Asuka and Shayna Baszler Address 2021 Dental Injury & Subsequent Fallout
A years-old incident involving a dental injury sustained by Asuka during a WWE match has resurfaced, prompting statements from both Asuka and Shayna Baszler regarding the event and its aftermath. The controversy stems from a kick to the face delivered by Baszler during a tag team match on the February 22, 2021, episode of WWE Raw, which resulted in Asuka fracturing a tooth and requiring surgery.
During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Baszler recounted the incident, emphasizing Asuka’s stoic reaction immediately following the blow. “It was terrible,” Baszler stated. “And she’s so badass, she came to the back afterwards and was kind of covering her mouth cause you know whatever, but she was like, ‘No pain. I don’t know why.’” Baszler further described Asuka’s response as dismissive, noting, “Just soccer kicked her in the face and she was like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine. Doesn’t even hurt.’”
Asuka responded to a clip of the interview circulating online with a detailed statement released early Wednesday, clarifying her initial reaction and addressing the lasting impact of the injury. “My tooth was fractured due to a mistake by Shayna Baszler,” she wrote. “At the time I told her I was okay because I did not want her to carry the guilt. But I ended up needing surgery and of course I was not okay. I just did not want her to feel responsible knowing that these things happen in our line of work. I thought that if I just endured it then everything would be fine. Seeing people mocking me in the comments makes me realize once again how cruel the world is.”
Asuka’s statement took a philosophical turn, expressing resilience and a focus on personal happiness. “But I blame no one. I do not even wish misfortune upon those who lack kindness. In fact I am more cruel than these cruel people because I will be far happier than they are. While people spend their time mocking me I am savoring and embracing every bit of my happiness. My ideal life is already nearing its completion.” She concluded her post with a simple, “Thank you 🫰🤡.”
A previously published version of Asuka’s statement, initially appearing on Reddit, revealed additional sentiments. In that version, Asuka expressed a belief that Baszler had been ridiculing her reaction to the injury. “I simply didn’t want her to feel responsible, knowing that these things happen in our line of work. Yet, she now mocks me by imitating my reaction from that moment, turning it into a joke. Is that what passes for common sense? Those who laugh along with her are just as cruel,” she wrote in the earlier draft. She also added, “I still like her, but I’ve realized that’s just the kind of person she is.”
Baszler swiftly responded to Asuka’s statement, clarifying her intent. “I told the story to illustrate how effing badass Asuka is. If anyone in the comments is making fun of her, they are stupid and should have their social media time monitored,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Here is Baszler’s post:
I told the story to illustrate how effing badass Asuka is. If anyone in the comments is making fun of her, they are stupid and should have their social media time monitored https://t.co/74B5JNEBwj— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) December 31, 2025
The injury occurred during the build-up to WrestleMania 37. Despite undergoing surgery, Asuka was able to return to the ring in time to lose the Raw Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley on April 11. The exchange highlights the complex dynamics between professional wrestlers, the pressures of performing through pain, and the often-public nature of their personal experiences.
