WWE Royal Rumble 2019: 4 Possible Opponents For Asuka

Mandy Rose

Arguably the most improved wrestler on the main roster this year, Mandy Rose had a breakout performance during the five-on-five Women’s Elimination match at Survivor Series this year. Rose showed off her hard strikes and vicious in-ring style in that match, stealing the show in a contest that included standout wrestlers like Sasha Banks and Naomi.

She has made so much progress from being the stiff, dry character and in-ring performer she was as a surprise NXT call-up alongside the more impressive Sonya Deville. But Rose has more than come into her own as a character and wrestler, and it would be a joy to watch her trade strikes with Asuka in a SmackDown Women’s Championship match.

We’ve seen Rose and Asuka square off in the ring before, and Rose was a competent opponent for The Empress at the time. However, she seems to be that much better now, having made consistent improvements over the past months. Rose has earned an opportunity with her headstrong attitude, and, like Naomi, she just might get her chance to prove that she’s “ready” for Asuka. Except her might just might have the high-profile setting of the Royal Rumble Pay Per View.

On this week’s episode of SmackDown Live, we saw Rose sacrifice herself so The Miz could pick up an important victory. Selflessness exists in wrestling, but because Rose is such a cutthroat character who is willing to get ahead at all costs (and recently started calling out Naomi on social media), it’s hard not think there was an ulterior motive. Perhaps getting on The Miz’s good side could help Rose pursue a championship match against The Miz’s (former?) Mixed Match Challenge partner.