8 HUGE WWE Night Of Champions 2023 Predictions You Need To Know
5. Bianca Belair (c) Vs. Asuka
WrestleMania 39’s epic battle between Bianca Belair and Asuka was yet another ‘Show Of Shows’ tour-de-force for ‘The EST’ and a ‘Grandest Stage’ showing for the ‘Empress Of Tomorrow’ that was also somewhat overdue.
This, in theory, could be even better.
Going into to the biggest event of the year, their Raw Women’s Championship match felt like it had less going for it than one of the tag showcases. At least “showcase” was in the title - Belair and Asuka had been given such risible and inconsequential storyline developments that a blockbuster hiding in plain sight felt as though it may become an exhibition.
The rematch finds Asuka on the other side of the heel/babyface divide and more than happy to take her internalised anger out on the Champion. It hasn’t needed to be made explicit that the Challenger is angry at losing in front of so many people, and a recent mist attack found her being prepared to do now what she didn’t quite have the killer instinct for before.
The dynamic subsequently bodes well for a more physical and evocative showing than their minor ‘Mania classic and affords Belair her own opportunity to get meaner in a quest for redemption. Asuka may find herself at a dead end with another loss, but Money In The Bank the following month is at least a quick fix. WWE have done worse by her before than letting her dominate an elite field, even in defeat.
Winner - Bianca Belair