Report: Original Plans For Asuka Vs. Sasha Banks At The Horror Show At WWE Extreme Rules Revealed

At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Asuka defended the Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks. The Empress Of Tomorrow and The Blueprint battled back and forth for 20 minutes in a widely praised match, but the finish only caused confusion and was criticised by many.

In the final few moments, Asuka blew green mist in the official's eyes by mistake, blinding him. This gave Bayley the opening she needed to interfere and hit the Raw Women's Champion with a Women's Tag Team Title belt, rendering Asuka unconscious. The former Huggable One then ripped off the referee's shirt and counted the 1-2-3 for Banks. The commentary team were unsure if The Legit Boss had won the championship, and while she left with the title belt, WWE is yet to recognise her as the new Raw Women's Champion.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio the match was set to be less convoluted as Asuka was originally booked to win the match and retain the Raw Women's Championship. Vince McMahon changed his mind at the last minute, however, and booked Banks to unofficially win the title.

Meltzer said: "Asuka was supposed to win the match and Vince changed his mind. I think it was the day of the show but it was basically a last-minute change."