Disappointing backstage update on Asuka's WWE return timeline

Asuka has been out since May 2024

WWE fans have been looking out for the long-awaited return of Asuka, who has been absent from television since early May 2024. The former Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Women’s Champion has been recovering from a knee injury that sidelined her just before WWE’s European tour in the lead-up to Backlash: France.

Asuka’s last in-ring appearance came on the May 3, 2024, episode of SmackDown, where she competed in a six-woman tag team match alongside Damage CTRL stablemates Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai against the trio of Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Jade Cargill.

Days later, WWE confirmed that she would be pulled from action due to a legitimate knee issue that required surgery. The injury forced her out of the company’s post-Backlash storylines and halted her momentum as a key part of the women’s division.

Since then, “The Empress of Tomorrow” has been undergoing rehabilitation following surgery. Updates on her status have been scarce, but fans were recently given a bit more clarity thanks to insider account WrestleVotes. During a Q&A session, when asked about Asuka’s potential return window, WrestleVotes offered the following response:

They’re hopeful by the end of the year. They wanted her for WrestleMania; it didn’t work, obviously, since she’s not cleared at the moment. So, they’re hopeful.”

This confirms that WWE had intentions of using Asuka for WrestleMania 41, likely in a high-profile women’s match or tag team bout. Unfortunately, her recovery didn’t progress fast enough for her to be cleared in time. However, the new timeline suggests optimism within the company that she could return to action before the end of 2025.

Asuka’s absence has been heavily felt by the WWE Universe. Known for her unmatched charisma, stiff in-ring style, and decorated resume, the Japanese superstar brings energy and legitimacy to every segment she appears in.

Her potential return later this year could significantly shake up the women’s division, especially as storylines build toward Survivor Series and eventually the Royal Rumble in early 2026.

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