Asuka Reportedly ‘Semi-Retired’ Following WWE Backlash 2026

Published: 2 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: 1 hour ago by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

Asuka Reportedly ‘Semi-Retired’ Following WWE Backlash 2026

An update has emerged on WWE star Asuka’s in-ring status following Backlash, amid speculation about her potential retirement.

Asuka and IYO SKY finally met in singles action at the May 10 premium live event, ending a storyline which was months – arguably years – in the making.

Between Asuka thanking the crowd after the match, sharing an Instagram story post with the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and numerous stars sharing tributes on social media, there have been rumors swirling about the Empress potentially finishing up with WWE or stepping away with wrestling.

With these rumors so prevalent that Big E even acknowledged them on the Backlash post-show, a new report has provided an update on Asuka’s status and future.

Dave Meltzer reports that he was told that Asuka is now “semi-retired.”

With the exact details surrounding Asuka’s schedule currently unclear, Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that people were saying goodbye to her backstage at Backlash.

IYO SKY has shared a thank-you message for Asuka following their match, which you can read more about right here.

Asuka is one of the most decorated women’s wrestlers in WWE history, having five reigns with singles women’s championships across Raw, SmackDown and NXT.

She is also a five-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, having three reigns with Kairi Sane, one with Charlotte Flair, and one with Alexa Bliss.

Asuka also won the inaugural women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, and won the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2020, which was revealed one day later to have the Raw Women’s Title in it, when Becky Lynch announced her pregnancy.

While it will be sad to see Asuka on our screens less, the Empress has definitely made her mark in WWE, and fans will continue to celebrate her impressive career.

We will continue to provide updates and news stories on Asuka as they become available.