'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAAAW//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQIQAAAAF//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQMQAAAAb//EAB4QAAEFAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQFEQATIWFx/9oACAEBAAE/AI1dWVlZ0HKkuk6fa42kQRFMzFE+zUL3nJdJTR5bzJv2BG2ZAqo2HnF+8//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAECAQE/AJv/xAAXEQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAID/9oACAEDAQE/ANbLP//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Asuka is expected to debut at TLC but, at the moment, there isn't a lot of information about her role on the show. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former NXT Women's Champion could have a singles match with a secondary heel or team with Bayley and Sasha Banks in a six-woman tag team match.
In case you didn't know...
There is a very good reason why Asuka is the female equivalent of Goldberg. Her undefeated streak and title run in NXT, alone, will be remembered as the stuff of legend.
Now that she's been announced for a main roster debut, plenty of people are excited to see what Asuka will be able to do. More than a few people might also be worried WWE will mismanage her star power. Only time will tell what will happen next, but we have some pretty good ideas.
The heart of the matter
While the WWE Universe watches promos hyping Asuka's debut every week it is getting people plenty excited with no real clue as to what Asuka will be doing. It's pretty obvious she'll be kicking people in the head, but who?
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports there are a couple options open at this point. Asuka could be placed in a one-on-one match against someone like Emma, Alica Fox, or possibly Nia Jax.
There is also the option of pairing Asuka with some babyfaces right out of the gate. The Empress of Tomorrow could team with Sasha Banks and Bayley to face a team of heels in a six-woman tag match.
What's next?
It won't take Asuka long to make an impression with the WWE Universe. If her amazing hype videos aren't doing enough already to excite people when they actually see her entrance or work in the ring all doubts will be off the table.
It would be nice to see Asuka excel and get everything she deserves as one of the best female pro wrestlers on the planet. But Raw could be treacherous waters for Asuka.
Her mastery of the English language might sadly have a lot to do with not getting a push unless they can pair her up with a mouthpiece. If Asuka had someone cut promos for her while she does all the talking in the ring it might be the best thing for her.
Author's take
Although it's practically a given that the fans will readily accept Asuka, there is no guarantee that Vince McMahon, the master of 50-50 booking, will be able to harness the magic she had in NXT.
After all, McMahon doesn't play well with other people's toys and has broken a few through the years. Asuka's success and seemingly untouchable undefeated streak could be something Vince McMahon might want to wash clean.
Hopefully, this isn't the case, but I learned a long time ago to never say something is too ludicrous for Vince McMahon to attempt.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
