Update on Asuka Following WWE Backlash, IYO SKY Pays Tribute

A new report has an update on Asuka and her in-ring status following her feud-ending match with IYO SKY at last night’s WWE Backlash. As noted, Saturday night’s PLE saw the two compete in a match that IYO SKY ultimately won. The two embraced after the match and Big E.’s comments on the post-show suggested it may have been a farewell for Asuka.

On last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio after the show, Dave Meltzer noted that he’s heard she is “semi-retired” after the match and that people were saying goodbye to her backstage. Meltzer said for clarity that he hasn’t “gotten an exact meaning of what semi-retired means” in this case; it’s not fully clear if she will continue to make occasional appearances.

IYO SKY posted to Twitter after last night’s show to pay tribute to Asuka. She noted that last night’s show was the “final chapter” of their story, writing:

“Our story comes to its final chapter with today’s match. The moment the match ended, my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions. Meeting ASUKA-san, Spending the same time together, Being able to learn so much up close— These are irreplaceable treasures to me. Thank you so much ASUKA-San We love you ASUKA-San”

WWE has not yet confirmed Asuka’s status. She is still listed as a Raw star on the roster page.

私たちの物語は、今日の試合で最終章。
試合が終わった瞬間、いろんな感情で胸がいっぱいになりました。

ASUKAさんと出会えたこと、
同じ時間を過ごせたこと、
近くでたくさんのことを学べたこと
私にとってかけがえのない宝物です。

Thank you so much ASUKA-San

We love you ASUKA-San❣️… pic.twitter.com/VMBGxH6m4N

— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) May 10, 2026