September 23, 2025, marks the 10-year anniversary of the WWE debut of one of the most decorated and influential women in the company’s history, Asuka. A decade ago, she appeared on an episode of WWE NXT, beginning a run that would see her achieve an unprecedented undefeated streak and capture every available championship in the company. As she enters her second decade with WWE, the legendary superstar took to social media to share a heartfelt and philosophical message with her fans, reflecting not on her many accomplishments, but on her ultimate goal of being a pioneer for a new era in wrestling.
In her post, the former multi-time champion and Grand Slam winner discussed her mindset and what truly drives her as a performer.
“I believe that ideals and convictions, what one sets out to achieve, hold more value than what one has actually accomplished. I have obtained every record, everything there is to obtain, but these are all merely waypoints. What has universal value and beauty is pioneering a new era, possessing the power to change the times. That’s why I pursue how I can bring change and ideals to the ring, creating ‘before and after Kana’ and ‘before and after Asuka.’ Creating a path is far more difficult than walking down a path that others have made. And therein lies the most beautiful aesthetic of all. For me, living as a pioneer and living with conviction, philosophy, and aesthetics is a very important way of life.”
The anniversary comes just one day after Asuka was involved in the main event of Monday Night Raw, where she shockingly turned on her tag team partner, IYO SKY, signaling a new, aggressive direction for her character.
