Kanako Urai, born on September 26, 1981, is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE under the ring name Asuka. Her remarkable journey in the world of professional wrestling began in June 2004, when she debuted in the AtoZ promotion under the ring name Kana. She remained with the promotion until March 2006, when she decided to retire. However, her passion for wrestling never faded, and she returned to the ring a year and a half later, embarking on a freelancing career with various promotions such as JWP Joshi Puroresu, NEO Japan Ladies Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Wave, Reina Joshi Puroresu, Smash, and Wrestling New Classic.
Throughout her illustrious career, Urai has achieved numerous accolades, including winning the JWP Openweight Championship, NEO Tag Team Championship, Reina World Women's Championship, Smash Diva Championship, and Wave Tag Team Championship. Her impressive list of achievements is a testament to her dedication and skill as a professional wrestler.
In August 2015, Urai signed a developmental deal with WWE, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career. She spent two years honing her craft in WWE's developmental branch, NXT, where she became a former NXT Women's Champion, holding the title for an impressive 510 days. This reign is the longest of any title in WWE's post-national expansion era. Urai's impressive performances earned her the Female Competitor of the Year (2016, 2017) and Overall Competitor of the Year (2017) NXT Year-End Award wins.
In September 2017, Asuka was moved to the main roster, where she continued to impress audiences with her unique wrestling style. She has been billed as having the "longest undefeated streak in WWE history" at 914 days, a remarkable feat that speaks to her exceptional skill and tenacity. In January 2018, she made history by becoming the inaugural winner of the women's Royal Rumble match.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has praised Urai, stating that she "may be the best worker in WWE, man or woman." In 2017, Asuka became the first Japanese female wrestler to top Pro Wrestling Illustrated's (PWI) annual PWI Female 50 list. Her techniques include various kicks and submission holds, leading to a reputation for a stiff wrestling style. Urai has also worked as a freelance graphic designer and video game journalist and has been sponsored by Microsoft, wearing an Xbox 360 logo on her gear.
In addition to her impressive wrestling career, Urai has also been recognized for her work as a freelance graphic designer and video game journalist. Her unique blend of skills and experiences has made her a standout figure in the world of professional wrestling.
