Published: 6 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: 6 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW’s Swerve Strickland and WWE’s Nick Aldis.
WWE
An update has emerged on Asuka’s WWE status, ahead of this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Following a number of clues that Asuka could be finishing up with WWE, a previous report stated that Asuka is now “semi-retired”, and people were saying their goodbyes to her backstage at Backlash.
Amid uncertainty about her in-ring future, a new report has provided more details on what’s next for the Empress.
Per PWInsider Elite, several sources have told them that the belief is that she will remain aligned with WWE.
PWInsider confirmed that Asuka is in Knoxville, Tennessee ahead of tonight’s (May 11) edition of Monday Night Raw, which will emanate from the Food City Center.
The report noted that the story making arounds within WWE was that Asuka was set to return to Japan for an “extended period” to handle a family matter, however PWInsider was unable to confirm this.
Asuka being in Knoxville doesn’t guarantee that she will appear on WWE Raw, with PWInsider describing her status as “ready to appear if WWE creative dictates.” While her being in the city seems to point to a potential appearance, PWInsider hasn’t confirmed whether there are currently plans for her on the show.
Asuka lost to IYO SKY at Backlash in a match with months of WWE TV build, which was arguably also years in the making.
A number of WWE stars have shared tributes to Asuka since Saturday, including IYO SKY who shared a thank you message.
We will continue to provide updates on Asuka’s status as they become available. For the latest WWE updates and news stories ahead of Raw, click here.
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