9 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Dec 11)

2. Asuka Vs. Charlotte II Delivers

Asuka Charlotte Flair
WWE.com

Only a fool would've expected Charlotte Flair and Asuka to hit the same heights they did at WrestleMania 34 on weekly television. Their 'Showcase Of The Immortals' clash was spectacular, and though they were given 16 minutes and the main event slot last night, they were never going to match 'Mania's exertion levels. Still, they killed it in their sequel, sending the women's division off to TLC in satisfying fashion.

The impending pay-per-view match and Becky Lynch on commentary ensured some kind of screwy finish. That's fine. Such things aren't created equally, and Charlotte repeating her Survivor Series 'snap' by attacking Asuka with a kendo stick worked. It called back to her big heel turn, prevented the company from burning a pinfall, and presented her as the villainess against a character that still needs significant rehabilitation. There's nothing to complain about.

WWE's longer-term women's division plans feel like they're coming together, and one of Flair or Asuka leaving TLC with the title seems likely, freeing Becky up to win the Royal Rumble and challenge Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35. One would assume this'd mean a longer Charlotte/Asuka feud. As always, the booking will be critical in its success, but the quality of their in-ring output bodes well.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.