WWE Royal Rumble 2019: 5 reasons why Becky Lynch is facing Asuka
It's official. As of January 8th, Becky Lynch is the new #1 contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship. It seems like the days of mandatory rematch clauses are officially gone, as the former champion had to earn her way back to a title shot.
It wasn't an easy feat. She was in a SummerSlam 2018 rematch, taking on Charlotte Flair and Carmella. Last time, it was bitter memories for her, as she nearly won the title and lost the match to Charlotte Flair by the skin of her teeth.
That was her turning point, and she would win the title one month later. Now, we're finally going to see Asuka vs Becky Lynch for the first time on WWE television. They've wrestled at a live event in Japan before, but it's only recently that their paths really crossed.
Either way, it's now one of the most exciting match-ups on the Rumble card. You may be wondering why Becky was chosen to face The Empress, and here's why:
#5 Big match for a big PPV
Royal Rumble is the third, if not the second biggest PPV in the WWE calendar year. While the Royal Rumble match naturally sells itself, the PPV has a history of having iconic championship matches. Legends like The Rock, Mick Foley, Triple H, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle and more were a part of unforgettable championship matches at the Rumble.
Becky Lynch vs Asuka could easily be a marquee WrestleMania match, but from the look of things, that's clearly not the plan. Either way, Becky Lynch vs Asuka is one of those matches that's going to have a big fight feel to it, and we could very well be witnessing a match that will be looked upon later with the same nostalgia as Foley-Triple H, Foley-Rock, and Angle-Benoit.
#4 Becky Lynch isn't winning the title
It seems clear now that WWE is establishing Asuka as the top dog of the female division on SmackDown Live. Not that Becky Lynch and Charlotte aren't on the same level, but they're clearly being geared up for something different.
With that said, Becky Lynch may have a title shot at the Royal Rumble, but we believe that it's extremely unlikely that she's going to win the championship at the Rumble. Expect either interference from someone to cost Becky or a clean win for Asuka.
#3 They can still do Asuka vs Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania
Admittedly, this is the unlikeliest scenario on this list. It seems like Charlotte is heading to the red brand too, but if you think about it, two singles matches for the women's titles at WrestleMania is the best way to go.
On the SmackDown Live side, if you leave out Becky Lynch, then an Asuka vs Charlotte rematch is the best and biggest bout they can make. There's no doubt that the two women could top their incredible efforts at WrestleMania 34.
#2 Becky Lynch will enter the Royal Rumble
Expect Becky Lynch vs Asuka to either open the show, or come second at most. The reason for this is so that Becky Lynch can get as much rest as possible before entering the Women's Royal Rumble.
You read that right. With Becky Lynch's odds not in her favour in the title match, there's a very high chance that The Man is going to enter the Rumble. There's a very high chance of her winning it as well.
#1 All roads lead to RAW and WrestleMania
Becky Lynch could be the favourite to win the Royal Rumble match. If that does happen, there's no doubt that she's going to jump to RAW and go after Ronda Rousey. A very likely scenario is also that the Royal Rumble could see Becky Lynch and Charlotte emerge as "double winners", just like Bret Hart & Lex Luger in 1994.
Either way, Becky Lynch may not be claiming the SmackDown Women's title any time soon, but there are much bigger and better things in store for her.
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Nishant Jayaram