Summary

Big E addressed the uncertainty around Asuka's WWE future after her emotional appearance at Backlash 2026, saying she would be "dearly missed" if the match ended up being her goodbye.

Asuka lost to IYO SKY earlier in the night, then hugged her opponent, raised her hand, and waved to the crowd on the way out. That scene added another layer to what was already a notable result, especially after IYO SKY and Asuka pushed each other to the limit at WWE Backlash 2026.

Earlier in the day, speculation about Asuka's future had already started to build after a social media post from her drew attention.

Quote from Big E

"If this is goodbye, I know she will be dearly missed. She has been a pioneer. She has done just truly incredible things in the ring before she even got to WWE, but has further staked her claim as an all-time great here in WWE.

I don't know what this means but shout out to Iyo Sky for another incredible performance. Uh, she's someone I expect to be in that world title picture again very soon."

The Backlash moment around Asuka

The match result itself was clear, IYO SKY got the win, but the bigger talking point afterward was Asuka's demeanor once it was over. The embrace with IYO and the wave to the crowd made the post-match scene feel more significant than a routine loss.

That is why Big E's reaction stood out on the post-show. He did not present anything as confirmed, but he openly framed the possibility that WWE fans may have just seen a farewell moment for one of the most accomplished women of her generation.

What Asuka's status could mean for WWE

If Asuka is stepping away, WWE loses a veteran presence who still matters near the top of the women's division, and that would naturally shift even more focus onto names like IYO SKY in the months ahead. Big E's comment also reinforced that IYO's win was not just another result, it was the kind of performance that can keep her close to the world title picture after Backlash.

Nothing has been confirmed, so the emotional ending may prove to be just that, an emotional ending to one match. Still, WWE clearly left fans with a moment that invited bigger questions about what comes next for Asuka.

Sources

As reported by NoDQ