All articles tagged with #asuka
WWE Raw on June 16, 2025, featured Asuka's return in a Queen of the Ring match, Jey Uso's victory in a King of the Ring qualifier, a confrontation between Goldberg and Gunther, and ongoing storylines involving top stars like Liv Morgan, Bayley, and Cody Rhodes, with notable matches and segments that set up future events including Night of Champions and Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Tonight's Raw features the return of Asuka to compete in the Queen of the Ring tournament, with rumors of Goldberg making a significant appearance to kick off his retirement storyline. The show also includes the conclusion of the King of the Ring first round, promos, and potential surprises involving other WWE stars, making it a night of notable returns and story developments.
Bayley's involvement with Damage CTRL continues to be rocky as she attempted to interfere in a match but failed, leading to tension within the group. However, during a match between Asuka and Charlotte Flair, Bayley defied their request to stay backstage and ended up helping Asuka win. This suggests that all is well with Damage CTRL for now, but if they want to build a feud between the two sides, they need to act soon.
Concerns arise as Charlotte Flair possibly sustains an injury during her match against Asuka on WWE SmackDown. Flair needed assistance leaving the ring, but no specific details about the incident have been provided. The match ended with Bayley's interference, leading to Asuka's victory. Fans are worried about Flair's well-being, and updates on her condition are being monitored.
Asuka shocked fans by betraying Bianca Belair and joining Damage CTRL on Friday Night SmackDown. Asuka spat mist in Belair's face and embraced her old friend Kairi Sane, solidifying her allegiance to the heel faction. The heels dominated the babyfaces, with Shotzi being the only woman to come to Belair and Charlotte Flair's aid. A women's War Games match could be on the horizon if the good gals find a fourth member.
WWE SmackDown featured matches such as Asuka and Charlotte Flair defeating Damage CTRL, Bobby Lashley defeating Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee defeating Austin Theory, and LA Knight defeating Jimmy Uso by disqualification. The show also saw an opening segment with LA Knight and John Cena, as well as backstage peace talks between Rhea Ripley and Paul Heyman. The event garnered 2.303 million viewers and took place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
In the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, John Cena teamed up with AJ Styles to battle The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa). Other matches included Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar defeating The Street Profits, Iyo Sky successfully defending the WWE Women's Championship against Asuka, and A-Town Down Under emerging victorious against the Brawling Brutes. The show ended with Cena being attacked by The Bloodline, leaving his participation in WWE Fastlane in doubt.
During a WWE live event, Bayley suffered a legitimate knee injury during a women's title match featuring Asuka and Charlotte Flair. WWE sources confirmed that the incident was not planned, and Bayley was assisted to the back by officials. Further updates on the nature and severity of the injury are awaited.
In the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair agreed to a showdown at SummerSlam, while Jey Uso sought revenge on Paul Heyman. Sheamus and Ridge Holland sought revenge against Pretty Deadly, but came up short. Zelina Vega faced Bayley in a rushed match, and Shotzi shaved her head in response to Bayley disrespecting her. Santos Escobar won the United States Championship Invitational 4-Way match, and Asuka defeated Bianca Belair via disqualification in the main event. The show received a grade of A.
Rhea Ripley has been presented with a new WWE Women's World Championship, which looks similar to the men's division. The new title replaces the Raw and SmackDown women's championships, making it easier for titleholders to change brands. The new title looks great on Ripley.
Charlotte Flair botched an important part of the segment on WWE SmackDown by pointing at the retired RAW Women's Championship instead of the new active WWE Women's Championship while challenging Asuka. Bianca Belair discredited Flair's challenge and is looking for a rematch for Asuka's title. She could interfere in the match between Flair and Asuka to set up a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women's Championship.
Bianca Belair discredits Charlotte Flair's title shot after she seemingly challenged for the retired RAW Women's Championship instead of the new WWE Women's Championship. Belair had previously taken her case to Adam Pearce for a rematch for the title. Pro wrestling legend Konnan believes that the creative team has done an atrocious job with Belair and hopes a heel turn and character change will help her get back to the top.
WWE is streamlining their titles, with Asuka becoming the WWE Women's Champion and handing over her RAW Women's Title to clean up the title situation. SmackDown Women's Champion Rhea Ripley is also set to receive some sort of adjustments to her title. WWE has thought about combining the two sets of Women's Tag Team Titles going back to the WWE Draft. Plans call for the Undisputed WWE Women's Tag Team Titles to appear on NXT programming when needed.
Asuka responded to criticism over the new WWE Women's Championship belt design, stating that people who don't like it have "bad fashion sense." She also accepted a future match against Charlotte Flair, who challenged her for a shot at the title during the "title ceremony." Asuka has held the Raw Women's Championship since Night of Champions, and the new title replaces it.
WWE has introduced a new Women's championship belt for Asuka, which is similar to the one Roman Reigns received on SmackDown. It is assumed that Rhea Ripley will receive a version of Seth Rollins' World Heavyweight belt to replace her SmackDown Women's title on an upcoming episode of Raw. However, it is unclear whether the new belt will be designated as the "heavyweight" belt or if Rhea will become the Universal Women's champion.