10 Booking Steps For Asuka On WWE's Main Roster
2. A Banks Statement
With Bayley forcibly brushed aside by the Champion, Sasha Banks stakes her claim to Asuka's throne with major victories over Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss.
Considered something of a dream match thanks to the reminder that Asuka kicked off her NXT in-ring career the night Sasha said goodbye to hers, the pair are presented as equals in the build up, but Sasha falls short in the July pay-per-view battle.
Rolling through the Banks Statement to apply the Asuka Lock, the 'Empress Of Tomorrow' retains her title despite the fierce test from the fellow Full Sail graduate, but jumps the challenger after the match with more kicks to her head. As commentators reference the damage she'd previously inflicted on Becky Lynch and attempted on Charlotte back at WrestleMania, Bayley makes the save for her friend before taking a shot herself.
'NOBODY WILL EVER BE READY FOR ASUKA' screams the undefeated titleholder as Bayley and Banks lick their wounds, but the following night on Monday Night Raw, Kurt Angle decrees that 'The Hugger' will enter a Battle Royal to determine a new Number One Contender for SummerSlam.
Surviving to the end and dedicating the contest to the injured 'Boss', Bayley eliminates the previously dominant Nia Jax last to earn the match she'd previously been refused.