Asuka's Streak Conundrum: Now What? And So What??

Asuka reigns supreme (with an asterisk).

WWE made a big deal out of it when Asuka beat Goldberg's undefeated streak (be that the actual number or the exaggerated kayfabe one) after NXT TakeOver Chicago. Everybody was tweeting, Goldberg chimed in with his praise and everything, and so on. 

This is the second record she now holds; Asuka is also, coincidentally, the longest reigning NXT Women's Champ (at over 400 days).  She happens to be the oldest ever too, in her 34 years, but that is what it is.

I'm all for racking up wins and accomplishments, a hallmark of legit and valued talent, but something is amiss about all this for me.  I read about Asuka's achievements -- impressive as they are -- and shrug.  She is breaking this record and that record: OK, so what?

You're probably asking yourself what I mean.  What's the problem?  If Asuka's so great, what could be wrong?

Fault doesn't lie with her; as usual, it lies with the company.  WWE has not done everything they can to make her strong.  Lazy booking is what's wrong here.

Thus far, Asuka's title reign has been phoned in and mired by flip handling despite her accolades and the quality of her ringwork.  Two of her last major defenses featured multiple competitors, most of whom (Nikki Cross, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce) she works on a regular basis.  Yes, they threw Ember Moon, Ruby Riot, and Liv Morgan at her, but the build has been lax -- approaching nonexistent.

Number one, the creative minds (assuming they have them) crowd the field at every opportunity.  Asuka, as a result, is not made to look better than any single competitor, and none of them on an individual level looks like much of a match for her.

Number two, they hotshot everything.  When Asuka had a chance to grow in a feud with someone menacing you'd believe could beat her, in Nia Jax, Jax was fed to the female Japanese Buzzsaw within weeks at a regular show.  Later on, in December, Asuka wrestled Nia again in Japan, beating her a second time -- again with willy-nilly booking and no build.  Both times, Asuka got manhandled and didn't look like the fierce, dominant competitor she is billed as.  A serious opportunity to make a credible challenger for the champ was squandered.  Nia has been suffering for it ever since and Asuka's competition stagnated.

Asuka's biggest challenge to date, and biggest victim.
If the two had feuded longer, what could have been.

Then came time for the requisite blast-from-the-past challenge and Mickie James was brought in.  It was a good move to cement Asuka and seeing Mickie in a WWE ring again was exciting.  A win by James was most unlikely but the hype was strong and the two would have a decent match.  In the end, however, there were no plans for James longer-term and she was back on the main roster.  As for Asuka, Mickie is the only vet with any iconic status she has faced and there is no word of anybody else with name recognition being brought in.  Imagine Asuka against Beth Phoenix or Gail Kim if one of them deigned to come back -- or even a legend like Trish Stratus.

Trish would be ready as anybody.

All this time, we've been hearing that mantra: "Nobody's ready for Asuka."  I'm left shaking my head.  You know, there is another phrase making the rounds lately, mostly in the news, that comes to mind -- nothing burger.  Asuka's streak isn't a total nothing burger, but it could use some more meat.  In other words, to quote a saucy great, more steak, less sizzle.  As in fewer Triple Threats, Fatal Four Ways, and free-for-alls; along with more build, better pacing, and legitimate threats to her title.

Nobody is ready?  Really?  Let them be ready and they will come.