Backstage News On Mickie James Vs. Asuka At WWE NXT Takeover, Possible NXT Challenger For Asuka
As noted, WWE originally wanted Trish Stratus to face WWE NXT Women's Champion Asuka at "Takeover: Toronto" on November 19th but Trish is expecting her second child. The idea was to use Trish in Toronto as a way to turn up the Asuka heel heat. No word yet on if that's still the plan with Mickie James vs. Asuka.
The announcement of Mickie vs. Asuka had a lot of fans wondering why Asuka wasn't defending against a current NXT roster member. The idea behind Asuka's match at Takeover was that she would go at Trish as a strong heel to allow Ember Moon to be a stronger babyface against Asuka, instead of the athletic competition angle Asuka vs. Bayley had.
WWE has confirmed that Mickie vs. Asuka will be for the title. There's still no word yet on Mickie's post-Takeover future but as of last week, she was back just for this match, which could easily change.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
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