Why Asuka Was Added To TLC, WWE Interested In NJPW Champion

– One of the biggest names to go from NXT to the main roster was Asuka and her 900 plus day undefeated streak. For several months, Asuka kept the record intact and even won the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match. The impressive streak and big push ended at WrestleMania 34 thanks to Charlotte Flair.

Now, Asuka is back in the title hunt as she challenges Becky Lynch and Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at TLC. According to Fightful, Vince McMahon made the call to give Asuka another push. It all stems from the final SmackDown before Survivor Series as Becky was forced to find a replacement against Ronda Rousey. The response Asuka received from the live crowd surprised McMahon and he decided to add her into the first ever female Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match.

Since losing at WrestleMania 34, Asuka has never been able to come close to duplicate the success she found in NXT. Originally, some speculated that Asuka was only inserted into the TLC match to keep Becky safe since she is coming off a concussion and broken nose.

– We all know WWE is not afraid to grab talent from others promotions and that includes New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, talk of signing current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA has significantly increased in recent weeks.

KUSHIDA is under contract with NJPW until the end of January and that includes the WrestleKingdom 13 show against Taiji Ishimori. WWE usually talks to talent after their contracts expire, but they seem to be getting more aggressive in signing wrestlers as there is talk of new wrestling promotion being started. We will have to see if NJPW takes any actions against WWE or try to re-sign KUSHIDA in the coming weeks.

As for the odds of KUSHIDA coming to NXT before joining the main roster, WWE seems confident about getting the deal done. We should have a better idea of what is next for KUSHIDA after WrestleKingdom 13 on January 4.