12 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 5)

11. The Empress Strikes Back

Asuka Mandy Rose
WWE.com

The quiet crowd remained a concern as Asuka attacked Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville after the Naomi match. 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' was able to shake them from their slumber, but only just, and there's now a real concern that Sunday's bout could unfold before a moon-like atmosphere if it goes longer than a few minutes.

Regardless, Asuka's attack was well-executed and overdue. The SmackDown Women's Champion has barely made television since Royal Rumble 2019. With Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey killing it on Raw, her division has been all but forgotten about, but simple, emphatic acts like this one go a long way to reminding us how brutal she can be.

Asuka overwhelmed both 'Fire & Desire' members, kicking Deville's head off early on, before bludgeoning Rose. Sonya struck back, but found herself planted against the LED screen. Finally, 'The Empress' finished the job on Mandy, standing tall to close the angle.

A fine segment, but let's hope Asuka's next storyline gives the fans more reasons to give a sh*t.

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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.