This Monday’s edition of WWE Raw saw the highly anticipated return of Asuka. In only a way that she can, she sauntered down to the ring and confronted one of her main rivals in Becky Lynch. With very little said between the two, they’ve kicked off what will not only be an exciting feud, but one that is necessary within the WWE women’s division. An angle involving two of the best performers on the roster, without a title involved.
WWE’s booking has received criticism for years, but the recent booking around the women’s divisions is among the worst. From the angle between Toni Storm and Charlotte Flair, to how WWE almost botched the build to Sasha Banks versus Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 37, WWE has shown almost complete disinterest in building anything through clear and enticing storytelling with the women.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgesbsaGKlE?feature=oembed
That changes with Becky Lynch. The multiple-time women’s champion recognizes the importance of storytelling not only in professional wrestling but in entertainment. That comes across in all her work in her promos, matches, and even her outfits. Lynch is at the top of her game and while WWE has moved the title over to the surging Belair, Lynch still has a lot to offer in this role. She may not be the champion, but everything that she touches is certainly the main event.
Then there’s the other side of the equation, Asuka. It’s true that Asuka’s main event run hasn’t given fans the type of dominance or relevance she had while in WWE NXT. Her last stint as champion was so forgettable it seemed like the WWE did just that; forgot she was the champion. But that has not curtailed the support she receives as fans were hoping to see her back in the ring sooner, rather than later. In some ways, Ronda Rousey’s entrance and victory at Royal Rumble is akin to the negative fan reaction that Rey Mysterio received when fans wanted to see Daniel Bryan (now Bryan Danielson) instead.
Asuka versus Lynch comes with all the history to tell. Lynch consistently struggles to overcome Asuka, but Asuka remains in the “shadow” of the Four Horsewomen. Lynch has the influence within the company to make sure this story gets the respect to be told in the right way. Much like she did with her recent battle with Belair, Lynch’s star power demands that this battle gets the right treatment.
The title doesn’t need to be tied up in this feud. It creates space for WWE to build a new storyline with Belair fending off Sonya Deville, another woman who has received ample television time in recent years. This development benefits the entire roster.
Asuka versus Becky Lynch should be some of the best content on WWE Raw in the coming weeks. With these two talented women in the spotlight, WWE needs to ensure they get all the space and support to make sure the fans are invested. Not only for them but for the rest of the women in the locker room.