Opinion: Asuka has finally arrived
Asuka: A name that many thought was thrown into oblivion after her failed attempts to capture the WWE SmackDown Live Women's Title from Charlotte and Carmella has finally risen to the top of the main roster. She can rightfully claim herself to be an empress and SmackDown her empire to rule.
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The Empress is no stranger to success, having garnered appreciation and respect from all corners of the wrestling universe.
Her NXT days prove just that with her being the longest undefeated NXT Champion (both male and female).
This Japanese Superstar beat the best of the best in NXT in various kinds of matched. So great is this Japanese Wonder that she has even surpassed Goldberg's undefeated streak. That in itself is an achievement to boast about.
It really seemed like no one was ready for Asuka when she made the jump from NXT to the main roster, defeating all women who were put in her path.
As a part of the RAW roster, she was the sole survivor in the inter-brand Survivor Series match. She also holds the record for the fastest victory via submission (three seconds) in a women's match when she made Dana Brooke tap out.
Asuka even went on to win the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match at the namesake PPV, challenging Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Title at WrestleMania 34.
It all looked great for Asuka up until that very moment she tapped out to Flair at WrestleMania. Not only did her 914-day winning streak come to a surprising halt but also, it looked like she would be just another face in the ocean of women competitors of the promotion.
She continuously lost in irrelevant tag team matches and was also made to look weak against Carmella, whom she lost to on two separate occasions.
All looked bleak for The Empress when she was made to tag with Naomi against the IIconics. Taking nothing away from the other three wrestlers, but nobody would have ever imagined that Asuka would be so low down the pecking order.
The rise of Becky Lynch and her amazing feud with Charlotte pushed Asuka further into an afterthought and many believed that she would be mistreated by WWE.
Her inclusion in the TLC match was something fresh and the WWE Universe was excited to see her getting another shot at the title.
Though not many gave her a chance, Asuka proved her worth on the SmackDown before TLC when she was the woman left standing tall over her two competitors.
At TLC, the PPV that saw a Woman's Title main event the show, in a match that was the first time ever for any women competitor, Asuka took a beating and gave one too.
She was speared through a table, through the barricade, beaten up with kendo sticks and chairs, but nothing would stop Asuka on this night. When the smoke cleared, among the beaten bodies, Asuka stood tall with the Blue colored belt in her hands.
Even if it came with some outside interference, Asuka is now the empress of SmackDown Live and everyone is ecstatic to see what the future holds for her. Maybe another unstoppable reign against worthy opponents?
Another match against her beaten opponents that will tear the roof apart? We will have to wait and see what WWE has planned ahead.
One thing is for sure now and that is no one is ready for Asuka!