SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka (with James Ellsworth suspended above the ring in a Shark Cage)
There is no denying that
Asuka certainly can ruin a Mellabration any day of the week. With
Carmella’s ongoing streak of luck and her apparent renewed association with the meddling James Ellsworth, The Empress of Tomorrow faces something of an uphill battle to best her adversary for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Something has to give, as SmackDown General Manager Paige has made a rematch between Carmella and Asuka for the illustrious title at WWE Extreme Rules. To prevent Ellsworth from meddling, he will be suspended above the ring in a Shark Cage.
Carmella certainly seized the spotlight when she won the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match last year – thanks to a key assist from Ellsworth. She then cashed in her coveted contract and pinned Charlotte Flair for the gold more than 280 days later before defeating The Queen again in their rematch at WWE Backlash. The Staten Island Princess may scream at a fever pitch, and she may be outspoken, but she is undoubtedly armed with the ability to remain on top for many Mellabrations to come. Still, a title match against such an elite challenger such as the Japanese sensation at WWE Money in the Bank raised the question if she would be ready for Asuka.
Prior to WrestleMania, The Empress of Tomorrow stood undefeated for well over 900 days. She won the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble as well as the groundbreaking WWE Mixed Match Challenge Tournament alongside The Miz, and she still stands as the longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion in history.
Was Carmella ready for Asuka in their first meeting… yes? Just when it looked like The Empress of Tomorrow was going to overcome the outspoken titleholder at the June 17 pay-per-view, another masked “Asuka” suddenly appeared on the ring apron, revealing himself to be none other than a returning Ellsworth! The distraction allowed Carmella enough time to turn the tables, pick up another huge win and retain her title.
The following week, Asuka gained a small amount of satisfaction when she interrupted Carmella’s championship celebration and laid out Ellsworth with a wicked kick. The Empress of Tomorrow also competed against Ellsworth in two battles of the sexes, with Ellsworth running away from one, and Asuka forcing him to submit to the Asuka Lock in the second, though Carmella attacked her right after. Will she get true retribution by taking away what matters most to the The Princess of Staten Island?
Find out at WWE Extreme Rules, tonight at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming live on WWE Network!