WWE plans for Asuka after speculation of departure causes star to break silence

WWE

With Asuka having been absent from in-ring action since WWE Backlash, speculation emerged that she had exited the company.

Asuka’s last appearance saw the star suffer a loss at the hands of IYO SKY, with a fan recently noting that she became “emotional” after the match.

In response to the suggestion that she had left WWE, Asuka would reply in a tweet that reads (translated by Grok):

“I haven’t left the group

“I haven’t quit”

While the reason for Asuka’s absence and any return plans are yet to emerge, there is still plenty for the WWE star to do:

“Nobody is ready for Asuka”

From her first appearance in NXT in 2015, Asuka brought something distinctly different to the WWE, not just from her in-ring style but in her whole presentation.

The second women’s Grand Slam Champion (with Bayley as the first under the current format), Asuka’s legacy is undeniable and any opportunity to bring her back as a potential championship contender will be one to watch.

The idea of Asuka returning to contest any current women’s champion, or engage in a feud with any newer stars, would be an ideal way to use the veteran.

IYO SKY

Coming out of the feud between Kabuki Warriors and Rhiyo (her team with Rhea Ripley), IYO SKY and Asuka showed each other respect at Backlash, no doubt a contributing factor to the show of emotion that had some thinking a departure was on the cards.

While a program with IYO SKY is likely to be in Asuka’s future, it would be worth keeping the stars apart, with the returning star shifted to SmackDown or given that rare ‘free agent‘ status, allowing her to travel between brands.

Free agency would work for Asuka

In WWE, free agents can appear across brands, whether that be Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Evolve or AAA.

Currently, only five stars exist in that collective: AJ Lee, Brie Bella, Danhausen, Nikki Bella & Omos.

Adding Asuka to the group would bring her back to the main roster across both shows, but also give the women’s roster in NXT with an opportunity to work with a veteran unlike any other.

This wouldn’t be about titles, although challenging for one wouldn’t be a bad thing, but a chance to elevate the talents of anyone she faces on NXT and Evolve that may, one day, follow in Asuka’s footsteps on the main roster.

Bakusai

A former member of Damage CTRL and Kabuki Warriors, Asuka is at home in factions and tag team action.

Adding her to Bakusai would play into her showperson presentation, something that she shares with Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki, expanding the tag team into a faction in its own right.

While WWE doesn’t have mixed championships, seeing the trio perform together would be a spectacle in its own right and strengthen an already engaging proposition.

A talent that should not be underutilized

However and whenever Asuka makes an in-ring return, she is a talent that should never be underutilized.

It’s easy to picture the star in the main card picture on Raw or SmackDown alongside nurturing the talent of tomorrow in a run on NXT.

Then there’s the possibility of a run in AAA, with Nattie having competed at this year’s TripleMania as well as being a force to be reckoned with on NXT, something that could very well be the template for a returning Asuka.

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