10 Best In-Ring Workers In WWE Right Now

8. Asuka

Neville WWE
WWE.com

Asuka is the greatest female talent on the planet right now. A credible argument can be made that she is far and away the most talented woman ever employed by WWE, but even that is faintly damning. Her incredible in-ring work transcends gender.

As if to underscore that, her most recent great match, with Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: Orlando, was sandwiched between the two longest bouts on the card in what is traditionally the popcorn slot - but Asuka refused to conform to tradition and wrestled a heated blinder of content and character development. Her gradual tweener role was plotted perfectly - overt enough to convey the story effectively, subtle enough to maintain intrigue for a sequel.

Her offence looks devastating. When she rebounds from the ropes and ensnares opponents in a flying cross armbar it almost turns them face, it's so vicious. Her kicks are as fluid as they are brutal - but it is the complete immersion into her character that elevates Asuka into something really special.

Her range of expressions, from sickly grin to wild-eyed glare, are the work of a psychological master. She looks like a lunatic out there - much more so than the man who formally bears the nickname.

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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 current Undisputed WWE 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!