Asuka's WWE Return Still Not "Imminent" Despite Creative Plans Being Drawn Up

Despite early creative discussions, Asuka’s return to WWE is still not expected anytime soon.

This is per Fightful Select, who noted that WWE was aware shortly after her injury that Asuka was likely to miss the remainder of 2024, including WrestleMania 41 in 2025. They added that their sources indicated that Asuka was never seriously considered due to the severity of her injury. There has been no confirmation of the exact nature of the injury, but the long-term recovery timeline suggests it's a significant setback.

It was also added that WWE’s creative team has already floated ideas for her eventual return, even though there's no clear timetable. Discussions reportedly began as early as the start of 2024, which some within the company found premature given that a return in time for WrestleMania was never realistic. The report specified that "creative ideas for her eventual return were discussed in recent months, but that it wasn't “imminent."

The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion has been out of action since early May 2024. Her last televised appearance came when she and Kairi Sane dropped the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, marking the end of her latest run with Damage CTRL. 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' one of the most decorated, beloved and respected performers on the roster, resulting fans eager to see her back in action. Damage CRTL are no longer an entity thanks to the long absence for Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky babyface turn, as well as Dakota Kai's release from the company last month.

Until there’s a medical clearance or a concrete return date, Asuka’s future in WWE programming remains uncertain - though clearly, both internally and externally, it's not being neglected.