Why WWE Is Fast-Forwarding A Major Heel Turn (WWE News)
WWE plans to expedite a huge heel turn on WWE Raw due to Naomi question marks.
A fresh report from PWInsider Elite suggests that WWE plans to expedite Asuka's heel turn on TV soon. The veteran, who returned this past June following a year on the bench, accidentally cost old Damage CTRL stablemate IYO SKY a match on this past week's episode of Raw.
There, Asuka and Kabuki Warriors tag-team partner Kairi Sane jumped up onto the ring apron in a bid to hold Roxanne Perez steady for IYO. Unsurprisingly, Perez moved out of the way, but SKY stopped short of running into her old pals. Then, to complete the spot, Roxanne shoved IYO into Asuka and Sane, and quickly rolled SKY up for the pinfall.
Post-match, both Kabuki Warriors looked on shocked from the ringside mats as Perez and Judgment Day partner Raquel Rodriguez celebrated nearby. Later, Asuka and Kairi apologised to IYO for costing her the match. Something felt slightly off and insincere about the whole deal though, and PWInsider say that's because Asuka (named specifically) is about to turn.
It's expected that her heel turn will be a slow burner more than a quick fix, but it comes in light of other issues in the Raw women's division.
Naomi Potentially "Out For A Long, Long Time"?
Nobody's quite sure what to make of news coming out of Monday's Raw that reigning Women's World Champion and dynamic villain Naomi was backstage but unable to take part in the show. Initially, Naomi was scheduled to defend her title against SKY, but WWE pulled the match amidst reports that the champ hadn't been medically cleared.
Wrestling Observer Radio host Bryan Alvarez poured more fuel on the fire by saying that Naomi "is going to be out for a long, long time". Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp doesn't know specifics himself, but added that the situation is "legit, whatever it is".
Rumours doing the rounds range from an injury to pregnancy, but it's important to note that they're exactly that - these are rumours. People are very confused about Naomi's situation, put it that way, but it does look like Asuka's impending heel turn is somehow linked to...whatever's going on with the Women's World Champ behind the scenes.
Currently, Naomi is also pencilled in to defend her title against Stephanie Vaquer at Clash In Paris on 31 August. It remains to be seen whether or not WWE will scrap that bout and replace it with something else, or if Naomi will be in France as scheduled after all.
This is all rather curious.