8 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Toronto
2. A Turn To The Darkside
Asuka is immensely popular at Full Sail University, but she operates more like a tweener than an all-out babyface. She’s one of NXT’s most vicious competitors, and she doesn’t care who her target is. Face or heel, if you get in Asuka’s way, she’s going to kick you in the head: it’s that simple.
Her feud with Bayley showed some dark, heelish undertones, and after over a year with WWE, it might be time to switch things up a little. Asuka’s next logical opponent, Ember Moon, is a fiery babyface and if WWE have any intentions of turning her, now would be the time.
Doing so would be incredibly straightforward. Mickie is going to get a great pop in Toronto, and after defeating her, all Asuka needs to do is keep the Asuka Lock cinched-in for a little longer than necessary. Cue Ember running down for the save, a rush of excitement from the crowd, and the first major step towards NXT’s next Women’s Championship feud.
Whatever her official alignment, Asuka’s still going to be cheered by a huge portion of the crowd. NXT’s wrestling-focused audience will always appreciate her style, so there’s little risk involved here. Let her transition to a more barbaric persona to contrast with Ember’s babyface passion, and they’ll be onto a winner.