WWE Raw Power Rankings: They’re Not Like Most Rankings

Credit: WWE.com

2. Asuka

I think it’s a clear indication of how much trust creative has in Asuka and how much faith they have in the streak to be using the Empress of Tomorrow to build up Nia Jax.

Asuka once again on Monday helped Nia look like a million bucks. But it was done while continuing to help the main roster crowd understand that Asuka doesn’t win by steamrolling her opponents, but by putting on hard-fought matches that test her resilience and her endurance. Positioning her as a tactician not only grows her mystique but continues to help the mainstream WWE audience understand what NXT fans have known for years.

Credit: WWE.com

1. Nia Jax

Nia Jax stood above and beyond any other wrestler on Raw this week, male or female. Not only was she so perfectly booked in her match with Asuka, but her Road to Wrestlemania suddenly became clear and intriguing.

She had another dominating match against Asuka that further established her as a strong and commanding presence (she pressed the Empress above her head, yo). But on top of that, the seeds of a face turn have unquestionably been sowed. Not only was she allowed to soak in a “respect-in-defeat” moment in the ring once Asuka left, but the de-motivational, psychologically sinister and creepily manipulative segment with “Bully” Alexa Bliss was gutwrenching.

Next: What Have Been The Usos 10 Greatest Matches In WWE?

I don’t think anyone was really expecting Jax vs. Bliss at WrestleMania, but with just one event it has me more emotionally invested than, say, whatever Brock and Roman are up to.