WWE SmackDown Grades: Mustafa Ali Makes A Major Statement

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4. Asuka vs. Naomi

Asuka’s triumph at TLC was a win over a year in the making since her main roster debut.  The Empress Of Tomorrow has had an up and down 2018 in terms of creative direction, but the up she had at TLC was the best up yet and it gave Asuka a championship at long last.

Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair will certainly be nipping at her heels moving forward, but last night saw The Empress Of Tomorrow in action against someone totally different than those two.  After the opening segment of the night, Mr. McMahon made a match between Asuka and Naomi for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in a battle of former tag team partners.

With The Man and The Queen sitting ringside and taking it all in, Asuka and Naomi put on a very good match from start to finish.  This was a physical battle with a lot of standout moments, but seeing the finishing sequence with Naomi scratching and clawing to escape Asuka’s deadly submission holds was impressive.  There were several great counters and unique pinfall attempts thrown in as well.

However, Naomi ultimately couldn’t avoid the Asuka Lock and she would eventually tap out, allowing Asuka to retain her title.  This match was very good and managed to get a fair amount of time to shine as well, which made it even better.  The idea of new opportunities and fresh faces is taking over the WWE, so it was a pleasant sight to see Naomi get a title match.

Asuka felt the glow last night, but she didn’t feel it enough to drop her newly-won SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Final Grade: A-