Connect with us

Opinion

What’s Next For Asuka?

When will we see Asuka featured again?

Published

on

Asuka WWE

Women’s Champion Asuka hasn’t wrestled on Smackdown since tapping Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble. What’s next for The Empress Of Tomorrow?

There are two women’s champions on the main roster in WWE. One’s a megastar, embroiled in the hottest feud in wrestling at the moment, and consistently is featured in prominent spots on the card, week in and week out. Then there’s one that hasn’t been featured live on WWE TV in two weeks. Have you figured out which is which?

Sure, obviously Ronda Rousey is more than just the RAW women’s champ. She’s a crossover star, a mainstream draw who has earned her spot in the grand scheme of WWE’s talent positioning. But why do we get a champ on Monday nights who seemingly has her hands full each week, and then Asuka gets left out in the cold?

Last we saw of the Empress of Tomorrow, she was retaining her Smackdown Women’s Title in a fantastic match against Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. That was two weeks ago, and after being completely absent  the Smackdown after the big show, all we got this week was a video package confirming that Asuka was, indeed, here and ready to cause havoc.

It was a pretty nifty package, but is that all we should be getting at this point? Asuka’s been champ for over a month now, and like I previously mentioned, owns a huge victory over Becky Lynch since becoming the blue brand’s champion.

But now what? Who’s next to step up to the plate for Asuka?

Smackdown has really put themselves into a corner here with their women’s booking. The focus has been completely on Asuka, Becky and Charlotte Flair for the past few months. Asuka’s now beaten them both, in triple threat action in addition to her one-on-one victory over Lynch.

Now, we’ve got Elimination Chamber, Fastlane and WrestleMania on the horizon, and no apparent plans in place for Asuka. I’m not saying she has to defend her title at both of the intermediate PPV’s between now and Mania, and she could even miss both of them if need be, but what’s the plan for the Show of Shows here?

See, it would be perfect if the WWE just kept things simple and went with Charlotte-Asuka for WrestleMania. It would be a fantastic match, a rematch of last year’s WrestleMania women’s title match on the Smackdown side, which has your story built in right there.

Charlotte destroyed Asuka’s undefeated streak, and a bit of her mystique went by the wayside, as well. What better way than to reassert Asuka’s position at the top of the mountain than by having her avenge her loss on the Grandest Stage of ‘Em All?

It makes too much sense, right? Then why do I have the feeling that it isn’t going to play out this way?

You see, Charlotte seems like she’s got another title in mind, and another fish to fry. The buzz right now is that Charlotte will be added to the RAW Women’s Championship match between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch, making it a triple threat.

Will that match be awesome? Yes. Is it necessary? I don’t believe so, especially because it weakens the Smackdown women’s title picture.

After Charlotte, who is next in line for Asuka? Because Smackdown has paid so much attention to the Becky-Charlotte saga, they’ve done a subpar job at building up the women’s division behind them. They’ve got no credible challengers at this point.

Carmella? Naomi? They wouldn’t make sense on the heel/face aspect of things, and do either of those two feel like a big-time WrestleMania match waiting to happen? Not really, unfortunately.

I think your challenger for the belt lies with either Sonya Deville or Mandy Rose, and I’m hoping it’s Sonya. Nothing against God’s Greatest Creation, but Sonya’s in-ring work is more polished, and I think that her and Asuka’s styles will mesh well together.

But even with them, are they credible enough? Mandy’s been on a nice little streak as of late with wins over Naomi, but she’s embroiled in a storyline with her that doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Meanwhile, Sonya’s been playing second fiddle, and hasn’t had a chance to showcase her skills in any sort of meaningful way for the last few months.

Those are the top four women outside of the holy triumvirate of Becky-Asuka-Charlotte on Smackdown, and none of them feel like contenders. Smackdown has a lot of work to do over the next two months if it wants to build someone up to take on Asuka. Hell, even if Charlotte does stay on Smackdown and challenges Asuka, it would be wise to build up the rest of the women’s roster anyway because depth is key, and right now the Smackdown women’s division doesn’t have it.

I don’t expect to see Asuka at Elimination Chamber. I don’t even know when to expect her next back on television. But I do expect the WWE to do better by her, and better by the entire women’s roster, and book her a challenge for WrestleMania.

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chris King: The Wyatt Sicks’ Wasted Potential By WWE

Chris King takes a look at the WWE and their wasted potential of Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks faction.

Published

on

Wyatt Sicks WWE

Chris King takes a look at the WWE and their wasted potential of Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks faction.

It’s that time of the year again, folks; it’s unfortunate and downright awful that so many WWE superstars got released today. I’m not going to list all of them, but I am going to talk about one of my favorite factions, 

The Wyatt Sicks. Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erik Rowan, and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) were something special. After Bo’s brother Bray Wyatt’s tragic passing, WWE felt like there was a hole that needed to be filled. Wyatt was one of the most creative and brilliant characters, and Bo would be taking over his brother’s concept and bringing it to life. In 2024, at the end of an incredible documentary highlighting Wyatt’s career and struggles, Bo appeared on the screen portrayed as Uncle Howdy. The last time Uncle Howdy was seen on-screen was at the 2023 Royal Rumble, where Wyatt defeated LA Knight in a Pitch Black Match. Howdy jumped off a structure onto Knight. 

This post-credit scene sparked so much speculation and excitement that Wyatt’s brother would carry on his legacy and possibly debut the faction that was Wyatt’s concept. On the June 17th episode of Monday Night Raw, The Wyatt Sicks made their dramatic debut ,destroying the backstage area as well as “murdering” Chad Gable. It was such an iconic arrival for Howdy as he made his menacing walk from the back into the audience who were chanting “Holy Shit.” The Sicks and American Made (Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers) battled for months, with The Sicks being victorious. On the September 9th episode of Raw, The Sicks defeated them, with Howdy getting the win with Sister Abigail. 

The following year, The Sicks would move over to Friday Night SmackDown, and it seemed like WWE had a plan in place. They would win the tag team championships from The Street Profits and start to look dominant. Now, what should have happened next is Howdy should have won the United States title. The Sicks could have held all the gold over on the blue brand, but it never happened. The Sicks entered into a never-ending feud with The MFT’s (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga.) It started off exciting, and the WWE Universe was red-hot for their interactions. 

After months of repetitive matches and The MFT’s stealing their lantern, the feud grew tiresome and boring. Even Tama asked Solo why they are still holding onto the lantern, as it was destroying them as a whole. Finally on the SmackDown before Mania, Tama

gave the lantern back to Howdy against Solo’s wishes. Please explain to me why both factions fought almost every single week instead of just having one final blowoff match at WrestleMania. 

It should have been either a massive street fight or a falls count anywhere match on the grandest stage of them all. Instead, it turned into a meaningless week-after-week extravaganza that benefited no one. The MFTs won the rivalry, and The Sicks don’t even work for WWE anymore. This was the same criminalized creative process that Wyatt dealt with during his first run in the company. 

We’ll never know how much of a dangerous force The Wyatt Sicks could have been in the WWE. For all their careers’ sake, I hope they stay far away from the company for as long as possible. Every superstar that was cut deserves better!

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Opinion

Chris King: Bloodline Saga: Is This the Right Call For WWE?

Chris King questions the WWE’s logic in setting up Jacob Fatu as the next challenger for World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns 

Published

on

WWE Jacob Fatu Roman Reigns Backlash

Chris King questions the WWE’s logic in setting up Jacob Fatu as the next challenger for World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns is once again World Heavyweight Champion after his dominant win over CM Punk at WrestleMania 42. On the following night on Monday Night Raw, The OG Bloodline came back together as a well-oiled machine as The Usos stood side by side with Roman. With the WWE Universe asking who would be the first to challenge “The Tribal Chief,” Jacob Fatu shocked the world by answering the call. 

Fatu is running hot after his impressive win over Drew McIntyre and feels like he is ready to become the new world champion. This bloodline segment ended Raw, and it picked right back up on SmackDown with even Solo Sikoa and the MFTs involved. This is now two shows that have been centered around The Bloodline saga, and it’s made me question whether or not WWE should be retelling this story. 

The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa) ran WWE for over four years as Reigns’ henchmen, doing his dirty work to retain his title. Even though Roman has declared he doesn’t want Jey and Jimmy to serve him, it sure seems like WWE are spinning their wheels. Fatu could add a whole new chapter into the story, even if he’s not able to beat Roman at Backlash. “The Samoan Werewolf” could be forced to do the same thing as Jey did all those years ago and fall in line. 

 In my opinion, I feel like Fatu should be challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship because that’s a title I feel like he should win. I understand standing up to your blood and trying to prove you’re the best, but I don’t think this is the right move. It feels like 2022 all over again, as The Bloodline is the central focus on both shows. If Fatu doesn’t win, what happens to all his momentum he’s been building over the last two years? 

Why did WWE make this the best choice for storyline purposes? Why couldn’t creative have come up with a different challenger for Roman? There are so many other superstars that could challenge The Tribal Chief, such as Rusev, Bron Breakker, Gunther, or even a returning Sheamus. 

I just can’t help but question WWE’s logic here, and it kind of reminds me of all the times The Shield reunited. Could WWE be pushing the same storyline too many times here? Could the WWE Universe get tired of this rinse and repeat cycle of The Bloodline Saga?

Are we about to see all the weekly episodes solely focused on The Bloodline again? Will it be cinema… Yes. Is there still money in The Bloodline… Yes. Was it the right call? That’s to be determined!

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

News7 hours ago

TNA Impact on AMC Drops to 175,000 Viewers, 0.03 18-49 Rating Amid Heavy Sports Competition

TNA Thursday Night Impact averaged 175,000 viewers on AMC last week, a 17.5% decline from the previous week’s 212,000 and...

News7 hours ago

Nick Hogan Open to Pursuing In-Ring Career After Viewing Hulk Hogan: Real American

Nick Hogan told the Bonus Edition of the 83 Weeks podcast that after watching the final version of Hulk Hogan:...

News7 hours ago

AJ Lee Thanks WWE Peers After Triumphant Return, Reflects Post–WrestleMania 42

AJ Lee’s surprise return to WWE in September after more than a decade away reignited excitement among fans and fellow...

News7 hours ago

Family of Marc Izard Launches GoFundMe to Bring Fan Home After WrestleMania Weekend Death

The family of Marc Izard has set up a GoFundMe page to bring his body back from Las Vegas to...

News7 hours ago

CM Punk Explains Why He Uses His Platform to Speak Out on Social Issues

CM Punk candidly addressed why he chooses to speak on social issues, explaining that his visibility as a high-profile wrestler...

News7 hours ago

JD McDonagh Eyes Producer Role, Mentorship and an Irish Wrestling Academy After In-Ring Career

In a recent interview with German Suplex Talk, JD McDonagh said he can’t picture life away from wrestling and hopes...

News7 hours ago

Natalya Offers Condolences Following Marc Izard’s Passing

WWE star Natalya took to social media to express her heartbreak and offer condolences to the family of Marc Izard...

News7 hours ago

Jeff Jarrett: WWE “Pulled the Rung Out From Under” Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42

Veteran promoter and wrestler Jeff Jarrett criticized WWE’s handling of the WrestleMania 42 main event, saying the company “pulled the...

News7 hours ago

Jordynne Grace Says She Wants to Work With Paul Heyman

During an appearance on “Aussie Heat,” Jordynne Grace revealed she would like the opportunity to work with Paul Heyman. Grace...

News7 hours ago

Nikki Bella Reveals Injury, Surgery Decision Behind WrestleMania 42 Change

Nikki Bella has revealed details about the injury and the process that led her to realize she needed surgery, which...

Advertisement

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com