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Entertainment • Wrestling

Asuka

Asuka is the ring name of Kanako Urai, a Japanese professional wrestler best known for her career in WWE.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Asuka is the ring name of Kanako Urai, a Japanese professional wrestler best known for her career in WWE. She has won multiple championships in WWE, including the NXT Women's Championship, Raw Women's Championship, SmackDown Women's Championship, and WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. She is also known as “The Empress of Tomorrow” and for her long undefeated streak in WWE developmental competition.

Early life and background

Kanako Urai was born in Osaka, Japan, on September 26, 1981. Before signing with WWE, she wrestled under the name Kana in Japan and built her reputation on the Japanese independent and women's wrestling scene.

WWE career

Asuka joined WWE's NXT brand in 2015 and quickly became one of its most dominant performers. She later moved to WWE's main roster, where she won major championships and several high-profile matches.

Championship accomplishments

Asuka has won the NXT Women's Championship, the Raw Women's Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship, and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. WWE also lists her among its Grand Slam Champions.

Wrestling style and persona

Asuka is known for her striking-based wrestling style and her submission hold, the Asuka Lock. Her presentation in WWE has emphasized her character as “The Empress of Tomorrow.”

Key facts

  • Asuka is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to WWE.
  • She adopted the ring name Asuka when she joined WWE's developmental brand NXT in 2015.
  • She won the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble match in 2018.
  • She has held the NXT, Raw, and SmackDown Women's Championships.
  • She has also held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship multiple times.
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Canadian context

Asuka is a major figure in WWE programming and international professional wrestling, which has a large audience in Canada through televised events, live tours, and pay-per-view broadcasts.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Asuka in wrestling?
Asuka is the WWE ring name of Kanako Urai, a Japanese professional wrestler from Osaka.
What is Asuka's real name?
Her real name is Kanako Urai.
What championships has Asuka won in WWE?
She has held the NXT Women's Championship, Raw Women's Championship, SmackDown Women's Championship, and WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
What is Asuka's signature move?
Her signature submission move is the Asuka Lock.
What is Asuka known for in WWE history?
She is known for winning the first Women's Royal Rumble match and for her dominant run in NXT.

References

  1. WWE — https://www.wwe.com/superstars/asuka
    Supports: Birthplace, height, signature move, championships, and WWE career highlights
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asuka_(wrestler)
    Supports: Ring name, joining NXT in 2015, and general biographical background
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/20914188/wwe-profile-page-asuka
    Supports: Date of birth, billed height, billed from, WWE debut, and title history