As previously reported, the 2026 WWE Backlash premium live event featured a singles match between WWE legend Asuka and IYO SKY. After the match, Asuka appeared to bid farewell as she hugged SKY and waved to the fans before leaving the ring. Reports indicate that Asuka is now considered "semi-retired." It has also been reported that she will be returning to Japan and will be "out indefinitely" to manage some personal issues at home.
Asuka is said to be stepping away from WWE for an extended period, following an emotional segment on WWE RAW that left fans questioning her future. Speculation intensified after RAW went off the air when Asuka shared a heartfelt backstage hug with SKY that felt like a farewell. During this segment, Asuka told SKY that she was happy she could "fill her spot," a remark that sparked even more discussion online after the show.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, sources within WWE described her "semi-retirement" as being connected to "family-related business" in Japan. The report noted that there is currently no confirmed timeline for Asuka's return or any indication of whether her role would remain the same. Though nobody explicitly called it a goodbye backstage, the impression was that it was indeed a farewell.
At this stage, WWE has not officially announced Asuka's retirement, release, or permanent departure. Reports also suggest that there is no clarity regarding the possibility of her returning in a reduced role or resuming a full-time schedule later on.
