# @wrestlingnewsco on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXXTMXAFEJ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65462693-wrestlingnewsco-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ac21704159.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-15T15:54:17.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Wrestling News - WWE, AEW (@wrestlingnewsco) — https://gondola.cc/wrestlingnewsco

## Caption

WWE described Asuka as "semi-retiring" to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter when contacted for an update, with the report noting she is returning to Japan for family business.

Per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: "When we contacted those in WWE, they described Asuka as semi-retiring. She is going back to Japan for now to take care of family related business. Nothing else is clear as far as if she should come back or if she does, will her role be different."

Asuka remains under WWE contract. She signed a long-term contract extension in the summer of 2024, with most deals signed during that period running five years. A WWE higher-up described her as "always reliable, no matter what was thrown her way." No one inside WWE is believed to think the Backlash match was her final appearance.

The situation is tied to an undisclosed family matter in Japan and is unrelated to the post-WrestleMania 42 release wave or the separate reports of WWE talent being asked to take pay cuts.
The speculation began at Backlash in Tampa, where Asuka and Iyo Sky embraced in tears after their match, with Asuka waving goodbye to the crowd. Asuka told Sky "See you later" backstage at Raw before leaving the building.

Iyo Sky's tribute: "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."

#Asuka #WWE #IyoSky #ProWrestling #Wrestling

## Stats

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## Tags

iyosky, prowrestling, wrestling, wwe, asuka

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