10 Biggest WWE Creative Mistakes Of 2018 (So Far)

1. Destroying Asuka

Asuka James Ellsworth
WWE

Cynics always assumed that WWE would conspire to "ruin" Asuka on the main roster, but the brutal efficiency with which the company has eviscerated her character over the past three months could not have been foreseen.

It started at WrestleMania 34. Charlotte Flair has been positioned as the Women's Revolution's franchise player, so while losing to her is no great shame in itself, it was entirely too early to even think about ending Asuka's undefeated streak. Her character's biggest hook was thrown away with an abrupt finish that saw her shockingly tap to the Figure Eight, but the damage could've been undone with an effective follow-up.

WWE decided against this, opting to chip away at 'The Empress' and her once-imposing aura instead. She re-entered the SmackDown Women's Title hunt, but sadly, feuding with Carmella has done her few favours, and Asuka was neutered once and for all at Money In The Bank.

Distraction finishes always present the victim as a dope, and in having Asuka visibly shaken by James Ellsworth of all people, the company obliterated the last vestiges of her credibility. Now, she's nothing. A faceless spot-filler with little to separate her from anyone else, her star lower than ever.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.