Asuka Wins First Ever WWE Women's Royal Rumble
Who will 'The Empress' face at WrestleMania 34?
Asuka etched her name into the history books last night, outlasting 29 other wrestlers to win WWE's first ever women's Royal Rumble.
A heavy betting favourite prior to the event, 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' was characteristically dominant throughout, and survived a late two-on-one attack from the Bella Twins to the take bout. She'll now compete for Women's Championship of her choosing at WrestleMania 34, though her direction remains unclear.
An interruption by Ronda Rousey prevented Asuka from naming her opponent for New Orleans. We'll have to wait to find out what's next for 'The Empress,' but if the crowd reaction is anything to go by, WWE definitely picked the right winner.
Entering at number 25, Asuka's run saw her tussle with former NXT rival Ember Moon, engage in a memorable face-off with Sasha Banks, and eliminate Nikki Bella for the victory. Her and 'The Fearless One' concocted a creative finish that saw both struggle on the apron, before Asuka kicked her opponent's legs out from beneath her, causing Nikki to fall to the floor.
It was a memorable first Rumble for the women, but while Rousey closed the show, the night's greatest triumph belonged to Asuka.