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There was very little to write about with regard to SmackDown Live. The only thing of note that happened during the show was that Paige announced that the team of Asuka and Kairi Sane would have a name going forward.
Yes, you can read about the highlights of the show in this recap piece. In this particular article, I shall try and explain why Asuka and Kairi Sane were allocated this interesting name.
I really do like the pairing of these two international superstars and their ever-so-familiar manager, namely Paige. I want to hear what you think about the team and their mentor as well, in the comments below.
Do you think they have the potential to become the WWE Women's Champions down the line someday?
#5. The Japanese connection
WWE is obviously a global brand and they want a foothold across various marketplaces. One of the countries where the company has many fans is Japan, and now they have a tag team that they can call their own as well. Much like the 'Modern Day Maharaja' does for India, the Kabuki Warriors is a name that pays tribute to an aspect of Japanese culture- Japanese theater.
Kabuki is a native dance-drama art form that is native to Japan and WWE wanted to showcase that element in the name, when they paired Asuka with Kairi Sane. What a lot of people may not know is that Kairi Sane is a trained actor who has also done a lot of work in the theatre. In fact, she also has a degree in literature so it's clear that she's quite familiar with Kabuki.
WWE likes to take elements of one's personality and amp it up. They are probably highlighting the acting background of Sane through the name.
#4. Merchandising possibilities
WWE has many sources of revenue. One of their primary sources of income is merchandising, both through WWE's own store and affiliated outlets, that retail merchandise based on their Superstars. I'm sure that as proud members of the WWE Universe, you've all ordered from these stores in the past.
Both Asuka and Kairi Sane have their own merchandise available on the WWE store but nothing is available for the unit thus far. Because of the kabuki theme, it may become easier to design merchandise that matches the duo's gimmick. Those of you that are planning to order shirts, caps or other accessories based on these two women may be in for some exciting possibilities.
All of the top tag teams in the company have merchandise available based on the team name. And with this name change, WWE may have made it possible for Kairi Sane and Asuka to connect with their fans and earn the big bucks too.
#3. To prove that Asuka's singles run is effectively over
What WWE effectively proved through this name change is that Asuka's reign as a dominant singles competitor is over. One must remember that she is the same woman that steamrolled her way through her opponents in NXT back when she was the Champion.
She even left the brand undefeated, coming up to the main roster after relinquishing her NXT Women's Championship. It was all smooth sailing for her until she ran into a roadblock named Charlotte Flair and things haven't been the same for her since then.
By awarding a name to the unit, WWE secretly told us that Asuka will only be a tag team competitor going forward. It's not a unit comprising of two singles competitors but the Kabuki Warriors are a team with their eyes on the tag team gold.
Maybe Asuka will find greater success as a tag team competitor!
#2. 'Warriors' is not a shunned word like 'War' is
I know what a lot of you are wondering at the moment. If the War Raiders had to change their name to The Viking Raiders because the word 'war' does not resonate well with sponsors, how are Asuka and Kairi Sane 'The Kabuki Warriors'? The answer is actually obvious.
While 'war' is a negative word, being a warrior is seen as a symbol of strength and determination. I mean 'The Warrior' award is presented at the WWE Hall of Fame every year to one deserving candidate and moreover, The Ultimate Warrior is one of the most celebrated Superstars in the company's history. And hence, there was no controversy surrounding this name.
If you watch the video linked above, the team was going to get a different name. But Paige and co. believed that the Kabuki Warriors was a name that just fit better.
#1. To take remedial steps and rebuild the women's Tag Team Division
Back when Sasha Banks and Bayley became the inaugural WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, there was an air of excitement and anticipation about the titles. But for no fault of their own, The IIconics' reign has just felt like it is watered down and underwhelming because of the way that the duo's been booked.
WWE did receive a lot of flak when the Sasha Banks incident exploded shortly after WrestleMania, and this may be their way of saying- 'Look, we want to take the division seriously'. By allocating a name to Kairi Sane and Asuka, WWE is saying that they're not two singles competitors paired together for a throwaway program.
And honestly, these two women can tear the house down if given a chance to shine. I expect them to become Champions soon.
What do you guys think?
