The REAL Reason Charlotte Flair Just Won The SmackDown Women’s Title

Asuka Becky Lynch Royal Rumble 2019
WWE.com

In compelling us to file a new complaint, WWE has addressed one of greater importance. If it wasn’t clear then, it should be f*cking clear now: Charlotte Flair’s inclusion in the Becky Lynch Vs. Ronda Rousey storyline is going to significantly enhance the quality of WrestleMania 35’s main event. Contrast Charlotte Flair Vs. Asuka with Becky Lynch Vs. Asuka from this year’s Royal Rumble. It was far superior to and untainted by the hesitation and roughness of January’s match—a match, incidentally, WWE can restore our memory of with a typically stunning video package ahead of a summer sequel.

The bargaining over with, time now for the explanation.

Asuka just wrestled a far better and far more memorable banger of a match than anything the SmackDown Women’s roster could have yielded on April 7. This factor, you expect, played a significant role in this shocker of a decision. Consider any and all of the permutations ahead of WrestleMania.

Asuka Vs. Mandy Rose Vs. Sonya Deville isn’t a match worthy of the occasion. The rushed drama of Absolution’s break-up boasted no dramatic heft, nor would it have informed any drama of note on a night already in danger of punishing us with its exhaustive duration. It was destined to occupy the Kickoff or the informal death slot.

As was Asuka Vs. Naomi, one of SmackDown’s few experienced performers. “At least Naomi is halfway marketable and not green” isn’t a lucrative sales pitch.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!