Following Asuka's loss to IYO SKY at the Backlash Premium Live Event, Nikki Cross, a longtime rival, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, highlighting their history in wrestling since 2013. Cross expressed her admiration for Asuka, calling her one of her greatest rivals and a magical performer. Despite speculation about Asuka's retirement, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported her as 'semi-retired.' However, insiders clarified that Asuka is out indefinitely for personal reasons and not retired. She is expected to return to Japan for family matters, leaving fans eager for her comeback to the ring.