10 Horrible Decisions That Gave Us Great Wrestling

9. Asuka Vacates The NXT Women's Title

The Streak Brock Lesnar Undertaker
WWE.com

There were several ways WWE could have ended Asuka's epic NXT Women's Title reign without having her eat a pinfall, and they chose the worst.

'The Empress Of Tomorrow' defended her belt in a fantastic match with Ember Moon at TakeOver: Brooklyn III. She'd been ready for a main roster spot for a long time before that, so in the aftermath, WWE's brain trust concocted a fake injury angle. They stated that Asuka had suffered a broken collarbone against Moon, and despite showing no signs of hurt whatsoever, she was forced to vacate a belt that she'd gradually built into one of the company's most prestigious prizes since wresting it from Bayley's clutches.

It was a lame, lame way to end the reign, particularly as Ember inherited it next, emphasising the idea that she wasn't strong enough to win it while 'The Empress' was around. Still, this putrid angle did lead to Asuka's call-up. She went since starred at Survivor Series, won the first ever women's Royal Rumble, and fought in excellent television matches, embarking on a great early main roster run inevitably derailed by bad booking.

A familiar story.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.