Asuka Heads to Raw Amid Planned Time Off and Ongoing WWE Buzz

Fightful Select reports Asuka is set for WWE Raw in Knoxville but will take planned time off, not connected to recent cuts. There were unconfirmed rumors she might return to Japan for a family matter, though sources say she’s backstage in Knoxville and expected to remain with WWE. She signed a long-term WWE contract in 2024, and while backstage and creative teams expressed uncertainty earlier, most indications suggest Asuka will continue with WWE beyond Backlash, though questions about whether her Backlash match was her final linger.