14 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown Superstar Shake-Up
13. The Empress & Princess Unite
There's probably a joke to be made about Vince McMahon substituting Io Shirai for another Japanese wrestler in Asuka, but screw it: Paige's women's tag team revealed was well-handled and satisfying.
WWE fans had been conditioned to expect the Sky Pirates this week. Instead, new call-up Kairi Sane will be teaming with 'The Empress Of Tomorrow,' who was brought out first as the former General Manager introduced her new tandem. It was a nice little swerve, and good news for all, as Shirai can establish herself as an NXT women's division mainstay, Sane will make her name on the main roster, and it's a great make-good for Asuka, who isn't going to be pushed to Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair's level anytime soon.
Paige's new besties showed good chemistry in the eight-woman tag, too. This is going to work.