Asuka Vacates NXT Women’s Championship, Headed to Main Roster

Asuka vacated the NXT Women’s Championship at tonight’s NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University. This would normally be a spoiler, I guess, but WWE has announced it on their website and on Twitter:

BREAKING NEWS: @WWEAsuka relinquishes her title. https://t.co/Iaz5okkgKW

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 25, 2017

The #NXTUniverse cheers for @WWEAsuka moments after relinquishing the #NXTWomensTitle to GM @RealKingRegal. #ThankYouAsuka #WeAreNXT pic.twitter.com/2CjDsDKQXU

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 25, 2017

WWE said that Asuka suffered a broken collarbone during her match against Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III and that she would be out for 6-8 weeks, but I’m still sort of skeptical about the injury since it seems a little too convenient as a way to get the title off of her without her ever actually losing. However, they apparently didn’t even mention the injury at the tapings, so I guess it could be legit if they didn’t even bring it up.

At the tapings, a video package of Asuka was played. William Regal then came to the ring and introduced Asuka, who said a few words about NXT. William Regal then said that he was beginning “negotiations” with Raw and SmackDown for Asuka to move to one of those brands, and as a result, she would relinquish her NXT Women’s Championship. The NXT locker room came out and clapped for Asuka and Ember Moon hugged her. Triple H then came down and congratulated Asuka, calling her one of WWE’s greatest champions.

Asuka is the longest reigning WWE Women’s champion in the modern era, holding the title for 510 days as of today. That’s only behind The Fabulous Moolah, who held the NWA World Women’s Championship for what WWE recognizes as 10,170 days (1956-1984)in WWE’s pre-national days.

Here are a few photos from the tapings tonight:

#NXTFSLive Mr Regal welcomes @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/8banlmTXwc

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017

#NXTFSLive locker room is out for @WWEAsuka as she vacated the title and Mr Regal has begun negotiations to send her to Raw or SD @WONF4W pic.twitter.com/PCB8sVk9PJ

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017

#NXTFSLive in a great moment, @WWEEmberMoon extended her hand, then pulled it back like @WWEAsuka did a few weeks back then went for the hug pic.twitter.com/TKZS6SjRC1

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017

#NXTFSLive @TripleH & @WWEAsuka – @WONF4W pic.twitter.com/566IRlMc4Z

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017

#NXTFSLive That's it. The longest reigning champion in WWE has vacated the title. Thank you, @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/06IDuOODkQ

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017

#NXTFSLive The entire roster showed love and sent @WWEAsuka off as the legend she is. pic.twitter.com/YAMsgZ9Lo0

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 25, 2017