Is Asuka leaving WWE? Speculation grows after loss at Backlash 2026
(Courtesy : WWE/Netflix)
The Empress sparked retirement rumors with a recent post.
In the lead-up to her clash against Iyo Sky at Backlash 2026, Asuka posted an image on her IG handle, which sparked retirement rumors as well as her leaving WWE. The song in the post was the main reason behind the rumors.
The speculations are also linked to Kairi Sane’s recent departure. Sane was one-half of the Kabuki Warriors alongside the Empress of WWE.
The Empress used My Way by Frank Sinatra, leading many fans to believe she was leaving. Bayley also shared a photo with Asuka and Iyo from their Damage CTRL days, and despite no caption, many fans saw it as a farewell post.
Asuka suffers defeat against Iyo Sky at Backlash
As advertised, Asuka battled her former mentee, Iyo Sky, in a singles match in the co-main event of Backlash 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
The two former mentor and mentee tore the house down, delivering an incredible match, showcasing what they’re best known for. In the end, Sky managed to pin her Senpai and pick up the win in their second-ever clash in WWE.
However, after the match, in a rare moment, Asuka broke down in tears and shared an emotional moment with Sky. The two even embraced, something which we rarely see a heel doing until it’s a turn or retirement.
The moment has since gone viral with many speculating if it was a farewell for the star who is regarded as the greatest women’s professional wrestler of all time.
Even Bayley lauded the two legends, tweeting out after the match, “No matter what, where, or when…Iyo Sky and Asuka are two of the rarest wrestlers in the entire world.”
Asuka’s Backlash challenger, Iyo Sky, also reacted after the match, tweeting out the following in Japanese, “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 by Grok)
There is still no confirmation regarding her retirement, and for now, all of it remains speculation. That said, if this is truly the end for The Empress, we at Khel Now would like to thank her for the incredible memories, matches, and the legendary unbeaten streak of 914 days.
Latest update after Backlash
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Asuka may be “semi-retired,” with people backstage saying their goodbyes to her after her match against Iyo at Backlash last night.
The report added that it hasn’t been confirmed whether this means she’s heading back to Japan or if she plans to continue wrestling in WWE in a limited role, but the backstage belief is that she is entering a semi-retired phase.
“The story I heard is that she is semi-retired, I haven’t really gotten an exact meaning of what semi-retired means, but I guess, people were wishing her goodbye and things like that backstage.
I don’t know if that means she’s going to Japan and still wrestle. I don’t know if that means she’ll do stuff here and there, but I was told semi-retired.”
Did Asuka retire at Backlash 2026?
No, she did not retire at the PLE, but in a rare moment broke down in tears and hugged Iyo despite her being a heel. This rare moment of embrace for a heel character usually signals a retirement, but this is not confirmed and is only speculation.
Which match kicked off the show?
Seth Rollins vs Bron Breakker kicked off the PLE in Tampa, and Breakker picked up the win.
What is the next PLE after Backlash 2026?
Clash in Italy is the next PLE after Backlash and is set for Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.
Who was Danhuasen’s mystery partner?
The mystery partner turned out to be a clone of him, a Minihausen.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.