Latest news with #Asuka
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Asuka In-Ring Return Update: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Asuka remains one of the most popular Superstars on the WWE roster, with an exciting presentation, incredible in-ring ability, and multiple memorable title reigns. Asuka is just a Wrestlemania main event away from completing WWE. — Alastair McKenzie🏴 (@mckenzieas93V2) November 20, 2023 Unfortunately, Asuka has been missing from WWE television since she suffered a knee injury in May 2024, which forced her to drop out of the Queen of the Ring tournament. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Needless to say, fans have been chomping at the bit for The Empress of Tomorrow to come back, especially after her fellow Kabuki Warrior, Kairi Sane, recently returned from injury. Now, there has been an update regarding Asuka's return. And fans will be disappointed. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Kairi Sane and Asuka enter the ring during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Kairi Sane and Asuka enter the ring during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensAccording to a report from Fightful Select, Asuka is still sidelined and won't be making her in-ring return anytime soon. Additionally, it was expected that Asuka would be out up until WrestleMania 41 and had no creative plans for her. That being said, there have been discussions regarding her creative plans in recent months, although that doesn't mean she will be returning soon. More Pro Wrestling: Legendary Wrestling Announcer Jim Ross To Undergo Surgery While Asuka is most recognized today for her time in WWE today, she was a prominent figure on the independent scene, particularly in Japan. She appeared in well-known promotions like Pro Wrestling Wave, Smash, DDT Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Reina Joshi Puroresu. In 2015, Asuka made her debut in WWE NXT, becoming the second Japanese woman signed to WWE since Bull Nakano. She would quickly win the NXT Women's Championship before moving to the main roster. On the main roster, Asuka went on an undefeated run that included the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble. The streak eventually ended at 914 days when she faced Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34. More Pro Wrestling: Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update Since then, Asuka continued to be one of the top-performing wrestlers in WWE, quickly establishing herself as one of the best female wrestlers in the history of the company if not the world. Asuka would go on to further establish her greatness as a member of the Kabuki Warriors with Kairi Sane and Damage CTRL with Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, and Sane. In WWE, Asuka has taken home the WWE Women's Championship three times, the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, the NXT Women's Championship, and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship four times with Kairi Sane (twice), Charlotte Flair (once), and Alexa Bliss (once). Additionally, Asuka has won the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble and the 2020 Women's Money in the Bank. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Shares Major Injury Update Bryan Danielson Makes Surprise Wrestling Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE star Asuka's return to the ring 'not imminent' in 2025
(Image via X/@knwrestling) WWE superstar Asuka, who was reportedly on the verge of making her long-awaited return to the ring, nearly a year after suffering a serious knee injury, has come up with a new backstage update. This year, there was a growing interest in her eventual return. Sources suggested her comeback could happen as early as May 2025, after the Backlash event, but fresh insights suggest that the Empress of Tomorrow's return is not imminent in 2025. Asuka's last WWE television appearance was in May 2024 at Backlash: France, where she and tag team partner Kairi Sane lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Let's take a look at what fresh insights have emerged on the appearance of Asuka and when fans can expect her return to WWE. WWE star Asuka 's return is not happening soon in 2025 It's been almost a year since WWE star Asuka last appeared on WWE television, and while anticipation for her return is building, it seems fans will have to wait a while longer before The Empress of Tomorrow steps back into the ring. According to a new report from Fightful Select , internal creative discussions regarding Asuka's comeback have been taking place in recent months, but her return is still considered 'not imminent.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo WWE insiders were reportedly taken aback by how early storyline ideas were being discussed, with some creative pitches hinting at a possible return of Asuka in early 2025. Sources suggest that Asuka's return is not happening this year as she has yet to receive medical clearance to return. This has also been reported by PWUnlimited on X, stating, "Asuka has been out of action since last summer. Even though creative plans were brought up for her earlier this year, there have been no "imminent" plans for an Asuka return in recent months." Earlier, PWNexus reported that Asuka's return could take place following the Backlash premium live event on May 10. But, it seems that her return is not possible at this moment, keeping her fans waiting for her next television appearance. It is to be noted that Asuka is still listed on WWE's Raw roster and remains affiliated with the Damage CTRL faction. However, the group itself has struggled with injury setbacks, including Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai, casting doubt on whether the faction will remain intact upon Asuka's return. Also Read : Asuka set for WWE return after year-long injury break, Fans await surprise comeback - The Times of India Despite her absence, the former multi-time champion remains one of the most celebrated and dynamic performers of WWE. However, it is anticipated that her return will surely create a huge buzz, shaking up the women's division with a surprising comeback. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top 5 Anime that revived the industry and made billions
Credits: Color Vision In recent decades the anime industry has seen waves of revival thanks to a handful of breakthrough titles. These shows and films not only drew global audiences with compelling stories and innovative style, but also generated enormous revenue – from blockbuster anime box office ticket sales to multimillion‐dollar merchandise lines. Below are five anime that reshaped the market. Each title combined creative vision with runaway popularity, helping revive anime worldwide while raking in literally billions in revenue and franchise value. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Dark mecha masterpiece Credits: Crunchyroll When Neon Genesis Evangelion debuted in 1995, it injected new energy into a flagging anime scene. Its blend of psychological depth and giant-robot action captured fan fascination. Evangelion's emotional storytelling and iconic characters (like Rei Ayanami and Asuka) sparked a merchandising craze: within two years Evangelion merchandise and media sales topped $400 million. By the mid-2000s the franchise had earned over $2 billion in total (counting DVDs, soundtracks, toys and more). Home video sales of the series were so strong that Japan's economy saw 'considerable impact in the billions of yen' thanks to Eva. Fans embraced the show's dark tone and complex themes, and EVA is often credited with reviving interest in anime during the 1990s. Its long-term cultural impact endures in every series that followed its introspective style. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Pokémon: The global franchise juggernaut Credits: Crunchyroll Few anime titles have reached the global footprint of Pokémon. Launching in the mid-1990s with the TV series and video games, Pokémon turned the anime industry into a worldwide phenomenon. The adventures of Ash and Pikachu drew millions of young viewers, and blockbuster movie tie-ins kept momentum strong – for example, Pokémon: The First Movie alone grossed about US$85.7 million in the U.S.. Critically, Pokémon's success extended far beyond the screen into video games, card games and toys. Today the Pokémon franchise is estimated to be worth over $100 billion. In short, Pokémon became a cultural juggernaut: its anime series made kids (and grown-ups) everywhere hungry for more, and its merchandising empire – from stuffed animals to trading cards – dwarfed competitors. By popularizing Japanese anime characters on a massive scale, Pokémon helped revive and expand the anime industry globally, proving that smart storytelling and beloved characters can create both cultural impact and enormous revenue. Dragon Ball : Enduring Shōnen power Credits: Crunchyroll Long before streaming, Dragon Ball (manga 1984, anime 1989–96) proved that shōnen action-adventure could be a cash cow. The saga of Goku and his friends combined fast-paced fight scenes with humor and fantasy, winning legions of fans in Japan and abroad. Dragon Ball quickly became one of the highest-grossing anime franchises of all time: today its brand (including sequels like Dragon Ball Z/Super , video games, clothing and films) is valued in the tens of billions. Movies from the series often hit big box-office numbers, and video games topped sales charts. Fans fueled this success – Dragon Ball's signature blend of epic battles and memorable characters has sold countless DVDs and figurines. In fact, Dragon Ball's movies and merchandise drove so much revenue that the franchise ranks with the very biggest names in animation. By proving anime could sustain a long-running, lucrative action series, Dragon Ball helped cement anime's international popularity in the 1990s and beyond. Naruto : Global ninja phenomenon Credits: Crunchyroll Naruto (2002–2017) became a worldwide smash, especially appealing to young viewers with its inspiring underdog hero and themes of friendship and perseverance. In Japan and overseas, Naruto's cultural impact was immense: the manga alone has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of history's bestselling comic series. Its financial success is a testament to fan enthusiasm – Naruto's billions of copies in print translated into a multi‐billion‐dollar franchise when counting anime licensing, video games, toys and apparel. The anime and manga boosted anime's global viewership, drawing in new fans across Europe, North America and Asia. High-speed ninja battles and heartfelt character arcs resonated deeply: fans attended conventions in droves, cosplayed as ninjas, and bought Naruto gear in huge numbers. In these ways, Naruto helped revive interest in anime during the 2000s era, spreading Japanese pop culture worldwide and proving that a relatable story could translate into enduring anime success. Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba: Record-breaking newcomer Credits: Crunchyroll Demon Slayer's meteoric rise in the late 2010s proved anime's continuing power to surprise. The TV series (2019) and especially its sequel film Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train smashed box-office records. Mugen Train earned over $507 million worldwide, instantly becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever. In Japan it shattered long-standing records – hitting about ¥32.5 billion (around $300+ million) in just 73 days, surpassing even Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away . Demon Slayer's success owed as much to emotional storytelling as to flashy action. Audiences connected with its characters' family bonds and struggles, while the anime's lush animation style drew praise from critics and fans alike. The franchise quickly spawned hit songs, merchandise and more. In short, Demon Slayer reignited the anime film market globally: it captured the anime box office spotlight and demonstrated that a well-crafted anime could capture billions in revenue while touching hearts (for instance, its theme song became a cultural sensation). Its record-breaking run has encouraged studios and theaters worldwide to invest in anime – a true modern revival. Conclusion: Each of these top anime represents a turning point where creativity met mass appeal. Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Naruto and Demon Slayer all combined rich storytelling with broad emotional resonance. Their success shows how anime can drive huge economic growth – from the largest highest-grossing anime films to tiny collectibles selling by the millions – while inspiring fans and influencing other media. Together, they demonstrate that when anime captures the public's imagination, the industry thrives: rebuilding itself between eras and generating billions in revenue through box office, merchandise, streaming and more. These series didn't just make money; they helped shape the global cultural impact of anime, ensuring it remains a vibrant, mainstream art form today. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Ally To Test Futuristic Weapon for Hypersonic Missile Defense
Japan plans to test its rail gun, which uses electricity to fire projectiles, aiming to enhance its defense against Chinese and North Korean hypersonic missiles, according to local media. Newsweek has emailed the Japanese and Chinese defense ministries for comment. North Korea's embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Japan, a treaty ally of the United States, faces threats from North Korea and China. Both nations have claimed to have tested and deployed hypersonic missiles, which can travel at over five times the speed of sound, making them capable of evading most defense systems. A rail gun is equipped with two rails that are used to fire projectiles. It uses an electric pulse to generate an electromagnetic force that accelerates the projectile to up to six times the speed of sound. The projectile, a kinetic energy warhead, hits its target with extreme speed. A Japanese experimental ship will conduct a test of a rail-gun prototype in the waters off Japan's coast "in the near future," The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on Monday. The event will mark the first sea test of a near full-scale prototype. It aims to determine whether the weapon can accurately hit its target. The prototype is the same size as those intended for actual deployment-approximately 19.6 feet long and weighing 8 tons. Japan publicly unveiled the rail gun prototype last month, showing it mounted aboard the experimental ship JS Asuka. The Japanese navy says that the weapon's development is intended to strengthen the defense capabilities to protect Japan's citizens and territorial waters. It was not immediately clear whether the test will be conducted by the Asuka. The ship was seen departing Yokosuka, a major naval port near Tokyo, Japan's capital city, on May 7, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter. The Japanese Defense Ministry is planning to install rail guns on warships equipped with the Aegis combat system, which provides "simultaneous integrated air and missile defense," as a potential countermeasure against ultrafast hypersonic weapons, The Yomiuri Shimbun said. In 2023, Japan conducted a rail gun firing test at sea, claiming it could protect ships with "high-speed bullets." However, according to the specialist outlet The War Zone, the rail gun was mounted on a test platform rather than the "full naval turret" installed on the Asuka. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said: "The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies." The specialist outlet The War Zone wrote: "Railguns, which use electromagnets rather than chemical propellants to fire their projectiles at very high velocities, do present significant technological challenges. Most immediately, weapons of this type, historically, have had immense power demands, especially if the goal is to allow for any kind of even relatively rapid-fire capability." The War Zone said there are still what it called "significant questions" about when, and if, a practical rail gun may be put into Japanese service for use on warships or any other platform. Related Articles Photos Show US Preparing Frontline Base for China Missile WarNavy Officer Charged After Wife Found Dead in Hotel RoomUS Ally Intercepts Chinese Spy Ships Near CoastUS Allies Flex Naval Muscles Near China 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally To Test Futuristic Weapon for Hypersonic Missile Defense
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Japan plans to test its rail gun, which uses electricity to fire projectiles, aiming to enhance its defense against Chinese and North Korean hypersonic missiles, according to local media. Newsweek has emailed the Japanese and Chinese defense ministries for comment. North Korea's embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Japan, a treaty ally of the United States, faces threats from North Korea and China. Both nations have claimed to have tested and deployed hypersonic missiles, which can travel at over five times the speed of sound, making them capable of evading most defense systems. A rail gun is equipped with two rails that are used to fire projectiles. It uses an electric pulse to generate an electromagnetic force that accelerates the projectile to up to six times the speed of sound. The projectile, a kinetic energy warhead, hits its target with extreme speed. A rail gun prototype stands mounted aboard the experimental ship JS "Asuka" on April 9, 2025. A rail gun prototype stands mounted aboard the experimental ship JS "Asuka" on April 9, 2025. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force What To Know A Japanese experimental ship will conduct a test of a rail-gun prototype in the waters off Japan's coast "in the near future," The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on Monday. The event will mark the first sea test of a near full-scale prototype. It aims to determine whether the weapon can accurately hit its target. The prototype is the same size as those intended for actual deployment—approximately 19.6 feet long and weighing 8 tons. Japan publicly unveiled the rail gun prototype last month, showing it mounted aboard the experimental ship JS Asuka. The Japanese navy says that the weapon's development is intended to strengthen the defense capabilities to protect Japan's citizens and territorial waters. It was not immediately clear whether the test will be conducted by the Asuka. The ship was seen departing Yokosuka, a major naval port near Tokyo, Japan's capital city, on May 7, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force experimental ship JS Asuka (ASE-6102) leaving Yokosuka, Japan - May 7, 2025 SRC: TW-@Gov_Vessel_fan — WarshipCam (@WarshipCam) May 7, 2025 The Japanese Defense Ministry is planning to install rail guns on warships equipped with the Aegis combat system, which provides "simultaneous integrated air and missile defense," as a potential countermeasure against ultrafast hypersonic weapons, The Yomiuri Shimbun said. In 2023, Japan conducted a rail gun firing test at sea, claiming it could protect ships with "high-speed bullets." However, according to the specialist outlet The War Zone, the rail gun was mounted on a test platform rather than the "full naval turret" installed on the Asuka. #ATLA has accomplished ship-board firing test of railgun first time in the world with the cooperation of the JMSDF. To protect vessels against air-threats and surface-threats by high-speed bullets, ATLA strongly promotes early deployment of railgun technology. — Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (@atla_kouhou_en) October 17, 2023 What People Are Saying The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said: "The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies." The specialist outlet The War Zone wrote: "Railguns, which use electromagnets rather than chemical propellants to fire their projectiles at very high velocities, do present significant technological challenges. Most immediately, weapons of this type, historically, have had immense power demands, especially if the goal is to allow for any kind of even relatively rapid-fire capability." What Happens Next The War Zone said there are still what it called "significant questions" about when, and if, a practical rail gun may be put into Japanese service for use on warships or any other platform.
