Corey Graves announced on tonight’s episode of Raw that General Manager Kurt Angle had signed Asuka to the main roster. A video package for the former NXT Women’s Champion was also played.
Asuka is one of the most dominant champions in recent WWE/NXT history. Her historic NXT Women’s Title reign lasted from April 1, 2016 to September 6, 2017, where she relinquished the title due to injury on an episode of NXT. During her 523 days reign as champion, Asuka defeated the likes of Bayley, Mickie James, and, most recently, Ember Moon. Asuka has been promoted by NXT as undefeated since her arrival. While this is not completely true as she has been on the losing end of tag team matches at NXT house shows, she was never been pinned or submitted in these losses. Asuka is the longest title holder — male or female — in NXT history.
WWE has already begun putting over Asuka strong. Along with the video package, Raw Women’s champion Alexa Bliss expressed her disappointment with Angle’s signing. Bliss is scheduled to defend her title in a four way at No Mercy.
For months, many wrestling fans have hoped that Asuka would debut on the main roster. Others have balked at the idea, worried that WWE’s booking would damage the aura of invincibility that had been built around Asuka. Only time will tell who was right.
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