Published: May 10, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: May 10, 2026 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.
WWE
WWE star IYO SKY has sent a message to Asuka following their match at Backlash, with rumors swirling about Asuka’s potential retirement or departure.
The two Japanese stars finally met in singles action at the May 9 WWE Premium Live Event to conclude their long-term storyline.
With IYO SKY ultimately victorious, the duo shared an emotional moment in the ring after the match, with Asuka hugging SKY and thanking the fans.
SKY has now taken to Twitter to share a message for Asuka, amid speculation about her future.
IYO SKY wrote:
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❣️
(Translated from Japanese)
SKY also tagged Kairi Sane in the post, who was a key individual in their storyline ahead of her exit in the latest round of WWE cuts.
There had been a lot of speculation about Asuka potentially bidding WWE farewell following the match, especially following recent social media posts.
Ahead of the match, The Empress shared a pensive photo of herself to her Instagram story with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” in the background, with lyrics reminiscing on doing things their own way ahead of facing “the final curtain”.
A number of WWE stars have posted tributes to Asuka since the match, although Charlotte Flair responded “just a fan” when asked what hers meant.
Big E also questioned whether Asuka is finished with WWE during the official Backlash post-show.
In a new update, Dave Meltzer has reported that he was told Asuka is now “semi-retired.”
The Japanese star will be able to look back fondly, having held numerous championships across Raw, SmackDown and NXT, being victorious in the 2020 Money in the Bank match, and winning the inaugural women’s Royal Rumble match in 2017.
We will continue to provide updates on Asuka’s WWE status as they become available.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Trending
- Vince McMahon, Janel Grant & WWE Agree To Move Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Into Private Arbitration
- Report: CM Punk To Join SmackDown Upon WWE Return
- WWE Evolve Men’s Champion Aaron Rourke Removed From Limitless Wrestling Event Due To ‘Contractual Obligation’
- Ricky Saints Opens Up On Being One Of Few Men To Defeat Oba Femi In WWE: ‘I Already Know That’s Going To Come Back Into Play Down The Line’
- AEW’s Kota Ibushi Has Not Given Up On In-Ring Return But It Likely Won’t Be Any Time Soon, Has Worries That His Balance, Lateral Movement, Change Of Direction ‘Might Not Come Back’
- Rey Mysterio Recalls Almost Retiring From WWE Prior To Dominik Mysterio Starting Training: ‘I Think I’m Gonna Tap Out, I Just Don’t Feel It Anymore’
- John Cena Addresses Plans For WWE John Cena Classic: ‘We’ve Got To Figure Out The Fan Vote, I Do Not Want It Hijacked’
- WWE Hall Of Famer Teddy Long Details The Origins Of His Famous Dance Move, First Did It For His Grandson
- ‘You Have To Connect With The Audience, If Not You’re Just A Couple Of Guys Out There Doing High Spots’ – AEW Star Chris Jericho Shares Advice For Young Wrestlers
- The Rock Shares Honest Thoughts On Missing Oscar Nomination For The Smashing Machine Performance: ‘I Wish It Happened, But It Didn’t’
mailing list