Asuka

Biography

Born Kanako Urai on September 26, 1981, Asuka is a Japanese professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. She is best known for her time in WWE, where she gained recognition as one of the most dominant female performers.

Career History

Asuka started her career in 2004 in Japan under the ring name Kana. She competed in various promotions, establishing herself as a standout performer. In 2015, Asuka signed with WWE and was introduced as the company’s developmental brand, NXT’s newest signee.
In NXT, she quickly became a dominant force, having the longest undefeated streak in WWE history and becoming the NXT Women’s Champion. In 2017, Asuka was promoted to WWE’s main roster, where she continued to find success, becoming both the SmackDown and Raw Women’s Champion.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Asuka has had several significant matches and rivalries in WWE. Her rivalry with Ember Moon in NXT led to a pair of highly acclaimed matches at NXT TakeOver: Orlando and Brooklyn III. On the main roster, her rivalry with Charlotte Flair, which culminated in a match at WrestleMania 34, is particularly noteworthy.
Asuka’s match with Becky Lynch at the 2019 Royal Rumble, where she successfully defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship, is often considered one of her best WWE matches.

Titles Won

Asuka has won several championships during her time in WWE:
• WWE Raw Women’s Championship (2 times)
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship (1 time)
• NXT Women’s Championship (1 time)
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (2 times, with Kairi Sane and Charlotte Flair)
She is also the winner of the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble in 2018.

Finishing Move

Asuka’s finishing move is the “Asuka Lock,” a cross-face chicken-wing with body scissors. She also frequently uses a striking combination that ends with a roundhouse kick, showcasing her stiff, strong style.

Attire and Entrance Music

Asuka is known for her vibrant and colorful ring gear, often including masks, which are a nod to her Japanese heritage. Her entrance theme, “The Future,” enhances her energetic and captivating presence.

Family Life

Asuka is very private about her personal life. Before her wrestling career, she had a successful career in graphic design and owned a hair salon.

Sponsorships

Asuka, like many WWE Superstars, has been featured in WWE’s video games, such as the WWE 2K series. WWE also sells a variety of Asuka-themed merchandise, from t-shirts to replica masks.

Conclusion

Asuka’s career is a testament to her in-ring ability and charismatic presence. From her time on the independent circuit in Japan to her dominant run in WWE, she has consistently proven herself to be one of the top performers in women’s professional wrestling. Her vibrant character and hard-hitting style make her a standout performer and a fan favorite.