Report: Asuka Returning To WWE Imminently, Major Feud Planned

Absent since July 2021, Asuka may be back on WWE TV sooner than you think...

Asuka WWE
WWE

One of WWE's most missed wrestlers could be back on television as soon as tonight.

Fightful Select notes that the promotion has discussed "imminent" plans to bring Asuka back to television, with the Japanese star potentially coming back to television for tonight's episode of Raw. This was the case as of the weekend, with a program with recent Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch possibly on the cards, at least in the short term.

Again, the report stresses that nothing is ever certain in WWE, given the erratic nature of the company's writing and planning processes, though it sounds like there's a good chance Asuka's nine-month WWE absence is coming to an end.

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Several pitches for the former Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Women's Champion have been made in recent months. This began with inquiries concerning potential participation in January's women's Royal Rumble, though the Japanese star wasn't deemed ring ready. The following month, Fightful were informed that WWE anticipated a spring comeback for Asuka.

The Japanese star last competed at WWE Money in the Bank 2021 in July, which was the promotion's first show with a full live crowd since the COVID-19 pandemic's onset in March 2020. As well as undergoing a dental procedure after losing at least one tooth in the ring in February, Asuka underwent shoulder surgery during her time off.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.