From the WWE Rumor Mill: Has Asuka joined the SmackDown roster officially?

What’s the story?

After Asuka shocked the world by appearing at Fastlane to challenge Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34, there's been a lot of talk about whether she'll be permanently moving to SmackDown or remaining on Raw for now.

The matter got even more confusing when Asuka appeared on both Monday and Tuesday night this week, but it seems that we've got an answer on whether 'The Empress of Tomorrow' will be appearing on the red brand or blue brand moving forward.

In case you didn't know...

Asuka won the first ever Women's Royal Rumble Match in January giving her a guaranteed title shot against the Women's Champion of her choice at WrestleMania.

After the match, Asuka was set to choose her opponent before Ronda Rousey showed up. It was rumored that the former NXT Women's Champion, would go on to face Alexa Bliss by virtue of being a Raw Superstar until the undefeated Superstar showed up at the SmackDown exclusive pay-per-view.

The heart of the matter

As per Wrestling Inc, Asuka is still listed as a member of the WWE Raw roster and, while she made her SmackDown Live debut this week to confront Charlotte ahead of their Women's Championship Match at WrestleMania, Asuka is likely to remain on the red brand from now until New Orleans.

Furthermore, it's noted that Asuka will remain a Raw Superstar unless she defeats SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania, where winning the Championship would automatically move her to the blue brand.

What’s next?

Asuka and Charlotte go head-to-head at WrestleMania 34 on April 8th when two of WWE's most dominant Superstars will clash for the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Author’s take

Well, it had been rumored for a while that we were heading for Charlotte vs Asuka at WrestleMania, but I think many people thought Asuka would automatically move to the blue brand upon challenging the champion this week.

Logic does dictate that Asuka is a contracted Raw Superstar, though, and would only move if she wins the title. Many people think that's a foregone conclusion, but if anyone is to beat Asuka and end the streak, Charlotte very well may be the lady to do so - particularly with the match taking place on such a big stage.

One thing is for sure, this match is a must-see, as Asuka puts her undefeated streak on the line - either leaving with it intact and with possibly the most impressive victory of all added to it, and one resulting in her first ever main roster WWE Championship. If the former NXT Women's Champion is unsuccessful, the streak is over.

Of course, there's still the small matter of Carmella holding the Money In The Bank briefcase as well. This one could get very interesting.