The former champion responds to online backlash after details resurface
Summary
– Asuka addressed fans who mocked her broken tooth injury
– She clarified the incident involving Shayna Baszler from a 2021 match
– Asuka revealed she hid the pain to protect her colleague
Asuka has publicly addressed fans who mocked her after details of a past injury resurfaced online. The comments followed renewed discussion of a 2021 in-ring accident that left her with a fractured tooth.
The situation gained attention after Shayna Baszler recalled the incident during an interview, explaining that she accidentally kicked Asuka in the face during a match. Baszler described Asuka as appearing calm and pain-free backstage despite the visible damage.
Asuka responded by explaining that her reaction at the time did not reflect the reality of the injury. She stated that she told Baszler she was fine to prevent her from feeling guilty, even though the injury ultimately required surgery.
According to Asuka, hiding the pain was a deliberate choice rooted in empathy and experience. She emphasized that accidents are part of professional wrestling and did not want Baszler to feel responsible for something that can happen in the ring.
While Asuka said she holds no resentment toward Baszler, she took issue with fans who mocked the injury online. She described the reaction as cruel and disappointing, noting how easily compassion can be replaced by ridicule.
Despite the backlash, Asuka made it clear she is not allowing negativity to define her outlook. She stated that she chooses happiness over anger and believes her fulfillment speaks louder than online mockery.
My tooth was fractured due to a mistake by Shayna Baszler. At the time I told her I was okay because I did not want her to carry the guilt. But I ended up needing surgery and of course I was not okay. I just did not want her to feel responsible knowing that these things happen in… https://t.co/Lh023QykJS
— The legendary Empress ASUKA / 伝説のASUKA皇后 (@WWEAsuka) December 31, 2025
