WWE Royal Rumble 2018: 5 Takeaways from the Women’s Match

Credit: WWE.com

No one is ready for Asuka yet

The biggest story for the history books, was Asuka taking home the winner’s rights to the first ever women’s Royal Rumble match.

A clear picked favorite among fans and analysts, Asuka entered as no. 25 into the match, lasting 19:41 and eliminating Ember Moon, Nia Jax, and Nikki Bella before becoming the Rumble winner.

The win adds to her already impressive streak of over two years of undefeated action with the company at NXT and WWE’s main roster.

Instead of pulling a typical Royal Rumble disaster, WWE decided to turn their attention to the future of the women’s division, and chose a star they had been pushing since her debut on the main roster. Their choice to solidify Asuka as a marquee talent, instead of picking a winner based on temporary popularity and nostalgia, points to WWE creating a new path for women and the image of their company.

While it’s unlikely Asuka will retire completely undefeated, the choice to choose talent did not go unnoticed. Asuka’s mysterious presence is a step in the right direction for women and Japanese wrestlers, alike.

Showing both Nakamura, the winner of the men’s match, and Asuka as positive influences on a main roster, instead of foreign heels, means WWE is on the road to progress.