ASUKA’S INJURY CONFIRMED

On Raw this Monday, Dakota Kai announced that Asuka was injured and competed in her place, in the match against Lyra Valkyria from Queen of the Ring. After the announcement, it was speculated that the "Empress of Tomorrow" might not be injured and that WWE simply didn't want her to lose against the Irishwoman.

However, Fightful's Corey Brennan pointed out that despite all the speculation, Asuka's injury is legitimate. The journalist was unable to determine what injury the Japanese fighter suffered, but it must have happened during the fight for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at Backlash last Saturday.

Although there was no further information, Nia Jax responded to a fan who addressed the fact that Asuka fought injured, barely able to walk, and praised the "Empress of Tomorrow's" work ethic.

"Irresistible Force" also claims that Asuka has struggled with pain at live events in recent weeks, so the injury may predate Backlash.