From the WWE Rumor Mill: Future plans for Asuka on the main roster
What's the story?
When Asuka had to vacate her NXT Women's Championship it was revealed negotiations had already begun to bring her up to the WWE main roster. But what brand will The Empress Of Tomorrow wind up on? PW Insider has some new backstage information on the situation.
In case you didn't know..
Asuka is very rough in the ring. She looks like she enjoys inflicting pain on everyone she comes in contact with. During her record-breaking title reign in NXT she seemed to have a smile glued to her face every time someone stepped up the challenge her.
After Asuka suffered a broken collarbone during her match against Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III it seemed like the best opportunity to strip the title and move her up to the main roster. William Regal said they were working on which main roster brand she would end up on and it was still up in the air how they'd crown a new NXT Women's Champion.
With things heating up on both rosters, Asuka would certainly make a big splash where ever she went.
The heart of the matter
The current word going around is Asuka will soon join the Raw brand. PW Insider reports the former NXT Women's Champion is joining the SmackDown Live crew during a tour of Japan in a non-wrestling role. But that is not where she will eventually hang her hat.
Asuka is expected to return to action in early October and will reportedly be on WWE's red team. With her addition to Monday Night Raw, not only will this afford fans the opportunity to see her wrestle on a larger stage, but WWE will also be able to compose some real dream matches in the process.
WWE Network is also planning on introducing a collection about Asuka in early October which would fit that time frame perfectly as well.
What's next?
Asuka will kick people really hard and it will hurt them. She ran roughshod over the NXT Women's roster during her time in WWE's developmental system, but only time will tell how she'll be able to swim in the deep waters of the main roster. But hopefully, her streak will survive a little bit longer.
Author's take
Asuka is one of the most unique performers I've ever had the pleasure of watching first-hand. She has the ability to captivate a crowd no matter the size. If she is implemented into a top story line on Raw it might only be a matter of time before she's holding the Raw Women's Title above her brightly colored head.