WWE TLC 2017 Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades

Photo Source: WWE.com

Emma vs. Asuka

Result: Asuka defeated Emma via submission

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If ever a performer was built for a big stage, it’s Asuka. Everything about her persona screams charisma, and it’s all larger than life. Kudos to WWE for making her entrance seem like a big deal tonight.

When the match got started, everything about the chain wrestling sequence at the beginning was terrific. Asuka is insanely fast, and so precise in all her movements. Emma did a great job to keep up and hang for a bit. Still, up until the action went outside the ring, Asuka was in complete control – a few slaps here and there notwithstanding.

But Emma took advantage thanks to having the high ground. Some vicious kicks with Asuka in the tree of woe led to the Emmamite Sandwich running splash. It’s probably the most offense anyone has gotten in against Asuka in about a year. But The Empress made a quick comeback thanks to her “sudden offense” – apparently the commentary code for “she hits you fast.”

A long ankle lock sequence where Asuka kept countering Emma’s counters showed how proficient at technical wrestling Asuka is. And how often do you see a German suplex with the leg trapped for a possible submission? Emma tried to fight out of the incoming punishment, but Asuka kicked her head in and cinched in the Asuka Lock for the submission victory.

It was a solid debut for Asuka, and a great performance by Emma to make it even better. Here’s to much more of The Empress on Raw coming up.