Asuka’s WWE Return Not Expected To Happen This Year

Asuka is taking some time off after an injury that needed surgery. As WWE fans hope to see her back soon, it doesn’t appear that she will be making that return this year.

At WWE Backlash in Lyon, France, The Kabuki Warriors lost the Women’s Tag Team Championships to Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Later in the event, several first-round matches for the Queen of the Ring tournament were announced, including a match between Asuka and recent NXT call-up Lyra Valkyria. However, on the May 6th episode of Raw, Dakota Kai announced that Asuka would not compete in the tournament due to injury and that she would be taking Asuka’s place. Kai then lost to Valkyria in the opening round.

In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Asuka provided an update on her condition, explaining she needed time off to treat a lingering knee injury. She mentioned that the European tour had taken a toll on her knee, which had been hurting for a while, and she appreciated the assistance from her partners during this challenging period.

Asuka would reveal that she underwent knee surgery, which appears to be an issue that didn’t go away, as she was seen limping a few months prior. Sean Ross Sapp spoke about Asuka during a Q&A on Fightful Select, where he said that she isn’t expected back this year.

“Not expected back by the end of the year, according to people in WWE but anything can happen. Don’t know the type of surgery yet.”

Asuka is a former Women’s Champion and a veteran, respected all over the business. She still has some time left on her WWE deal, and this time off may freeze that contract as well. Only time will tell how long it takes for her to make a return, but she’s not going to rush things.

What’s your take on Asuka taking time off? Do you miss her when she’s not around? Let us know what you think in the comments section!