Since Asuka won the first Women’s Royal Rumble match back in January, the WWE Universe waited with bated breath to see who she would challenge at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans.
Well, the WWE Universe finally received answer during last night’s WWE Fastlane event.
After Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair retained her title against Ruby Riott, the Empress of Tomorrow’s music blasted through the Nationwide Arena. Charlotte watched as the Empress of Tomorrow danced down the ramp and entered the ring.
Like many during Wrestlemania season, Asuka pointed to the Wrestlemania sign while slowly approaching Charlotte like a hungry wolf as the crowd chanted “Yes!” repeatedly. Fastlane is seen by many WWE fans a throwaway pay per view that sets the plate for Wrestlemania. But during the segment, Asuka didn’t say anything to Charlotte.
It wasn’t until during a backstage interview, when Asuka was asked if she indeed wanted to face The Queen at the Show of Shows. The undefeated superstar said only these words – “At Wrestlemania, Charlotte versus Asuka.”
One day after Asuka’s challenge, both the Smackdown Women’s Champion and her father, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, tweeted to hype up the match.
I respect Asuka.
I respect her to much that she will wrestle the best Charlotte Flair there is. And her streak will end.
The Queen.
The Empress.
THE Title.@WrestleMania— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 12, 2018
There were rumors WWE was heading down this route for Wrestlemania in regards to the Smackdown Women’s title picture. Even though Asuka had wins over numerous Raw superstars, including current Women’s titleholder Alexa Bliss, a contest between Asuka and Charlotte was bound to happen at some point, even though the Empress has only been on the main roster since October.
Some critics may believe WWE rushing Asuka and Charlotte into a program is too soon, but it makes sense on some levels. WWE has already built Asuka to be one of their top players – giving her a lengthy undefeated streak and having her pick up wins over numerous superstars.
As for Charlotte, she has pretty much wrestled every woman currently on the main roster.
The match has a big fight feel to it and if both Charlotte and Asuka are given the opportunity to display their skills, then their Smackdown Women’s title match at Wrestlemania could be a Match of the Year candidate.
Both Charlotte and Asuka are great in the ring. Charlotte delivers a technical offense, much like her father, but she isn’t also afraid to fly from the top turnbuckle or take the fight to the outside.
Asuka’s offense consists of hard-hitting kicks and strikes, but she also has a good submission game. One attribute that both wrestlers share is their durability. Both Charlotte and Asuka have been in some great scraps during their time in WWE. With it being Wrestlemania season, both women will no doubt take their game to the next level.
As for the build up of this match, WWE can simply market it as a match between two of the best women’s wrestlers in the company. One of the differences between the two competitors is Charlotte is seen as the dominant force in WWE while Asuka is an underdog. The creative department can look at those attributes and keep the story simple.
What’s fun about this match is there is a level of uncertainty of who is going to win. This is Asuka’s first big shot at WWE gold, will she capture her first title or will Charlotte continue to reign supreme?
I guess we’ll have to wait until Wrestlemania to find out.
