5 things you need to know before tonight's WWE SmackDown Live (December 18, 2018)

1: The Era of Asuka begins

The Empress of Tomorrow captured the SmackDown Women's Championship at Tables, Ladders, and Chairs.

2018 has been a rough year for the Empress.

After losing her streak at WrestleMania 34, Asuka slid down the company's totem pole, losing repeatedly to Carmella, before entering a tag team with Naomi.

At TLC though, the Japanese star turned this all around, when she finally captured the SmackDown Women's Championship, the same title she had aimed for at WrestleMania.

Now on top of the blue brand's women's division, expect the Empress of Tomorrow to be more confident than ever, though she does owe Becky Lynch a rematch.

Whether that title match will happen tonight remains to be seen, but if it does, we're confident it will be another excellent match between two of SmackDown Live's most popular Superstars competing today.

To put it bluntly, is anyone ready for Asuka?