WWE reportedly is likely planning for Asuka to defend her RAW Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam next month, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s issue that WWE officials originally planned for Asuka to defend her championship against Charlotte Flair, with the match revolving around the idea that Asuka has never beaten Flair in a singles match. Those plans were scrapped due to Flair being out of action for the foreseeable future due to her recent surgery.
Meltzer reported that WWE officials then considered Natalya as the replacement challenger for Asuka, but those plans were also scrapped due to Natalya recently being pulled off of WWE television due to health precautionary reasons related to the coronavirus.
Shayna Baszler was then brought back originally as a backup for Natalya, who was not on Raw on Monday, and it now appears that Baszler is the favorite to face Asuka at WrestleMania, according to Meltzer.
Meltzer also reported that as always, it’s possible that WWE could end up changing their minds again about Asuka’s challenger.
AEW Collision Results – Sept. 12, 2026 – Tribute To “The Butcher” Andy Williams
Orange Cassidy on Dean Malenko Being His Dream Tag Team Partner, Kenny Omega Being His Pick For Greatest Pro Wrestler Of All Time, & How He Prepares For Big Matches
WWE: Club WWE Fans To Vote On Cover Superstar For WWE 2K27, Seth Rollins Makes Return at 9/9 WWE Live Event In Ecuador, WWE Reportedly Has ‘Unexpected Elements In Store’ For AAA Triplemania 34, Backstage Update on WWE x AAA Worlds Collide 2026 Start Time
