Asuka is one of the most energetic and skillful competitors in WWE, breaking barriers for Japanese wrestlers and women worldwide. Her mysterious persona, lightning speed, and dominating presence make her a standout attraction in every ring she enters. This comprehensive article covers her life from childhood to stardom, her fight purses and records, endorsements, and all the facts fans want to know about Asuka.
Asuka’s Biography
Get to know Asuka with this easy-to-navigate table packed with her essential personal facts:
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Kanako Urai |
| Nickname(s) | Asuka, “The Empress of Tomorrow”, Kana |
| Born | September 26, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years |
| College | Osaka University of Arts |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2004 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million |
| Salary | Roughly $350,000 – $500,000 |
| Spouse | Not married; private about relationships |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @wwe_asuka |
Early Career
Asuka, born Kanako Urai, started her professional wrestling journey in Japan as Kana. She debuted in AtoZ promotion in 2004, quickly rising through the ranks with her hard-hitting style and vibrant character. Taking a short break due to health concerns, she soon returned and cemented herself as a fan favorite in multiple Japanese promotions, gaining renown for her technical expertise and creative charisma.
Professional Career
After dominating the Japanese scene, Asuka made her WWE debut in 2015 with the NXT brand and instantly made an impact. Her undefeated streak in NXT lasted a record 914 days, during which she captured the NXT Women’s Championship.
Upon moving to WWE’s main roster, Asuka won the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble (2018), the Raw Women’s Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and became a multiple-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
She is celebrated for her unique blend of striking, submission, and mind games, making her one of WWE’s most respected superstars. Asuka is also known for her colorful entrances, elaborate costumes, and bilingual promos, further endearing her to fans around the globe.
Asuka’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Asuka’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, primarily earned from her WWE contracts, bonuses, merchandise sales, and selective sponsorships. Her steady stream of income continues as she remains an active and highly popular WWE performer.
Fight Purses
Below is an approximate breakdown of Asuka’s major fight purses in her WWE main roster career. (Note: WWE does not publicly release specific fight purse data; estimates are based on industry analyses and reported salary structures.)
| Event/Year | Approximate Purse |
| NXT TakeOver: Dallas (2016) | $30,000 |
| NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III (2017) | $35,000 |
| WrestleMania 34 (2018) | $75,000 |
| WWE Royal Rumble (2018) | $50,000 |
| WrestleMania 35 (2019) | $80,000 |
| Money in the Bank (2020) | $70,000 |
| WrestleMania 36 (2020) | $85,000 |
| Survivor Series (2020) | $40,000 |
| Royal Rumble (2021) | $55,000 |
| WrestleMania 37 (2021) | $88,000 |
Endorsements
Asuka’s marketable style and gaming passion have attracted several endorsements and sponsorship opportunities:
- WWE Merchandise partnerships (official t-shirts, masks, and action figures)
- Sponsorship with Japanese gaming brands
- Appearances in mobile wrestling games and WWE video games
- Collaborations with cosplay and cosplay accessory brands in Japan
- Occasional tie-ins with anime brands through conventions and social media
Career Records
Asuka’s record streaks and showdowns have become legendary in WWE. Here’s a table breaking down her most talked-about competitive records and top rivals.
| Opponent | Event/Period | Result | Notable Records |
| Bayley | NXT TakeOver: Dallas (2016) | Win | Start of NXT Title Reign |
| Ember Moon | NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III (2017) | Win | Undefeated NXT Run |
| Sasha Banks | Royal Rumble, Raw (2020–2021) | Multiple wins/losses | Classic Women’s Title Matches |
| Charlotte Flair | WrestleMania 34, Multiple (2018–21) | Both wins/losses | Broke Asuka’s WM Undefeated Streak |
| Becky Lynch | Royal Rumble, Raw (2019–2021) | Multiple wins/losses | Women’s Title Feud |
| Carmella | SmackDown (2018) | Loss | Short-term Title Rival |
| Shayna Baszler | Raw, Survivor Series (2019–2021) | Multiple | Tag Team Feuds/Title Matches |
| Alexa Bliss | Raw, 2020–2022 | Multiple | Women’s Tag Team Rivals |
| Rhea Ripley | WrestleMania 37, Raw (2021, 2023) | Mixed | Major Title Matches |
| Nikki Cross | NXT, Raw (2016–2020) | Win | Classic NXT Battles |
FAQs
1. What is Asuka’s real name?
Asuka’s real name is Kanako Urai. She was born on September 26, 1981, in Osaka, Japan. Before joining WWE, she performed professionally under the ring name Kana in Japanese promotions.
2. How tall is Asuka?
Asuka is 5’3″ (163 cm) tall and weighs approximately 62 kg (137 lbs). Despite her smaller stature compared to many other WWE superstars, she is known for her exceptional wrestling technique and strength.
3. What is Asuka’s signature finishing move?
Asuka’s primary finishing move is the Asuka Lock, a crossface chickenwing submission hold with a body scissors. She also uses the Empress Kick, a spinning heel kick, as an alternative finishing move. Additionally, she uses the Empress Impact, a running hip attack to a seated opponent’s face.
4. What was Asuka’s undefeated streak and how long did it last?
Asuka maintained an undefeated streak spanning over 900 days across her time in NXT and on WWE’s main roster. The streak lasted 914 days and ended when Charlotte Flair defeated her at WrestleMania 34, forcing Asuka to tap out to the Figure-8 Leglock submission.
5. How many championships has Asuka won in WWE?
Asuka has won 10 championships in WWE, including three Raw Women’s Championships, one SmackDown Women’s Championship, one NXT Women’s Championship (which she held for 523 days, the longest in NXT history), and five WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
6. What is the Kabuki Warriors?
The Kabuki Warriors is Asuka’s tag team with Kairi Sane, another Japanese professional wrestler. The team formed in 2019 and has won multiple WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. They are known for their heel persona and use of green mist as a finishing tactic.
7. Did Asuka win the Royal Rumble?
es, Asuka won the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018. She entered at number 25 and won the match, earning herself a main event spot at WrestleMania 34 against the women’s champion of her choice.
8. What is the green mist and how does Asuka use it?
The green mist is a classic wrestling move where Asuka spits a colored liquid from her mouth to blind or distract opponents. It was introduced to her character by WWE producer Shane Helms as part of her heel turn with the Kabuki Warriors. The move has roots in traditional Japanese kabuki theater and was popularized in professional wrestling by The Great Kabuki decades ago.
9. Did Asuka win Money in the Bank?
Yes, Asuka won the 2020 Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. She successfully cashed in her contract the following night to win the Raw Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch, who was taking maternity leave.
10. How many times has Asuka won a WWE Championship in each year since joining the company?
Asuka has held at least one championship every single year from 2016 to present, marking an unbroken decade-long streak of annual championship reigns. This includes her NXT Women’s Championship in 2016-2017, various tag team championships throughout her career, and multiple main roster world championships.