More Details on Asuka Taking Time Away From WWE

Asuka left fans wondering about her future after an emotional segment with IYO SKY on WWE RAW, but new reports suggest her WWE status is not tied to a release or retirement.

The speculation grew after her post-WWE Backlash 2026 segment with SKY. After the loss, Asuka shared a backstage goodbye with SKY before walking out carrying a suitcase. That immediately led to online chatter about whether WWE was writing her off television for good.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, the situation is connected to personal matters in Japan that will keep Asuka away from WWE for an unspecified amount of time. The report clarified that Asuka has not been released and was not asked about a pay cut amid WWE’s recent roster cuts. She is still under the multi-year deal she signed in 2024 (via Fightful).

“I found out definitively what’s going on, and I don’t want to miscredit the person who said it but the person who said there’s personal stuff going on, that’s accurate. I don’t want to elaborate on what that is but I was straight up told tonight she was not a part of any cuts. She wasn’t asked to take a pay cut as best I know. She signed a new deal in 2024. It was a multi-year deal. Obviously, WWE did not want to have Asuka be gone for a while, so to speak. Here’s what I heard, Asuka had approached WWE and said, ‘Stuff I’ve got to attend to.’ It’s back in Japan, she’s going to be spending some time there. I don’t know how much time that’s gonna be.”

Fightful also noted that WWE did not want to lose her from television, but the company respected her request because of how highly regarded she is internally.

“Obviously, it’s not what WWE wanted to hear but it’s something that they felt was important to honour and all that. Asuka is beloved in that company. When people naturally were like, ‘Was she cut? Was she asked to take a pay cut?’ a number of people hit me up and they’re like, ‘Man, we can’t speak higher of the job that she does.’”

On RAW, Michael Cole acknowledged the uncertainty about her future, telling viewers that Asuka’s status was “up in the air.” For now, there is no confirmed timetable for her return.

We love to see all the LOVE between these two!! 🫶@Iyo_SkyWWE | @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/jHpzMC0x44

— WWE (@WWE) May 12, 2026