Nobody is Ready for Asuka to be Done

We are just over a week removed from Backlash. And the biggest news coming out of the event is the status of Asuka. The only thing we really know is that she returned to Japan due to family issues. Her in-ring status could be semi-retired or on hold; no one really knows. I am going to miss her while she is gone and hope to see her again one day.

Paige, AJ Lee, and the Four Horsewomen opened the door for women in the WWE. Asuka blew the door off the hinges. Her in-ring abilities made everyone around her step up their game. And she has continued to push others to elevate themselves during her decade of dominance. And it’s not just her in-ring abilities, her mic work is next-level as well. She doesn’t need to speak English; her emotions and body language transcend the language barrier, and you can’t help but get sucked in.

Asuka is leaving things in good hands. IYO SKY has a lot of the same qualities. Great in the ring, an ability to transcend the language barrier, and the ability to lift everyone up around her. And while things are in good hands, Asuka is going to be missed, because no one is quite like her. She is truly a one-of-a-kind talent.

So, if this is the last we will see of Asuka, for a while at least, I want to spend some time sharing memories and talking about the greatness of the Empress of Tomorrow.

The Glue of NXT

From the moment Asuka debuted in NXT, fans knew she was something special. I remember being sucked in by the weird ring gear, music, and overall presentation. And then she got in the ring for the first time, and all the hype proved to be true. There is no one quite like Asuka. She combines so many styles seamlessly; striking, technical, high-flying, brawling, comedy, she can do them all.

NXT would also be where Asuka would have the best undefeated streak in pro wrestling (yeah, that’s right, Goldberg). Asuka would destroy lesser opponents. And while women on her level would have a good showing, nobody was ready for Asuka! Her matches with Bayley, Emma, Nikki Cross, Mickie James, and Ember Moon were all highlights of the Black and Gold era.

Asuka was so talented that Triple H is quoted as saying, “You can call up whoever you want, but leave me Asuka.” He knew that Asuka was the glue that he could rebuild around. And I can’t argue with that logic. If I was given a blank check and the ability to build a roster with anyone in the world. Asuka is one of my first picks.

She is a top talent in whatever company she walks into. And if women’s wrestling is at the same level back in the day, she could walk into any company in the past and be a top talent there too. Asuka in a WCW that had a real women’s division, and she is at the top? Or in the Attitude Era WWF, that treated women with respect? She is the top talent. I struggle to think of a time or place Asuka wouldn’t excel if given the opportunity to do so.

Decade of Dominance

Asuka has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments in her time on the main roster. You don’t think about this stuff as much while you’re watching the decade unfold. But when you look back, it really showcases just how great she is, and also how much faith the company has in her.

She is a four-time Women’s Champion, a five-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, the 2020 Women’s Money in the Bank winner, and the first Women’s Royal Rumble winner. She is the third Women’s Triple Crown Champion and second Women’s Grand Slam Champion.

I will always disagree with Charlotte being the one to end her streak at WrestleMania. You already had Nakamura losing. So, having at least one of the Rumble winners coming out on top would have worked. Asuka has more than transcended that early loss and is a bona fide Hall of Famer.

Asuka has long been one of my favorite wrestlers in the world. I look forward to her matches, and I always know she gives us everything she has. It’s a special breed of talent to be able to not only make yourself look good but also lift your opponent.

Many women have had their best matches with Asuka. And for a lot of wrestlers, this would put them in the “good hand” role. That role where you are never the top star, but you are always in the mix, because you make everyone look good. Asuka is a rare exception where not only is she a good hand, she is also a dominate multi-time champion. That just speaks volumes to her talent, her talent cannot be denied, and she has constantly taken full advantage of every minute of time she has been given.

Empress of Tomorrow

If this is truly goodbye, then thank you Asuka. Thank you for ten years of memories. Thank you for helping to elevate everyone around you. For blowing open the doors for women. For every match, promo, and segment you gave us. Thank you for the sacrifices of your body and time. You have given us so much entertainment over the past 10 years, and your presence will be missed.