WWE News: Asuka gives major props to two developmental stars

What's the story?

At the recently concluded Royal Rumble, SmackDown Women's Champion, Asuka marked her first successful title defence by defeating former champion Becky Lynch in a thrilling contest.

Following the conclusion of the event, though, Asuka took to social media in order to give props to top developmental stars in Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler.

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In case you didn't know...

Ever since making her WWE debut as part of the inaugural Mae Young Classic Tournament, WWE NXT UK star Rhea Ripley has been thriving on the developmental scene where she has already established herself one of the fastest rising stars'.

Prior to the first-ever WWE NXT UK TakeOver in Blackpool, Ripley became the inaugural WWE NXT UK Women's Champion before eventually losing it to Toni Storm just a few short weeks ago.

Shayna Baszler, on the other hand, has had a similar journey as of Rhea Ripley, making her WWE debut as part of the first-ever Mae Young Classic as well.

'The Queen of Spades' since then has pretty much dominated the entire NXT Women's Division, as she became the first-ever two-time NXT Women's Champion.

The heart of the matter

During the emphatic Royal Rumble weekend, NXT Women's Champion, Shayna Baszler successfully defended her title belt against NXT upstart Bianca Belair at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, in what was truly one of the finest women's title matches in TakeOver history.

The very next day, former NXT UK star Rhea Ripley made her main roster debut, entering the Women's Royal Rumble match where she secured three eliminations before being eventually eliminated by Bayley.

Both Baszler and Ripley's performances caught the eye of one particular star in the form of SmackDown Women's Champion, Asuka, who gave high props to both the developmental stars and also teased a potential match against the two as well.

I think @RheaRipley_WWE and @QoSBaszler really good wrestlers. I feel great possibilities.

— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) January 28, 2019

Baszler herself also responded to 'The Empress of Tomorrow'

🤔 https://t.co/vYw9tWyhgk

— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) January 29, 2019

What's next?

SmackDown Women's Champion, Asuka is currently without an opponent for WrestleMania 35, however, if done right, WWE could very well treat us to a potential dream match between Asuka and Rhea Ripley or Asuka and Shayna Baszler (if she loses the NXT Women's Title by 'Mania 35).