4 Ups And 7 Downs From WWE Raw (June 29)
1. Asuka Isn’t Invincible
Ever since winning the Raw Women’s Championship, Asuka has been nearly unbeatable, even knocking off Charlotte Flair last week.
So if this column often decries champions losing non-title matches, why is Asuka getting pinned Monday night a positive?
Simply put, Asuka has to look somewhat vulnerable heading into Extreme Rules, and losing to a challenger like Sasha Banks – in a mixed tag match, no less – isn’t a bad move. The pin came amidst a flurry of reversals and submission attempts, with Sasha flipping out of an Asuka Lock into a rollup (hooking the leg as well) for the surprise three-count.
The result is one that came out of nowhere and showed just how quickly a veteran like Banks could catch the Raw Women’s Champion off-guard and win the title. While it might not be likely – the money is in Banks chasing best friend Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship – the seeds of doubt have been planted.
And if both women are motivated, this could be a sleeper of a match for Extreme Rules.