Asuka

September 26, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Kanako Urai, known professionally as Asuka, was born on September 26, 1981, and is a professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. She is currently signed to the W.W.E., where she performs as a free agent under the W.W.E. Raw brand. She started her wrestling career in 2004 and has since become very well-known in the W.W.E. lineup for her “perfect technique” and wicked intentions.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Kanako Urai

Nickname:

Asuka, Kana

Birth date:

September 26, 1981

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 3"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$1 million

Background

Before Kanako Urai became a wrestler in 2004, she graduated from the Osaka University of Arts Junior College and even wrote for “Xbox Magazine.” She also designed graphics for Nintendo D.S. and various mobile applications. What’s more, Asuka also owns a hair salon in Yokohama called Another Heaven.

Asuka started her wrestling career in 2004 and has since become very well-known in the W.W.E. lineup for her perfect technique and wicked intentions. Before the W.W.E., however, she performed in the AtoZ promotion until 2006. She returned to wrestling in 2007 as a freelancer and promoter for JWP Joshi Puroresu, NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Wave, Reina Joshi Puroresu, Smash, and Wrestling New Classic. In 2015, Asuka became the first female Japanese wrestler to sign a developmental deal with the W.W.E. She won the NXT Women’s Championship in 2016 and, in 2017, was moved to the main roster. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble Match in 2018. She is also a former two-time Raw Women’s Champion, SmackDown Women’s Champion, two-time W.W.E. Women’s Tag Team Champion, and the 2020 Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match-winner.

Because of her work as a graphic designer and video game journalist for Microsoft, Asuka is sponsored by the company. She also started a YouTube channel in 2019 where she posts gaming and lifestyle videos.

Career timeline

2004

Asuka Starts Her Wrestling Career

Asuka starts her wrestling career in the AtoZ promotion.

2015

She Signs With the W.W.E.

Asuka becomes the first female Japanese wrestler to sign a developmental deal with the W.W.E.

2016

She Wins the Women’s Championship

Asuka wins the Women's Championship and is moved to the W.W.E.’s main roster.

2019

YouTube

Asuka starts her gaming and lifestyle-focussed YouTube channel.

Why We Love Asuka

Female representation
Being the first Japanese female to sign with the W.W.E., Asuka boasts great representation for women in the sport of wrestling. She is a very strong female role model and always carries herself with pride at any wrestling match.
She is dedicated
Asuka is the first woman in W.W.E. history to win the NXT Women's Championship, Raw Women's Championship, SmackDown Women's Championship, Women's Tag Team Championship, Royal Rumble match, and Money in the Bank match. On top of this, she was named one of the top five greatest female superstars of all time in 2021. Asuka has an impressive resume and is an inspiration to all.
She stands up for what is right
Asuka has voiced her opinion on the rise in racism in the U.S. since 2020. In an interview with “ET Canada,” Asuka stated that she is shocked at the increase in racist attacks on Asian people and detailed her own experiences with racism.

5 Surprising Facts

She loves food
Asuka’s YouTube channel featured many videos of her showing off her cooking skills or Japanese cuisine.
She has released D.V.D.s
Asuka has released three gravure D.V.D.s titled “Manifesto,” “Manifesto II,” and “Manifesto Final.”
She is in video games
Asuka has been featured in many W.W.E. video games since 2016.
Championships and accomplishments
Asuka has been in and accomplished a staggering total of 31 championships and accomplishments.
Her colorful style
Asuka can always be seen sporting a colorful wrestling ensemble and two-tone blue and pink hair whenever she is in the ring.