WWE fans may not have to wait much longer to see Asuka back inside the ring.

The former four-time World Champion has been away from WWE since shortly after WrestleMania 42, leading to questions about when — or even if — she would return. However, a recent social media post has sparked plenty of speculation that The Empress of Tomorrow could be preparing for her comeback.

Asuka has occasionally shared glimpses of her life away from WWE on Twitter, but her latest post immediately stood out. The Japanese Superstar uploaded a photo of herself wearing wrestling gear with her entire face painted in the distinctive style she has used during her matches.

There was no caption accompanying the image, but the picture alone was enough to get fans talking about a potential return.

Asuka’s most recent WWE match came at Backlash 2026 on May 9, where she faced IYO SKY. Their rivalry had been fueled by tension and resentment, but the two former Damage CTRL teammates appeared to put their issues aside following the match, embracing after SKY defeated her.

The following night on RAW, Asuka and SKY crossed paths backstage. Asuka told her former ally that it was time for SKY to take her place, adding that she would be away for a while. That appearance marked Asuka’s final WWE programming appearance to date.

Asuka later addressed speculation that she had left WWE altogether, explaining that she had returned to Japan for personal reasons and had not quit the company.

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