New report pushes back on retirement speculation after Backlash
Summary
– Most people inside WWE reportedly do not believe Asuka is retiring
– Backstage confusion followed Asuka’s emotional WWE Backlash moment with IYO SKY
– Reports claim Asuka signed a long-term WWE contract in 2024
Asuka’s emotional WWE Backlash moment reportedly was not viewed internally as the end of her wrestling career.
Following her loss to IYO SKY, fans immediately began speculating online after the two shared an emotional embrace in the ring. The reaction grew even stronger after comments surfaced suggesting Asuka could be “semi-retired,” though the situation itself remained unclear.
According to Fightful Select, most people inside WWE currently do not expect Asuka to be finished wrestling. The report stated there was confusion backstage as well, with several people in the creative and the locker room unsure whether the emotional segment was intended to feel like a farewell.
Despite the uncertainty, WWE talent and management reportedly still view Asuka as one of the company’s most respected performers. One higher-up described her as consistently dependable regardless of the situation or storyline she was involved in.
The report also revealed that Asuka signed a long-term WWE deal during the summer of 2024. Many contracts signed around that same period reportedly lasted close to 5 years.
Another detail from the report involved backstage frustration regarding Kairi Sane’s release. According to the update, some people internally felt WWE invested television time in stories involving Asuka and Kairi without fully paying off the creative direction before Kairi exited the company.
At this stage, the exact situation surrounding Asuka’s future still appears unclear internally. However, the latest backstage reaction strongly suggests WWE personnel do not currently believe Backlash was the final match of her career.
