WWE surprised fans just hours before Monday’s “RAW” by announcing a women’s world championship match between reigning champion Naomi and challenger Iyo Sky, even though Naomi had not been medically cleared to compete. The reason for Naomi’s unavailability remains unknown, but her absence forced WWE to adjust not only immediate plans but also long-term storylines involving Asuka.
Reports indicate tension between Iyo Sky and Roxanne Perez after Perez defeated Sky. Pwinsider Elite shared that Asuka was set to cause chaos for Sky and her stablemates in a slow-building storyline, but due to Naomi’s absence, WWE decided to accelerate Asuka’s heel turn.
There was also a shift concerning the Sky-Perez match. WWE had originally considered pairing Perez and Raquel Rodriguez to face Sky and possibly Rhea Ripley in tag action once Naomi was confirmed out. Instead, they went with a singles match between Perez and Sky, leaving uncertainty about potential future tag matches or Asuka’s heel turn angle.
WWE’s move to fast-track Asuka’s heel turn further suggests that Naomi may be sidelined for a while. Naomi, the women’s world champion, is set to appear on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast “What’s Your Story?” alongside her husband Jimmy Uso, where fans hope to get updates on her status this Thursday.
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Fan Take: This development is crucial for WWE fans as it signals significant shifts in the women’s division, reshaping rivalries and championship dynamics. Accelerating Asuka’s heel turn could bring fresh energy to the storyline, keeping viewers engaged amid Naomi’s uncertain absence.
