Asuka is an integral part of WWE’s star-studded women’s division. The 41-year-old is one of the most experienced professional wrestlers in the world and has achieved tremendous success across the globe. She has already cultivated a Hall of Fame-worthy WWE career by winning almost all the coveted prizes in the Stamford-based promotion.
Asuka is the second woman in the WWE to become a Women’s Grand Slam Champion. The veteran star also won the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in 2018 and 2020 respectively. She is also the longest reigning NXT women’s champion holding the title for 522 days.
While fans are aware of Asuka’s incredible in-ring career, less is known about her personal life. Asuka whose real name is Kanako Urai was born in Osaka, Japan. She is a graduate of the Osaka University of Arts Junior College. Becky Lynch during an old interview revealed that Asuka is a working mom but details about her family are unknown to the public. She is also a Japanese/Christian according to reports.
How did Asuka get into WWE?
Asuka grabbed the attention of pro wrestling juggernauts, the WWE after her successful stint in various Japanese promotions. Her first WWE appearance was in August 2015. She was spotted sitting in the front row during NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. A month after the appearance, WWE officially confirmed that they had agreed on a deal to bring Asuka to their roster.
The Japanese superstar had an unstoppable run in NXT as she went on an undefeated streak and became the longest-reigning NXT women’s champion. She then got her main roster call-up in September 2017. On the main roster, Asuka won the Raw Women’s Championship twice and the Smackdown Women’s Championship once. She also won the Women’s Tag Team Championships thrice with three different partners.
Asuka went through a character change after her return to Royal Rumble 2023. ‘The Empress of Tomorrow’ debuted a new look during the match. Her new gimmick is very similar to the ‘Kana’ character that she played during her days in Japan.
【 #レッスルマニア 】まで8️⃣日
— WWE日本語公式 (@WWEJapan) March 25, 2023
ロウ女子王座戦🏆
ビアンカ･べレア 🆚 アスカ
EC戦を制した“女帝”アスカが大一番‼️
“祭典”WMで王者ビアンカに挑む🔥
日本時間4/2（日）･3（月）午前9時 #WWEネットワーク で配信#WWE #WrestleMania #wwe_jp @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/WYeTi992wT
Asuka is now set to face Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 39 for the Raw Women’s Championship. The bout is definitely a match of the night contender for the show. It’ll be interesting to see if Asuka can do the unthinkable and dethrone Belair at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
