It was a match that was technically proficient while still capturing the emotion and intensity the showdown deserved. From the outset it was clear the two wrestlers shared a chemistry rarely found in the business. With the first moments of the match resulting in counter after counter, the foundation was laid for a great story to be told.
Asuka's time on the WWE main roster has been spent mainly showcasing her skills as well as elevating an already primed Raw Women's Division. In the past 2 months Asuka has put on above average, if not great matches with the likes of Bayley, Sasha and Nia Jax. She won them all, extending her undefeated streak from NXT since arriving in WWE.
It was a bit of a surprise, however, that she chose the Smackdown champion to challenge at Wrestlemania. Charlotte had seemingly defeated all challengers on the Smackdown roster, the latest being Ruby Riott at Fastlane. Yet, fans expected perhaps an inevitable showdown with fellow Four Horsewoman Becky Lynch looming for 'Mania. Instead, following her Royal Rumble win, Asuka chose a title match with Charlotte, and we're glad she did.
Out of the gates the match began at a brisk pace with athletic arm-bar reversals and each woman attempting to take control. Asuka's vicious strikes would begin to wear Charlotte down and eventually injure Charlotte's left arm.
Noticing Charlotte favoring it, Asuka zeroed in on the injured limb, no doubt softening her up for the Asuka Lock or arm-bar. Charlotte would show her resolve, though, and took the fight to Asuka in and out of the ring, culminating in a picture-perfect spear of Asuka on the hard surface outside the ring.
Despite the high impact moves Charlotte would deliver, Asuka would continue to kick out of pins, frustrating the Smackdown champion. Finally, though, Charlotte would apply the Figure-Eight Leg Lock using only one arm to bridge while she pinned the other, bleeding, to her side in an iconic finishing image of the match. Asuka would tap and Charlotte would retain.
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