NXT Women's Champion Asuka is still undefeated in the developmental brand, but the Japanese superstar has some stronger competition than the likes of Liv Morgan and Aaliyah this Saturday, when she faces former WWE Divas Champion and former 5-time Women's Champion Mickie James.
James was announced as Asuka's Takeover Toronto opponent at the tapings back in October, but a rumor quickly spread that Triple H and the NXT top brass were actually angling for a different former champ: Trish Stratus.
Trish, of course, is pregnant with her second child, and the rumor mill was speculating that Mickie James was tapped as a replacement.
However, during the NXT Takeover media conference call Friday morning, Triple H sidestepped and shot down those rumors pretty effectively.
“I’ve seen the rumors out there about other people being attempted to be grabbed for [Mickie’s spot]. I felt like [Mickie] and Asuka would tear it up. I want to re-inforce that Mickie was not the consolation prize for us in anyway. She is the person that we went at.“
Triple H stated that he brought in James because he wanted more time for the other women in NXT to grow as performers, and a skilled ring vet like James could give Asuka a great, exciting hard fought match.
NXT Takeover: Toronto takes place on Saturday, November 19 at 8/7c.
