. Known as Kana in her early days, she dominated the Japanese wrestling scene. However, her rise was subject to controversy. Asuka recently took to Twitter to shed light on the adversities she faced due to her views on joshi pro wrestling.
The Empress of Tomorrow revealed that the Japanese media harbored a strong disdain for her, primarily because she didn’t conform to their expectations. Unlike many of her peers, Asuka didn’t engage in media flattery. This stance made her a target, with media outlets attempting to tarnish her reputation. She highlighted that Stardom, a prominent wrestling organization, was allegedly created with the intent to overshadow and defeat her. Despite these challenges, Asuka remained resilient, emphasizing her dedication to her fans over media approval.
Her journey to WWE saw her leaving behind these media confrontations, finding solace and success in the American wrestling landscape. Now, with allies like Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Triple H, Asuka stands firm, having carved her niche in the industry.
I don't flatter anyone.
Even in Japan, the media hated me because I don't flatter the media.
In Japan, everyone was flirting with the media except me.
I fought the media alone to take care of my fans. That's why some of the Japanese media still hate me.
That's why I've always… https://t.co/XOYSjqBDdw— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) August 14, 2023
The former editor-in-chief of Pro Wrestling Weekly has made this point on several occasions.
That is, Stardom is an organization that was created to defeat me. It is an organization that was created to destroy me personally.
But they failed to defeat me.
I don't know what…— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) August 14, 2023
The media could not bring me down when I came to America. They must have really wanted me to fail.
I am used to it because I have been fighting my critics alone since my days in Japan.
But now that I am here, I have comrades in arms.
Charlotte, Becky, HHH and…
I've walked… pic.twitter.com/U72Af9nGuh— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) August 14, 2023
When I became champion, one media outlet asked wrestling fans, "Do you think it is good enough to be champion? "Do you think it deserves to be champion?"
Compare me to other people.
Do you think my abilities are inferior?
Can you believe that? I was always fighting that media…— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) August 14, 2023
