World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed today the rumor that has been circulating internet forums for months: the character of Asuka is actually portrayed by two people: Kanako Urai and her twin sister Fumie Urai.

WWE is employing an old Hollywood trick — typically reserved for movies and TV shows involving young children and animals — using multiple lookalikes to portray the same role.

Much like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who famously took turns portraying Michelle Tanner on TV sitcom Full House (or the numerous dogs that played Lassie), the Uria twins are virtually impossible to tell apart, and each has perfected the mannerisms and move-set of the so-called Empress of Tomorrow.

The reason Asuka wears a mask during her entrances is to preserve the illusion during close-ups. Fans cannot tell the difference between Kanako and Fumie during matches due to all of the hyperkinetic zooming by WWE camera operators.

WWE has begun hiring identical twins, when possible, to portray superstars as a means to get twice the “bang for buck” out of the most popular characters. Just last night, for example, Asuka wrestled in Topeka (portrayed by Kanako) as well as Toronto (portrayed by Fumie).

Other characters portrayed by sets of twins include:

  • Braun Strowman (sometimes portrayed by twin brother Brains Strowman)
  • Buddy Murphy (sometimes portrayed by twin brother Curt Hawkins)
  • Lars Sullivan (sometimes portrayed by twin brother Shrek)

Contrary to popular belief, the original Undertaker was not replaced by his twin brother. In fact, the original Undertaker went on to portray Duke “The Dumpster” Droese, and the current Undertaker is portrayed by Chainz of the Disciples of Apocalypse.

 

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