10 Absolute Best Matches WWE Could Present In 2017

8. Asuka Vs. Nikki Cross

Brock Lesnar Braun Strowman
WWE.com

If smoke exists where there is fire, WWE have no imminent plans to promote Asuka to the main roster. Is she a victim of her own success, or has the company still not totally evolved from its "we're looking for 10s" recruitment policy?

In any event, it's a damn shame. Asuka is a sensational performer who didn't need a stint in developmental but has still developed, anyway; her use of body language, in particular during her polite fight with Mickie James at TakeOver: Toronto last year, has improved exponentially. It matters little that Asuka isn't the most fluent English speaker; her in-ring storytelling is almost unparalleled.

It's not hard to see where WWE is going with the current Ember Moon rivalry; Asuka's transition from tweener to heel is set to coincide with her finally losing the Women's title. As good as that TakeOver: Orlando match was, something was evidently saved for the sequel - but Ember Moon still isn't the best possible opponent. If their January sub-feud is any indication, a lengthy feature match between Asuka and Nikki Cross promises something as special as it does unique. The prospect of two women who seem to relish pain with crazed, fetishistic enjoyment smashing each other so hard until it registers is the sort of thing we don't see in WWE.

It's something that would put Cross over big on Asuka's way out - if she ever gets out.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!