Asuka Contract Sparks Time-Off Talk and Backstage Frustration in WWE

Following an emotional Backlash moment, Asuka reportedly signed a long-term WWE contract but is planned to take time off; this hiatus is said to be unrelated to recent cuts, with a May 11 Raw appearance in Knoxville on the horizon. Inside the locker room, many believe she hasn’t wrestled her final match, and there are whispers of semi-retirement, while frustration over Kairi Sane’s release is noted. It’s unclear whether Asuka’s goodbye wave was literal or if she’ll head to Japan for family matters.