Becky Lynch vs Asuka is a chance for great WWE storytelling

Becky Lynch versus Asuka is an opportunity for WWE Creative to remind everyone that they can tell great, long-term stories with their talent.

In professional sports, there’s something special about rivalries. When individuals or teams are locked in a heated battle that frequently goes through each other, every meeting means something special.

Professional wrestling has its own example of heated rivalries such as Trish Stratus versus Lita, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin or Randy Orton versus John Cena. WWE fans are getting introduced to a new rivalry between Becky Lynch and Asuka. This pairing has the potential to be something special and remind viewers that WWE Creative can put together long-term story telling.

Last Sunday the Kabuki Warriors defeated Lynch and Charlotte Flair in the main event of the evening. Once again, Asuka stood at the top of the ladder while Flair, and more importantly Lynch, were on the ground in defeat. This image is a rehash of how TLC 2018 ended where Asuka took the SmackDown title from Lynch. In fact, it’s a frequent occurrence whenever Asuka and Lynch meet in the ring. “The Man” struggles to get her hand raised, and she acknowledges the issue.

"“They are trying to protect me against Asuka because they don’t think I can win,” Lynch said in an interview following the latest PPV. “Asuka is the best in the world right now. TLC proved it. TLC last year proved it. The Royal Rumble last year proved it. I need you. You are the one person that I have not been able to beat. Up until now, you’ve had my number, but I need that to change. Not for this company, not for the title, because I need to prove something to myself.”"

Look back across the Internet Wrestling Database record books when Asuka and Lynch have crossed paths, and it’s very difficult to find many examples where Lynch has won when the spotlight is on them.

Asuka picked up the win with Kairi Sane at TLC 2019. The Kabuki Warriors won at Starrcade in early December. The Kabuki Warriors defeated Lynch and Flair while Monday Night Raw was broadcasting in London on Nov. 8 and a month before that on Oct. 7. Asuka submitted Lynch at the Royal Rumble back in January before Lynch forced her way into the WrestleMania picture later that evening. And as mentioned, there is the 2018 edition of TLC where Asuka was victorious as well.

Lynch’s track record against Asuka is an important aspect to this feud. It’s rare that the WWE talks about wins and losses in any fashion. During this rise, Lynch has exuded a level of confidence that has helped her become a major star with fans.

Yet, to hear her talk about Asuka as a woman that she can’t beat and face those doubts – this is a breath of fresh air in WWE storytelling. It will be interesting to see how Asuka leans into this angle. Does she blow off Lynch as a non-challenge or does she face her at the Royal Rumble with the intention of adding the Raw women’s title to her collection?

Lynch and Asuka are the perfect pair to be in this angle currently, and it is an example of how much powerful storytelling awaits within the women’s division.

Plus, this angle is a potential example that WWE Creative can once again tell long term stories. One of the major creative issues within the WWE is the lack of patience that fails its storytelling each week. Action in the ring is rendered near meaningless and the angles outside of it are often uninteresting. In many ways, there’s an overwhelming lack of confidence in WWE Creative being able to develop long-term storylines that keep people invested. This angle between Lynch and Asuka is a prime opportunity for the minds behind the camera to prove everyone wrong.

Professional wrestling is a mix of action-packed matches and engaging storylines. World Wrestling Entertainment has the potential to give us a wealth of the matches, but the storylines of late have been lacking. The angle between Becky Lynch and Asuka is a change to give fans both. In many ways, it’s a major chance for WWE Creative to win some praise from a wrestling community that has lost faith in the product presented week in and week out.