The Empress of Tomorrow has officially made her mark once again. After months on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery, Asuka stormed back into WWE action on Monday Night Raw, proving that ring rust was the least of her concerns as she dominated a competitive four-way match to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
The Road Back From Injury
Asuka’s journey back to the squared circle began with adversity at WWE Backlash in France. That event marked her final appearance before going under the knife, where she and Kairi Sane dropped their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to the powerhouse duo of Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
The former NXT Women’s Champion underwent surgical procedures in May 2024 to address lingering knee issues that had been plaguing her performance. Wrestling fans know that knee injuries can be career-altering, making tonight’s return all the more significant for the Japanese superstar.
Damage CTRL’s Evolution During Asuka’s Absence
While the Empress recovered, the wrestling landscape shifted around her former stable. Damage CTRL officially disbanded during her rehabilitation period, leaving questions about future alliances and rivalries.
However, Kairi Sane and IYO SKY have maintained a working relationship following Sane’s own return from injury. This loose partnership suggests that while the formal faction dissolved, the bonds between these Japanese wrestlers remain intact.
A Nostalgic Return With Classic Entrance Music
Sharp-eyed wrestling enthusiasts noticed something special about Asuka’s comeback presentation. Instead of her recent entrance theme “You Can’t Hide” by def rebel, she walked to the ring accompanied by her original WWE music – “The Future” by CFO$.
This musical choice sent a clear message: Asuka was returning to her roots and ready to reclaim her position at the top of the women’s division. The nostalgic entrance theme added extra emotion to an already significant moment.
Quarter-Final Domination in Four-Way Action
The Queen of the Ring tournament’s opening round featured Asuka against three formidable opponents: Ivy Nile, Stephanie Vaquer, and Raquel Rodriguez. Each competitor brought unique strengths to this high-stakes encounter.
The match’s decisive moment came when Rhea Ripley made her presence felt at ringside. Mami’s interference directly impacted Raquel Rodriguez’s chances, creating the opening Asuka needed to secure the victory.
With surgical precision that matched her recent medical procedure, Asuka capitalized on the chaos to pin Rodriguez and punch her ticket to the tournament’s next phase.
What’s Next: Semi-Final Showdown Awaits
Asuka’s tournament path now leads to a semi-final clash against Alexa Bliss, setting up an intriguing stylistic matchup between two former champions. The other semi-final will pit Roxanne Perez against Jade Cargill, creating two compelling storylines heading toward the finals.
The tournament culminates at WWE Night of Champions on June 28, where the eventual winner earns something every wrestler dreams of – a world championship opportunity at SummerSlam. For Asuka, this represents a chance to transform her comeback story into championship gold.
The Empress Returns With Championship Aspirations
Tonight’s victory proves that Asuka’s time away from the ring only sharpened her competitive edge. Her successful return sends shockwaves through the women’s division and puts every champion on notice.
With her sights set on the Queen of the Ring crown and a potential SummerSlam title shot, Asuka appears ready to reclaim her throne in WWE’s women’s division. But can she overcome Alexa Bliss in the semi-finals, and will her knee hold up under the tournament’s grueling schedule?
