Kana Debuts Under New Name at “NXT” Tapings

As is the case with a majority of independent and international stars when heading to NXT developmental, Japanese sensation Kana has been forced to undergo a name change.

World Wrestling Entertainment announced the signing of Kana earlier this week, despite earlier reports indicating that she had been locked up by the company in the weeks prior to “NXT Takeover: Brooklyn.”

During the “NXT” tapings on Sept. 10, Kana made her official debut for the brand, joining William Regal in the ring. Moving forward, the 33-year-old will be working under the name Asuka.

Meet the newest face of the future…Welcome @k_a_n_a_ to @WWENXT! #WeAreNXT #FutureIsNow https://t.co/Kkd9WX7mZk pic.twitter.com/OY5Bzbo4Tk

— Triple H (@TripleH) September 10, 2015

During the segment, both Emma and Dana Brooke made their way down to interrupt, saying how they were the ones running NXT, saddening Asuka.

It’s safe to assume that based on this interaction, it will be Asuka going one-on-one with either Emma or Dana Brooke at the next “NXT Takeover” event on Oct. 7 at Full Sail University.

Editor’s Note

As someone who appreciates Japanese wrestling, I can respect how WWE is handling Asuka’s debut and the importance of her arrival to the brand. She becomes arguably the No. 2 female on the roster behind Bayley in a post-Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch world. This should be fun.