WWE: Asuka Update, WWE Considering Holding “Offsite Events” in 2022, SummerSlam Musical Act

Asuka Status Update

Asuka has been absent from WWE programming since this past July. Asuka’s most recent appearance was at WWE’s Money in the Bank 2021 event on July 18th, which she competed in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the reason for Asuka’s recent absence from WWE television is not due to any injury-related issues. Instead, Meltzer reported that Asuka is currently fine and WWE’s creative team simply do not have any plans for her at the moment.

Meltzer also reported that Asuka was in attendance backstage during this past Monday’s episode of RAW but left early since she was not being used for the show.

---

WWE Reportedly Considering Idea for Several “Offsite Events” in 2022

WWE reportedly recently held internal talks regarding the idea of potentially holding several “offsite events” in 2022, according to WrestleVotes.

It was reported that their sources within the company stated that following the success MLB had with their Field of Dreams themed game last week, WWE officials started to consider the idea of doing some “offsite events” for next year.

Some of the ideas discussed reportedly included a Raw on the Roof themed special, a show held in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and more direct festival shows similar to Rolling Loud hosting SmackDown matches last month.

With the success MLB had w/ the Field of Dreams game last week, WWE has begun very initial discussions about doing a few “offsite events” in 2022. Some ideas discussed within creative include: RAW on the Roof, Hammerstein Ballroom & more direct festival shows a la Rolling Loud.

— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) August 17, 2021

---

WWE Announces Musical Act for SummerSlam & Plans Dropped for Another Musician Appearance

WWE recently announced that DJ Valentino Khan will be performing a musical concert at this Saturday’s SummerSlam 2021 event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Official press release:

DJ Valentino Khan to perform at SummerSlam

STAMFORD, Conn., August 18, 2021 – WWE today announced that producer and DJ Valentino Khan will perform at WWE’s biggest event of 2021, SummerSlam. Khan will welcome fans with the hottest hits in music as they arrive at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. SummerSlam will take place this Saturday, Aug. 21, marking the first time the annual event has been held at an NFL stadium.

“Being part of a WWE event is a childhood dream come true for me,” Khan said. “From growing up in The Attitude Era ‘til now, I’ve been a fan all my life and truly have respect for the business. The fact that I get to connect with the WWE Universe through my own music is an incredible full-circle moment. I can’t wait to go hard at SummerSlam in Vegas.”

“We strive to create a vibrant atmosphere at all WWE events, and music plays a very important role whether it be at live events or throughout WWE programming” said Neil Lawi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, WWE Music Group. “We’re looking forward to having Valentino Khan kick off the festivities at SummerSlam this Saturday.”

Khan is a Los Angeles-based DJ, producer and artist whose music truly knows no bounds. His versatility and lethal ear for good music has granted him production credits for the likes of Lil Pump, French Montana, 2 Chainz, T.I., and Dizzee Rascal. From making music with Grammy-winning artists Major Lazer, Skrillex, Diplo, Bruno Mars and Tyga, to performing on some of music’s biggest stages such as EDC Las Vegas, Lollapalooza, and Ultra Music Festival, Khan is excited to check one stage off his bucket list this Saturday at WWE’s SummerSlam. A heavyweight in his own right, Khan continues to break barriers with original tracks, production credentials, and incredible live sets.

SummerSlam will stream live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

Fightful Select reported that WWE officials also had plans at one point for musician Megan Thee Stallion to make an appearance at this Saturday’s event as well. It was reported that her appearance would have been for a planned spot involving Bianca Belair on the show. WWE reportedly had thought they had a deal done at one point but were informed last weekend that Stallion would not be available for the show. It was reported that the reason for Stallion pulling out is currently not known.