It was previously reported that last Tuesday night’s episode of SmackDown LIVE featured an unexpected turn of events when Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka to become The New SmackDown Women’s Champion. On the same night, there was supposed to be a #1 Contenders Match for a chance to challenge Asuka for The SmackDown Women’s Title at WrestleMania. The #1 Contenders Match was unfortunately nixed from the show, leaving Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville with seemingly no plans for this year’s WrestleMania.
In a recent edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was mentioned that the original plans up until SmackDown LIVE took place was to indeed have Asuka defend her SmackDown Women’s Title against the winner of The Fatal 4-Way Match. Apparently, it was Mandy Rose who was booked to emerge the winner and have her second title match against Asuka.
WWE’s decision to nix the match centered around how lengthy the card for WrestleMania has turned out and they reportedly wanted to remove a match with little interest and use it to boost the main event. There is no word yet on if Rose would have defeated Asuka at WrestleMania.
As previously reported, a change could possibly happen to the stipulation of The Triple Threat Match for The RAW Women’s Title at WrestleMania 35. But for now, The Triple Threat Match between SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch & RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35 will still only be for The RAW Women’s Title.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter