Asuka’s record-setting undefeated streak ran for two and a half years across multiple brands. As we all know, it ended at WrestleMania 34 when Charlotte Flair successfully defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against the Japanese Superstar.
And it absolutely needed to. At least, that’s the case the team of Cain A. Knight and Steph Hatala make in their latest production (embedded above).
It’s a compelling argument. There wasn’t much more WWE could do with The Empress’ streak. They had to include tag matches in the stake (prior to Mixed Match Challenge, they’d ignoring at least one pin a partner of her’s took while she was in NXT, and a televised battle royal loss) in order to generate suspense about the streak on Raw heading into The Showcase of The Immortals. The thought of watching them try to keep the streak alive for any length of time - let alone the year it would take to get to a rumored WrestleMania 35 showdown with Ronda Rousey, would have been insufferable.
And if you’re gonna fall, it might as well be to The Queen. WWE has never built a woman up the way they have Flair - ask Sasha Banks. Regardless of how many fans The Boss, or Becky Lynch, or Bayley, may have, Charlotte is the company’s clear choice as the wrestling face of their Women’s Evolution. She’s got the in-ring chops to back it up, too. This wasn’t offering the streak to Carmella or Mandy Rose for cheap heat.
Many of us had grown attached to Asuka’s streak. It was definitely the way WWE has defined her for the last few years. All the more reason it had to die, so we can finally get a chance to see who The Empress of Tomorrow is outside being undefeated.
Let us know if you agree. And remember to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest productions from Cain, Steph and our entire video team!