WWE Superstar Asuka has responded to comments made by Shayna Baszler regarding a past in-ring incident where Baszler legitimately kicked Asuka in the mouth. While Baszler recalled Asuka being “jovial” and claiming she felt “no pain” immediately after the match, Asuka has revealed a much more painful reality.
During a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Baszler shared her perspective on the accident, which occurred during a match on Monday Night Raw several years ago. Baszler explained that her style relies on making contact, but on this occasion, the result was a significant injury to her opponent.
“We worked the whole finish because we knew. Yeah, it was terrible. And she’s so badass. She came to the back afterwards, and was kind of covering her mouth because she’s embarrassed, whatever. But she was like, ‘No pain. I don’t know why.’ She was so jovial. I’m like, ‘I am so sorry. Oh my gosh.’ And she was like, ‘It’s okay. No pain.’ Crazy, just soccer kicked her in the face. She was like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine. Doesn’t even hurt.’ But yeah, I mean, I have to make contact. And so I think doing 20 years of MMA, where I’m working my accuracy lends to this.”
Following the release of the interview clips, Asuka took to X to clarify the situation. The former Women’s Champion revealed that she downplayed the injury at the time specifically to protect Baszler’s feelings, despite actually suffering a fracture that required surgery.
“My tooth was fractured due to a mistake by Shayna Baszler,” Asuka wrote. “At the time I told her I was okay because I did not want her to carry the guilt. But I ended up needing surgery, and of course, I was not okay. I just did not want her to feel responsible knowing that these things happen in our line of work. I thought that if I just endured it then everything would be fine.”
Asuka also addressed negative comments she received from fans after the story resurfaced, criticizing those who mocked her for the injury.
“Seeing people mocking me in the comments makes me realize once again how cruel the world is,” Asuka continued. “But I blame no one. I do not even wish misfortune upon those who lack kindness. In fact I am more cruel than these cruel people because I will be far happier than they are. While people spend their time mocking me I am savoring and embracing every bit of my happiness. My ideal life is already nearing its completion.”
My tooth was fractured due to a mistake by Shayna Baszler. At the time I told her I was okay because I did not want her to carry the guilt. But I ended up needing surgery and of course I was not okay. I just did not want her to feel responsible knowing that these things happen in… https://t.co/Lh023QykJS
— The legendary Empress ASUKA / 伝説のASUKA皇后 (@WWEAsuka) December 31, 2025
