#1.) The origin of her name
As we mentioned earlier, Asuka means “the future”. However, where did she take inspiration to change her name from Kana to Asuka? It’s well known that until 2017-2018, WWE was always strict about newly signed talent changing their ring names for trademark purposes. Asuka’s inspiration seems to come from none other than legendary Japanese Joshi wrestling Lioness Asuka.
Lioness Asuka’s body of work is incredible and she’s perhaps most known for her time in All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling. Asuka has stated before that she didn’t watch too much women’s wrestling growing up but there’s little doubt that there may have been some inspiration drawn from the Japanese Joshi legend.
