Asuka Discusses ‘Really Tough’ Recovery After Year Long WWE Absence

WWE

Asuka has discussed what she calls a ‘really tough’ recovery from injury after returning to WWE television after over a year away.

After over a year away, Asuka competed in her first WWE match since May 2024 on last week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, when she defeated Stephanie Vaquer, Ivy Nile and Raquel Rodriguez in a Queen of the Ring first round match.

Asuka would then also go on to defeat Alexa Bliss on SmackDown last Friday, earning her a spot in the Queen of the Ring final at Night of Champions this Saturday.

Following her return, Asuka posted a video to her KanaChanTV YouTube channel, where she discussed her recovery from injury, noting that it was ‘really tough’.

She said:

“Hey… welcome to KanaChanTV, and so, we’ve been filming a video in a hurry. This is just a quick video, and I really want to say this: I’m back! I finally made my return to the ring. So, thank you so much for all your support, your kind messages, and your love. It means more than I can say. It really was a great help to me. I can’t even put it into words. Thank you so much for all your messages and support.

“Being away for almost a year, it wasn’t easy. This was by no means easy. It was really hard. Well, I’d been away from the ring for almost a year, and it really wasn’t easy, and to be honest, there was some tough days, but I managed to get through it… But your voice kept me going, really. Well, everyone’s voices were there, so yeah… I guess you could say it never stopped. I guess the point is that I didn’t stop.

“Now, I’m here again! My match was always intense. Physically and mentally, it has been pushed to the limit. I really do feel like I was on the edge, both mentally and physically. I was able to win the comeback. I would like to talk about this, but this is just the beginning…”

Asuka will face the winner of tonight’s Queen of the Ring semi-final between Jade Cargill and Roxanne Perez at Night of Champions.

transcription via Fightful

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