The returns of Asuka and Mustafa Ali are the 1-2 punch WWE needs right now

Outside of Cody Rhodes, there isn’t a lot to truly be excited about within WWE. The promotion continues to struggle to offer many “new” looks to build excitement for viewers. News of potential returns for Asuka and Mustafa Ali is the type of news that can turn things around. WWE needs to leverage this opportunity to build upon the momentum seen with Rhodes’s return and create more reasons to turn into WWE television.

WWE’s upcoming PPV, WrestleMania Backlash, is built almost entirely around rematches. It’s hard to get excited about watching 3+ hours of wrestling on a Sunday after many of these matches occurred at the last PPV, with some iteration of them happening week after week. Inserting Asuka and Ali back into the fold before another premium live event boosts interest in everyone involved.

Asuka is rumored to be heading for a non-title feud with Becky Lynch. These two women have a storied history and bringing them back together is the perfect way to keep them in an engaging storyline. These two women command attention whenever they are on television and this also helps build some interesting future opponents for the current champion, Bianca Belair.

There are several matches that Asuka could have to help boost the women’s roster. While many have occurred in the past, it’s been nearly a year since fans have seen her on television and she hasn’t performed in front of a live audience since 2020. Her return is going to be met with cheers and open arms.

Ali’s return has the potential to infuse some excitement in the men’s division as well. Outside of Roman Reigns, WWE has failed to build any interest across the men’s division. Rhodes’s return has been a big help, while individuals like Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens are continuing to do great work, but neither of them are doing anything exceptionally different. With Ali, WWE has the opportunity to give fans something different and create a new storyline that brings people back each week.

This is the time to give Ali the push that fans have wanted to see. Both KofiMania and the RETRIBUTION gimmick saddled all his momentum. If his return does occur, it’s time for WWE to treat him with care because the shows need this to work out.

Asuka and Mustafa Ali are both rumored to be coming back to WWE Raw at a time when the show needs as much help it can get. They are the perfect one-two punch to boost interest in the WWE product.