WWE Star Asuka Recalls Racist Encounter at an Airport

May 14, 2021

Professional Japanese wrestler and WWE star Asuka expressed concerns about the surge of anti-Asian crimes happening in North America, recalling a racist incident she experienced at an airport in 2020.

Racism: Speaking to ET Canada, Asuka, whose real name is Kanako Urai, expressed her confusion about why people attack others, saying, “It’s a waste of time to be hateful,” WrestlingINC reported.

The 39-year-old wrestler said a woman came up to her and immediately ran away, covering her mouth with her hand when she noticed Asuka.
The incident happened when the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading in America.
Asuka believes non-Asian people embracing Asian culture and learning to understand them is one of the best things to do right now.

Other details: Asuka advised Asian girls not to give up on their dreams of becoming professional wrestlers and shared her experience growing up.

She recalled her mother preventing her from pursuing her dream of becoming a wrestler at 16, and telling her she needed to attend college.
Her high school teacher also laughed at her for wanting to become a WWE superstar, saying, “Don’t be silly.”
Asuka eventually gave up on her dream, but her passion was reignited after graduating college when she began her training. Her friend supported her career choice and gave her confidence to call a Japanese wrestling company.
Asuka moved out of her hometown of Osaka and debuted in October 2015, according to her WWE biography.
She has won many titles, including being the first winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match in 2018.

Featured Image Screenshot via ET Canada (left), WWE (right)

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