10 Booking Steps To End Asuka’s Undefeated Streak In WWE
3. Extreme Sequel/Extreme Transgression
Immediately following SummerSlam, the RAW brand presents Extreme Rules - and presents an eponymous rematch between Asuka and Nikki Bella. Using the same principle as the Backlash encounter - complaints are warranted, but such repetition is hard to avoid - the stipulation obscures both the predictable outcome and the uninspiring retread with the promise of pure violence.
Bayley's fleeting RAW Women's Title run, in early 2017, resulted from residual confidence; in reality, the crushing loss to Asuka at NXT TakeOver: Dallas symbolised the onset of her character's descent. Asuka conveyed to Bayley that it didn't matter how much fortitude she had in her. That's all she had, ultimately; Asuka comprehensively outclassed her in both of their marquee encounters.
After Asuka emerges victorious, WWE borrows from the NXT playbook and prolongs the celebration. The moment, telegraphed, now recedes as a possibility - until Turn It Up blasts over the speakers, and Bayley stalks the ring, briefcase in hand. She then levels Asuka in the face with that briefcase, over and over again, underscoring the momentous moment with a transgression of policy. The referee is reluctant, acting as audience surrogate, but he must perform his duties: he calls for the bell, and without delivering a further move, Bayley pins Asuka to end the streak.
With Asuka defeated at last, Bayley, wearing a sickly grin, props the prone body of the Empress into a seated position - and then slowly drapes her arms around her in an unsettling hug, creating an indelible visual to underscore an iconic moment.