Potential rumor killer on whether Asuka has been silently released by WWE - Reports
The dark clouds have been hovering over the future of Asuka amid her WWE absence. An update on her status with the Stamford-based promotion has come to the fore.
The Empress of Tomorrow has been sidelined with a knee injury since May. The Japanese star last wrestled at the Backlash Premium Live Event in France, where the Kabuki Warriors lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship to Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
Shortly after her title loss, the 42-year-old wrestler was announced to compete in the Queen of the Ring this year. But WWE pulled her out of the tournament, citing a knee injury that required surgery.
Amidst her absence, the Japanese star was reportedly listed in the miscellaneous section, while Damage CTRL members were listed as babyfaces on the internal roster. This had led to some confusion among her fans, who thought WWE had let go of the Empress of Tomorrow.
Contrary to the online speculation, PWN has confirmed that Asuka has not been silently released by WWE.
WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax heaps praise on Asuka
The reigning WWE Women's Champion, Nia Jax, has had some memorable matches with Asuka in the past. Despite being each other's biggest rivals, The Irresistible Force showered praise on The Empress of Tomorrow for working through injury earlier this year.
Taking to her official X (Twitter) handle, Jax called the fellow Japanese wrestler "one of the toughest humans" she ever met:
"True story. One of the toughest humans I have ever met. Love @WWEAsuka for doing everything and working through all her pain with a smile on her face and never ever complaining. Also, has been working live events and TV every single week in pain. Traveling the world with brutal flights and bus rides, and gave 1000 percent every night for the fans! @WWEAsuka is the best!!!"
Though there's no official word on how long Damage CTRL member will be out of action, she recently teased her return by posting a picture of Nia Jax with a caption saying, "I am a Champion."
Is she planning to go after The Irresistible Force and her title upon her return? Only time will tell.