Asuka (Wrestler)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Asuka

• WWE ring names usually do not have any literal meaning and are often coined to suit the personality/gimmick portrayed by a wrestler. However, in this case, the Japanese name Asuka has a meaning associated with it. While ‘Asu’ stands for ‘to fly’, ‘Ka’ refers to the English word ‘bird’. Hence, Asuka more-or-less means to be on a “higher plane.” Notably, Asuka, a 100-year period that began from the 6th century in ancient Japan, is often credited for the major developments in Japan’s culture and architecture.

• Interestingly, before stepping foot inside the world of pro-wrestling, she was a freelance graphic designer

• Most of the WWE fans may not know that Kanako Urai made her in-ring debut in 2004, under the moniker Kana, on an all-female not-so-popular Japanese wrestling promotion named AtoZ.

• Just 18 months after making her debut, Kana announced her retirement from the squared ring citing chronic nephritis. The disease, in case you aren’t aware, is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by various infections and toxins.

• She, however, could not stay away from the profession and came out of retirement within a year’s span.

• Before stepping foot inside the world of pro-wrestling, Asuka used to work as a freelance graphic designer. Interestingly, she was one of the team members who designed the graphics for the Nintendo DS, a popular handheld gaming console.

• She also runs a hair salon named ‘Another Heaven’ in the Japanese city of Yokohama.

• Asuka even has 4 Gravure DVDs to her name. Notably, Gravure is a mix of softcore glamour photography and video. In fact, former WWE superstar Tajiri also features in one of the videos, though in a wrestling-oriented role.

• Aside from being a wrestler, graphic designer, businesswoman, and model, Asuka is an occasional video game journalist. She reportedly writes articles for the XBOX 360 magazine. In an interview, she revealed that at one point, she owned over 3000 gaming-related objects (consoles, CDs, DVDs, etc.).