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What's the story?
The news first broke on Instagram. Mandy Rose has confirmed that she will be taking on Asuka for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WWE Fastlane next.
She's even scored a victory over Asuka during a previous encounter. Of course, Lacey Evans caused the distraction, leading to her victory.
In case you didn't know...
Neither Asuka nor Mandy Rose received any television time on SmackDown Live this week. Charlotte Flair was the only woman who got actual screen time and she spoke about the RAW Women's Championship program instead of the blue brand during the course of this week's show.
Lacey Evans made a cameo during the show as well, but there was absolutely no point to her segment, like always. Asuka and Charlotte actually took each other on in a dark match after the show.
By all accounts, the two women tore it in a pretty extraordinary match.
The heart of the matter
Mandy Rose has been the recipient of a big push on SmackDown Live and it is obvious why when you look at her. She has the look and gimmick that WWE is traditionally known to like and the company is adept at booking a good looking heel, all the way to the top.
While Asuka has been portrayed as a very top-notch performer, the X-factor in Mandy Rose's side will be Sonya Deville, who could always cause a distraction leading to a massive upset. One wonders how the complexion of SmackDown Live will change if that were to happen. There is very little buzz around the SmackDown Women's championship right now.
What's next?
It remains to be seen how WWE builds this program up before Fastlane. WWE needs to inject some heat into the title picture right now since there is none right now. I predict an Asuka vs. Sonya Deville match next week, ahead of the pay-per-view.
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