10 Wrestlers Who Are In The Wrong Company

2. Asuka

Tetsuya Naito NXT
WWE

Shouldn't be in WWE because...

Asuka has dyed her hair pink, green, purple, and blue, but she's never had the hair colour that counts: blonde. And you could make the argument that WWE has never pushed a female performer with as much commitment as the orange-haired Becky Lynch, but Becky Lynch can speak English in a way that gets her over. Asuka does not, and since WWE's product is systemically lazy, creative does not write segments that promote her effectively. She has a mouthpiece in Paige, who got over as likeable General Manager last year, but that doesn't seem to matter. Nothing does: WWE isn't ready for (or interested in) Asuka.

Should be in AEW because...

The relationship is mutually beneficial; AEW's sports-oriented focus and demonstrable willingness to promote Japanese women's wrestlers should see Asuka flourish, much less even make it to TV. Asuka is a beloved cult figure in wrestling circles, and would get over instantly as a result, because she is incredible. Uniquely charismatic, and able to convey a dangerous atmosphere without wrestling an overtly dangerous style, Asuka is the perfect bridge with which to get the joshi scene over.

Contributor
Contributor

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!