In 2024, the wrestling world is hotter than a summer BBQ, with more flips, dives, and cross-promotional shenanigans than your favorite reality show. The free agency market? Packed tighter than a sardine can. With big names doing the wrestling equivalent of musical chairs—Kazuchika Okada high-tailing it from New Japan to AEW, Ricochet cartwheeling out of WWE into AEW’s arms, and Ethan Page shaking hands with WWE—the ring has seen more action outside the ropes than in it. Not to mention, whispers suggest Bobby Lashley and the Lucha Brothers might be contemplating a little hop, skip, and jump themselves.
But hold the phones, folks! Because one name that’s sticking around like gum on a hot sidewalk is none other than Asuka. Yes, you heard it right—THE Empress of Tomorrow has reportedly inked a “long-term contract” with WWE, according to our pals over at PWInsider Elite. The details? Well, they’re more secretive than the Colonel’s blend of 11 herbs and spices. But what we do know is this: Asuka’s dance with WWE is far from over. With over a decade of slaying it in the ring since she first signed on the dotted line back in August 2015, this new deal means she’s here to stay, folks.
Let’s talk stats—because what’s a wrestling article without them? Asuka’s run in WWE has been a showcase of pure awesomeness. We’re talking five Women’s Championship reigns, a Royal Rumble victory in 2018, and a 2020 Money in the Bank win that was more epic than a telenovela twist. Oh, and let’s not forget those four Women’s Tag Team Championships, with her most recent reign alongside Kabuki Warriors buddy and Damage CTRL teammate Kairi Sane. They grabbed the belts in January and held on until May when they finally lost to the power duo of Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or in this case, the Empress on the sidelines. Asuka might be inking deals, but she’s currently MIA, thanks to a knee injury that had her hobbling like a bad TikTok dance back in March. She tried to push through—because that’s what legends do—but the injury won, forcing her to bow out of the Queen of the Ring tournament. After a bit of June surgery (hey, it happens to the best of us), there’s no official word on when she’ll be back flipping and kicking her way into our hearts.
But one thing’s for sure: Asuka isn’t going anywhere. And with that shiny new contract, WWE fans can rest easy knowing the Empress of Tomorrow has plenty more tomorrows in the ring. Now, if only we could find out how many zeros are on that contract…