Asuka Issues a Classy Response to Bill Goldberg’s Remarks About the Japanese Ace Breaking His 173-Match Streak

When the host suggested that his record would never be broken, the 58-year-old Hall of Famer quipped that the company had already surpassed it by giving the streak to some girl, referring to Asuka. For context, the Japanese ace went 914 days and 267 matches undefeated from her NXT debut, finally losing at WrestleMania 34 in 2018 to Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Despite the jab, Asuka took the high road, demonstrating her class and poise as she addressed Goldberg’s comments on her X account. 

Goldberg’s comments about me are all over the news right now. I’m not bothered by it at all. What he said came from his own perspective, and that’s fine. So there’s really no need to make such a big deal out of it.

Asuka via X

Asuka also reiterated her philosophy, focusing on impact and artistry rather than chasing titles or records. She values creating moments that define eras and leaving a legacy that outlives her in professional wrestling. For her, true meaning comes from vision, creativity, and bringing more art into the world.

Listen to my philosophy. It’s not about what I accomplish. It’s about what I try to create. Philosophy and vision, that’s where the real value is. I don’t find meaning in anything without beauty. I’ve achieved every record, every title, but those are just milestones. What really matters is opening a new era.

Asuka via X

This isn’t the first time Goldberg has taken aim at Asuka. His recent remarks echo comments he made in 2024, when he mispronounced her name and called her “some Japanese girl”, claiming that WWE had her break his undefeated streak to diminish his legacy.

Moreover, Goldberg’s latest remarks align with his previous complaints about WWE not giving him a proper send-off. His retirement match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in July was overshadowed when his retirement speech was cut short. While WWE clarified that the decision came from NBC and not the company, he remained visibly frustrated.

Asuka recently reflected on her 10th anniversary in WWE

Asuka has spent a decade in WWE, achieving numerous milestones and cementing her legacy as one of the company’s all-time greats. She signed with WWE in August 2015 and joined the developmental brand NXT as Kana, where she was later given the name Asuka. She made her official NXT debut on September 23, 2015, confronting former WWE stars Dana Brooke and Emma.

Over the next ten years, Asuka accomplished nearly everything in WWE. She captured the Women’s Championship on RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, became the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble winner in 2018, and later won the Women’s Money in the Bank. Reflecting on her 10th anniversary, she wrote on X last month. 

I believe that ideals and convictions, what one sets out to achieve, hold more value than what one has actually accomplished. I have obtained every record, everything there is to obtain, but these are all merely waypoints. What has universal value and beauty is pioneering a new era, possessing the power to change the times.

Asuka via X

Asuka further explained that her focus in the ring is not just on winning matches or collecting titles, but on creating a lasting impact and leaving a legacy. She described her goal as shaping moments that define eras, referring to “before and after Kana” and “before and after Asuka.” 

She emphasized that pioneering a new path is far more challenging than following one already laid out by others, and that this struggle embodies the true beauty of her craft. After a decade in WWE, ‘The Empress of Tomorrow’ recently made headlines by turning heel, attacking Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley on RAW. 

She also showcased her in-ring prowess at Crown Jewel in Perth, teaming up with Kairi Sane in a high-profile match, though they came up short against Ripley and Sky. This period highlights Asuka’s continued evolution as both a performer and a character, blending artistry with impact.