10 WWE Stars Who Have Gone AWOL
2. Asuka
Asuka is another who's expected to play a major part in the upcoming Royal Rumble. Nothing is 100% nailed on, though - WWE might not want to split the spotlight between comebacks like her one and attention on other major stars like Lita or Charlotte Flair. That could keep Asuka on the shelf for the time being.
The women's division is worse without her.
Last September, Asuka posted pics of herself sporting an arm brace. That confirmed that she'd had some surgery, and she probs also needed dental work done too after a nasty botch involving Shayna Baszler in February. Plus, some time off was likely on the cards for a woman who'd been the glue holding Raw's women together throughout the pandemic.
Asuka's latest match came at Money In The Bank 2021 last summer; if she doesn't launch a popular return at the Rumble (the pop would be insane), then christ knows when fans will see her again. That comeback can't come soon enough.