Asuka to Return to WWE After Year-Long Injury Absence

STAMFORD, Conn. — Asuka, known as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” will return to the WWE ring on June 16 after more than a year away due to a severe knee injury. The announcement was made during the June 9 episode of Monday Night RAW.

The 2024 Backlash event in France marked the last time Asuka competed in the ring, where she and her partner Kairi Sane lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship to the duo of Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Following the event, Asuka revealed the severity of her knee injury, which required surgery in June of the same year.

In a message to her fans on YouTube, Asuka explained, “After the Backlash of my European tour, I had to take a break to treat my knee that I had been hurting for a while. My partners Kairi and Dakota helped me a lot during this tour as I could not move at my best. I am very grateful to both of them.”

Asuka’s return is set for a high-stakes debut in the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament, where she will compete in a fatal four-way match against Stephanie Vaquer, Ivy Nile, and Raquel Rodriguez. This return adds significant star power to an already stacked tournament.

As a multi-time former world and tag team champion, Asuka is one of the most decorated women in WWE history, noted for her impressive undefeated streak that ended at WrestleMania 34 by Charlotte Flair. Her participation will strengthen the women’s division, especially with the upcoming all-women’s premium live event, Evolution, scheduled for July.

Asuka is well-respected among her peers and her experience is expected to benefit younger talent in WWE. Her imminent return is anticipated to bring excitement to fans and competitors alike.