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Asuka and Lacey Evans were scheduled to face one another for the WWE RAW Women's Championship at Elimination Chamber 2021. Then there was a bombshell dropped on us during WWE RAW.
Lacey Evans announced that she was pregnant, and we would learn soon after that the announcement was an absolute shoot. No, Ric Flair is not the father as his 'wooing' would indicate, but Lacey Evans is indeed, about to become a mother.
So, now the big question is...whom does Asuka face now that Lacey Evans has effectively been written out of Elimination Chamber 2021? Here are 5 women who could step up to face Asuka instead of Lacey Evans.
Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think of this list...
#5 Rhea Ripley could replace Lacey Evans to challenge Asuka
Rhea Ripley has been ready for the big time for some time now, and many fans were surprised that she did not win the Royal Rumble. The current situation allows her to make an instant splash by being called up smack-dab into the WWE RAW Women's Championship picture by tussling with the best in the world, namely Asuka. Imagine how impressive she will look if she wins the title almost at once.
It allows her to enter the WWE RAW Women's Championship picture with Charlotte Flair and Asuka, paving the way for a big triple threat match at WrestleMania.
The WWE RAW Women's Championship picture desperately needs new blood and Rhea Ripley could be the shot of adrenaline that the division requires. That said, it will be weird to have her come in with no build at all, which is why this option is so very low on the list. Let's look at other potential replacements for Lacey Evans.
#4 Could Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka happen at Elimination Chamber?
It makes sense to have Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss at WWE Elimination Chamber for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, Alexa Bliss holds a victory over Asuka and her chance at winning the title was foiled by Randy Orton.
Moreover, it could be a nice red herring for later in the night. If Alexa Bliss defeats Asuka or comes up short in the WWE RAW Women's Championship match, it may distract us from the fact that she may show up later in the night again to interfere in the WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 match.
It may be the incentive that Asuka needs to turn heel as well, as she channels a darker persona. Maybe she is driven to the edge because of powers that she cannot fathom at WWE Elimination Chamber.
It may not even be the worst idea in the world to put the WWE RAW Women's Championship around Alexa Bliss' waist, because her character right now is far more compelling than anything on either RAW or SmackDown.
#3 Don't forget that Naomi has a victory over Asuka as well
WWE RAW Women's Champion Asuka may have to look over her shoulder a few times because Alexa Bliss isn't the only opponent hot on her trail. Naomi picked up a major victory over Asuka two weeks ago, and one has to assume that it gives her a shot at the WWE RAW Women's Champion.
Naomi had an incredible showing at the Royal Rumble with the eventual winner, Bianca Belair. She has everything going for her right now, and can definitely have a competitive match against Asuka at Elimination Chamber.
As for Asuka, even though she's been a dominant WWE RAW Women's Champion, she really has not been booked as well as she could have been.
The Champion is only as strong as her challengers, and Asuka has really not had any compelling feuds for the title she has carried in some time.
Asuka vs. Naomi can elevate the prestige of the title significantly, because quality matches of a competitive nature are what this division needs.
#2 Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka is the logical way to go
Charlotte Flair and Asuka are bound to clash at some point, sooner or later. It makes sense to fast-track this storyline now that Lacey Evans is unlikely to compete in the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The pressure has been building for a while now, and one of the two former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions is likely to turn on the other.
Remember that it was Charlotte Flair snapping and unloading on Lacey Evans that made the WWE RAW Women's Championship match at Elimination Chamber official.
It was Charlotte Flair who ended Asuka's undefeated streak, so there's history to play around with as well. Maybe the two women compete in a Babyface vs. Babyface match at Elimination Chamber and then Asuka turns heel. This could be the setup for a heel turn on the episode of WWE RAW after Elimination Chamber.
Once the heel turn happens, Charlotte Flair vs. heel Asuka could stretch all the way to WrestleMania, because this is certainly a marquee affair.
#1 Could Peyton Royce replace her partner Lacey Evans at the pay-per-view?
Peyton Royce and Lacey Evans formed an alliance after The IIconics split up, which made no sense then. Many weeks later, it makes no sense right now either. Why would you split up The IIconics to form this makeshift alliance? In any case, here we are!
It makes sense for Peyton Royce to demand that because her partner, Lacey Evans cannot compete at WWE Elimination Chamber; should could potentially take up the spot. Peyton Royce is a fantastic performer, and she really hasn't been used to her fullest potential.
Fans have been very vocal about wanting to see Asuka vs. Peyton Royce based on their previous encounters. The wisest course of action for WWE right now would be to replace Lacey Evans with Peyton Royce, to give her the push that she has deserved for a while now.
In case you have someone else in mind to take up the Lacey Evans spot, do not hesitate to let us know in the comments.
