5 reasons AEW should sign a WWE women’s champion after her possible ex
Asuka walked into WWE Backlash 2026 with questions hanging over her future. She walked out with even more.
Her hard-fought match against IYO SKY was emotional from the opening bell to the final exchange. When the two embraced afterward, it felt bigger than a simple show of respect. It felt like closure. That single moment has fueled serious discussion about whether this was the end of Asuka’s in-ring run in WWE.
The speculation has quickly shifted from farewell to possibility. If Asuka is indeed done with WWE, the next logical question is where she goes from here. For many fans and analysts, one name stands out: AEW. And if Tony Khan is paying attention, there are strong reasons to make that call.
A rare opportunity for AEW to land a global name
Asuka is not just another free agent. She is one of the most recognizable women’s wrestlers of the modern era.
Her undefeated streak in NXT, multiple championship reigns on the main roster, and reputation for delivering high-level matches have built a global following. Even casual viewers know what she brings to the table.
AEW has signed major names before, but adding Asuka would feel different. She carries credibility that immediately strengthens any division she enters.
Her presence alone would create buzz around pay-per-views and weekly programming. That kind of attention cannot be manufactured overnight. It is earned over years, and Asuka has already done that work.
Elevating the next generation
There is also the locker room factor. AEW’s women’s division has grown steadily, with younger stars finding their footing and building their own identities. What the division could use, however, is a veteran who combines experience with intensity. Asuka fits that description perfectly.
She has worked in different styles across multiple promotions. She understands pacing, storytelling, and how to make an opponent shine without losing her own edge.
Putting her in the ring with emerging AEW talent…
