The local ads in Orlando were promoting Asuka vs. Carmella for this week’s Smackdown Live. However, plans changed and Asuka wrestled in a dark match prior to the live broadcast. She teamed with Naomi to face Absolution members Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Asuka and Naomi won the match.
There is nothing on WWE TV hinting at a SummerSlam match for any of the women mentioned above and the card is already stacked so it’s unlikely that they will get a match on the show. Unfortunately, this is what will happen when WWE continues to load up their roster. WWE’s main roster is bigger than it’s ever been and they will add more names from NXT after SummerSlam weekend.
On one hand, it allows the company to give wrestlers time off and to keep things fresh on the weekly TV show. Nia Jax, Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and others have been given time off for various reasons in recent weeks but the negative thing about the crowded roster is that top talent like Asuka won’t always be featured on some pay-per-views.
https://twitter.com/Iovegcme/status/1027041826035953664
It was so good being at #SDLive last night at @AmwayCenter for my 101st attended @WWE event. Special shout out to hometown superstar @NaomiWWE and the Empress, @WWEAsuka for capturing my mood for the night! 😂 #WWE pic.twitter.com/XLnPOekazY
— Jordan Nicol (@jordan_a_nicol) August 8, 2018
Asuka’s year started out strong. She was undefeated up until her loss at WrestleMania to Charlotte Flair. She began to stall during her feud with Carmella when she lost two championship matches in a row to her.
Asuka is advertised in local ads for next week’s show for a match against Carmella. Of course, the card is subject to change and there is no guarantee that she’ll be on the TV show next week.
