While wrestling in Japan as Kana, Asuka retired in 2004 due to chronic nephritis, opening up a graphic arts studio before returning in 2007. She credited her mother for getting her to return.

Asuka was responding to a tweet from Flair, in which The Nature Boy reminisced over his stints with All Japan Pro Wrestling [AJPW] in the late 70s and 80s.

On Wednesday, “The Empress of Tomorrow” uploaded a nearly three-minute video to YouTube titled “This is My Story with IYO – ...

Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka and Hideo Itami could be leading a new era for Japanese wrestlers in the WWE and North America.

Asuka grapples with Japanese media & Stardom! Dive into the wrestling journalism battle royale as told by your favorite comrade, El Presidente!

Asuka, real name Kanako Urai, was born in Osaka, Japan. As “Kana,” she wrestled 11 years in the notoriously tough Japanese joshi puroresu ("women’s wrestling") scene.

Asuka – real name Kanako Urai – debuted in Japan in 2004 and used the “strong style” that typifies the more physical style of Japanese wrestling.

Asuka has two matches on the SummerSlam card, first challenging Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, then wrestling Sasha Banks for the Raw title.

Asuka returned from hiatus last month at the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble, debuting a much more sinister persona to WWE. The match saw her revive her demonic clown look from her days as Kana in ...