What started as a trying night for Asuka led to undeniable success. Tonight, at SummerSlam, “The Empress of Tomorrow” bested Sasha Banks for the RAW Women’s Championship. This victory came off a loss that opened the show, where Asuka unsuccessfully challenged SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley. Post-match, Banks and Bayley attacked Asuka, leaving her laying. Severely weakened, would Asuka be able to defeat Banks? By the end of the match, any and all concerns were put to rest.
During the match, Banks was in control. Given the aforementioned weakness of Asuka, this came as no surprise. Banks was able to assert her dominance over the hard-hitting Japanese Superstar, though she was unable to put her away for a three-count. Asuka fought back valiantly, even hitting a top rope DDT on the “The Boss.” Banks was able to use Asuka’s fatigue against her, securing several near falls. It appeared that SummerSlam would become a bust for “The Empress.”
Banks wasn’t alone, as fellow Women’s Tag Team Champion Bayley supported her at ringside. Keep in mind that, earlier in the night, Banks interfered in the opening match, assisting Bayley in retaining her title against Asuka. Bayley attempted to assist Banks in the same way. The plan backfired, however, allowing Asuka to secure the Asuka Lock. With nowhere to go, Banks was forced to submit. This RAW Women’s Championship loss seemingly only furthered the rift between the Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Empress of TODAY.@WWEAsuka is a 2️⃣✖️ #WWERaw #WomensChampion! #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/DrdIFeYYkg
— WWE SummerSlam (@SummerSlam) August 24, 2020
With this victory, Asuka is now a two-time RAW Women’s Champion. Prior to this, she held a variety of titles during her time in WWE. As a former NXT Women’s Champion, Women’s Tag Team Champion, and SmackDown Women’s Champion, Asuka has held five separate titles during her time in the company. Beyond championships, Asuka won the Women’s Money in the Bank last year and the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble in 2018. Simply put, she is among the most decorated women’s Superstars in WWE today.
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