Major Star Turns Heel On WWE SmackDown

WWE booked this SmackDown heel turn to kick off the road to Night Of Champions.

Asuka Heel 2023
WWE.com

WWE decided to turn Asuka heel on last night's episode of SmackDown.

The Japanese star, who had come over from Raw in the 2023 Draft, confronted Bianca Belair in-ring and then sprayed her with some trademark mist. Afterwards, Asuka cackled on the ramp as the announcers wondered aloud how she could do such a thing.

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It now looks like Asuka will challenge Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Title at Night Of Champions in Saudi Arabia on 27 May. Countless fans have already pointed out the flaw in this plan: Belair is still holding a Raw belt despite moving over to SmackDown, and Asuka moved brands in the Draft to then...challenge for a title belonging to the show she's just left.

It's confusing, and it's something Triple H needs to sort out ASAP.

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Of course, Belair already pinned Asuka back at WrestleMania 39, so this is more of an indication that WWE doesn't have any other challengers lined up for her. That's been one of the biggest annoyances throughout Bianca's title reign to date.

At least WWE knows they'll get a good match out of both women in a few weeks.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.