WWE SmackDown Grades: Kofi Earns The Opportunity Of A Lifetime
2. Mandy Rose vs. Asuka
Asuka had a history-making win at TLC in December when she captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship for the first time. She carried that over into the Royal Rumble when she made Becky Lynch tap out to retain her title, however, The Empress Of Tomorrow hasn’t been a focal point since then.
In fact, Asuka hadn’t even been on TV in a few weeks before last night’s appearance. Many believe she was just kept off of TV because the WWE didn’t have anything for her, but last night saw Asuka want more competition. She was interviewed in the ring and was asked about being overlooked recently, which she responded with the fact that she defeated both Lynch and Charlotte Flair at TLC and then made Lynch tap out at the Royal Rumble.
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The Empress Of Tomorrow demanded new challengers, leading to an appearance by Mandy Rose with Sonya Deville by her side. Rose said she wanted a piece of Asuka and the two had a match immediately. Even though it was a bit slow moving at times, it was still a solid match that saw Rose hold her own against the SmackDown Women’s Champion. Things changed a bit when Lacey Evans walked out and walked back like she has been doing.
Asuka still appeared to have things in control after that, but after Rose faked an eye injury, she used that to catch Asuka by surprise and roll her up for the win. It was a great heel tactic and it resulted in a huge win for Rose over the SmackDown Women’s Champion. This could and should lead to a championship match between the two, perhaps at Fastlane.
God’s Greatest Creation used every trick in the book, so to speak, to get a big win over the dominant SmackDown Women’s Champion in a good match.
Final Grade: B