Bengaluru, June 29: It was announced during last week’s episode of Monday Night Raw that one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks is set to challenge Asuka for the RAW Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.
That match was a unique booking from WWE's part since Sasha belongs to the SmackDown brand whereas the champion resides on the Raw brand. There's a specific reason why WWE had to confirm this match with fewer options available. The Wrestling Observer noted that WWE needed a top star to face Asuka as an opponent.
Facing off Nia Jax or Flair would seem repetitive as they were already in the middle of a three-way feud. So Sasha from SmackDown was chosen as Vince McMahon is heavy on some cross-brand affairs since firing Paul Heyman from Raw Executive Director's spot.
The source also informed that Charlotte Flair was previously set to be the next in line for a title shot, perhaps at Extreme Rules. But that plan was held off due to the kayfabe injury of The Queen at the hands of Jax. In reality, Flair will be out of action for elective surgery,
“Banks, a SmackDown wrestler, is going after the RAW Title likely due to Charlotte Flair being out of action. Flair had two wins over Asuka, but then lost to Asuka on television and did an injury angle off it.”