Asuka WWE Return Plans

Published: 1 hour ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 1 hour ago by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

@TruHeelSP3

Following her loss to IYO SKY at WWE Backlash 2026, Asuka had a tearful embrace with her rival and said goodbye to the fans.

This led to reports of “The Empress of Tomorrow” potentially being “semi-retired” and taking some time away from WWE. However, Asuka took to a special video to announce that she is not done or leaving WWE, which means she will be back in the future.

Following this announcement, it will be interesting to see what exactly is next for Asuka in WWE when she eventually makes her return.

Here are seven potential Asuka WWE return plans.

7. Aligning with IYO SKY in a new tag team

At WWE Backlash 2026, IYO SKY defeated Asuka. Post match, the two women hugged one another in an emotional show of respect.

Then on the May 11 episode of Monday Night Raw, Asuka met up with IYO and officially passed the torch to her former mentee, saying she is deserving of her spot in WWE.

Upon Asuka’s return to the company, fans could see these former Damage CTRL stablemates reunite in a more formal way.

Asuka and IYO forming a tag team would make them an immediate threat for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships moving forward.

6. Avenging her loss from WWE Backlash 2026 against IYO SKY

While Asuka showed her respect to IYO for beating her at WWE Backlash 2026, things could change with her time away from the company.

“The Empress of Tomorrow” choosing to turn her back on SKY yet again would be the best way for her to avenge this latest loss.

Asuka wanting to make IYO’s life a living hell would certainly turn up the intensity in their rivalry.

Showing more of a sadistic side of her persona, Asuka might be hellbent on taking out IYO and proving her dominance as her senpai.

5. Entering the Queen of the Ring tournament

In 2025, Asuka made her return to WWE by being a participant in the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Fighting through every competitor in front of her, “The Empress of Tomorrow” was able to make it all the way to the Queen of the Ring Finals.

Despite having more experience than her opponent, Asuka came up short in the finals against Jade Cargill at WWE Night of Champions 2025.

Wanting to finally earn the crown and a shot at the WWE Women’s World Championship, Asuka could return to once again enter the Queen of the Ring tournament this year.

4. First time ever match with Stephanie Vaquer

Asuka has been a mainstay of the WWE women’s division for the better part of over a decade.

Whether it be in NXT or the main roster, Asuka has faced a who’s who of competitors inside the squared circle.

One WWE star who has never had the honor of squaring off with Asuka one-on-one is Stephanie Vaquer.

In this battle of former WWE Women’s World Champions, Asuka and Vaquer could deliver something truly special inside the ring.

3. Rekindling rivalry with Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship

One of Asuka’s longest standing rivals in the WWE is Becky Lynch, who has battled her for championship for several years now.

If Asuka returns in the near future, she might find “The Man” once again holding some gold that is in her sights.

“The Empress of Tomorrow” challenging Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship might be a great way to give her a prominent role on Monday Night Raw once again.

Rekindling their rivalry, Asuka might just be the toughest test of Becky’s reign and might have what it takes to end the run once and for all.

2. Moving to SmackDown to face Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship

Upon her current hiatus, Asuka was part of the Monday Night Raw roster, but that could change when she does return.

While she had plenty of ties to Raw just a few months ago, the end of her rivalry with IYO SKY and the recent departure of Kairi Sane might mean that she is ready to head back to SmackDown.

On the blue brand, Asuka could go directly for the top of the food chain against someone she is very familiar with.

If this proves to be her last run, Asuka could try to finally defeat Rhea Ripley and become WWE Women’s Champion one more time in her career.

1. Challenge Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One, Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer to win the WWE Women’s World Championship.

Since this victory, Morgan has found herself without a ton of challengers coming her way on Monday Night Raw.

Needing someone to give her a test as champion, Liv might need to look any further than Asuka.

Often regarded as one of the best strikers and in-ring performers in the company, Asuka would make for a perfect challenger for Morgan in her first major WWE Women’s World Championship match.