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Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that one idea for Asuka's match at this years WrestleMania would be her defending her SmackDown Women's Title against main roster newcomer Lacey Evans. This is disappointing to some fans as most were hoping for some different NXT call-ups that are better in the ring or more experienced than Lacey to come to the main roster.
Asuka herself faced a hard time after being called up. After losing her undefeated streak, she lost twice to Carmella and totally lost her credibility and overness. She, however, gained momentum towards the end of the year and ended up becoming Women's Champion in December at TLC.
Facing Asuka for the championship would be a big match and while Lacey could seize this opportunity here are 3 people I believe would do a better job than her at being Asuka's opponent.
#3 Candice LeRae
If you have seen Candice LeRae in NXT with Johnny Gargano you may assume that all she can do is play the role of this confused man's wife. You would be incorrect with this assumption. If you have seen any of Candice's work outside of WWE particularly PWG, you would know that she is great in the ring and has the potential to be a top woman on the roster.
She has had hardcore tag team matches with her former partner Joey Ryan (Known as The World's Cutest Tag Team) against wrestlers such as The Young Bucks. An encounter between herself and Asuka be it under normal or no disqualification rules would, of course, be a great match and she could be the opponent that Asuka deserves for the show of shows this year. Candice deserves the opportunity to show the entire wrestling world that she can do more than just being Johnny Gargano's wife.
#2 Shayna Baszler
With Ronda Rousey in the main event this year and being arguably the top star in WWE at the moment, it only makes sense for her pal Shayna Baszler to join her on the main roster and become a champion. While it has been said by Dave Meltzer that Ronda is leaving after WrestleMania this year it seems logical for her friend and former MMA fighter Shayna to win a championship and continue the run of the four horsewomen.
A Shayna vs Asuka match would seem like a legitimate fight with tactical MMA submissions coming into play. Shayna herself has become extremely good in her few years in the business and with Ronda leaving could and maybe should be given the chance to step out of Ronda's shadow so to speak and become the real Brock Lesnar of the WWE women's division over Ronda. But she would obviously appear more than him.
#1 Kairi Sane
This match is like a dream to me. This is the match that makes the most sense as it doesn't look as though Kairi will be getting an NXT title shot. With her being as good as she is, it seems wasteful to not have her on takeover or in a big match at WrestleMania.
The story would be simple. Asuka has no one to face so her Japanese counterpart from NXT steps up so that they can have a respectful face vs face battle at the Showcase Of Immortals.
This match could be done in a similar way to Asuka's match last year with Charlotte Flair. This match would be great if given time and it should be considering the performances both women have made since joining WWE. Let's be honest though. It would definitely be better than Asuka vs Lacey Evans.
