WWE Rumors: Asuka Set For Long-Awaited Return At Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is only just a few days away and rumors are floating around that former Raw women’s champion Asuka is set to make her grand return to WWE programming at the event.

Ringside News, citing a report from Fightful Select, disclosed that personnel within the company have been talking about the Japanese superstar’s return.

“There are several talents within WWE that are of the belief Asuka will make her return at the WWE Royal Rumble, though Fightful has been unable to confirm that. We can confirm, however, that her name was at least discussed internally as a potential Royal Rumble entrant,” the report stated.

The 40-year-old from Osaka, Japan was last seen competing at the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match back in July 2021 and has been left on the sidelines since then.

It was reported in August of that year that Asuka was present behind the scenes at Raw tapings, but the WWE’s creative team had nothing for her at the time.

However, the common thinking among fans is that Asuka had been working through an injury for the better part of the past year as she was the most recognizable face on the roster during WWE’s Thunderdome era at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Her absence from WWE programming might be a good thing for her career as the organization focused on creating future stars in the women’s division, mainly Bianca Belair.

Asuka has been enjoying her downtime by posting memes on her social media pages while posting videos on her YouTube channel, KanaChanTV.

Most of the rumors surrounding the Royal Rumble event are geared towards the women’s match as WWE tends to be more careful about having leaks in the men’s match.

The return of Ronda Rousey was also reported recently, but the likelihood of her returning to the pro wrestling business is at a minimum due to her lingering back injury and disdain for the industry’s travel-heavy schedule.

There are a few women confirmed to be making their return at the event such as Lita, the Bella Twins and reigning Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Mickie James.

As the calendar draws closer to January 29th, more rumors regarding surprise appearances are expected to leak from multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.