The WWE’s ongoing King and Queen of the Ring tournaments experienced another unexpected twist as it was announced on Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw” that Damage CTRL’s Asuka is injured, leading to a change in the Queen of the Ring tournament. Dakota Kai, Asuka’s stablemate, took her place against Lyra Valkyria, a recent call-up from “WWE NXT.” The announcement was made following IYO SKY’s victory against Natalya in the first round of the tournament.
Asuka’s Injury and Replacement
Asuka’s knee injury reportedly occurred in March, prior to WrestleMania 40, during a match on “WWE SmackDown.” The injury was apparent during the closing angle of that show when Asuka could be seen limping after IYO SKY attacked former Damage CTRL leader Bayley. Despite her injury, Asuka and her tag team partner, Kairi Sane, continued to compete but lost their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair at Backlash on Saturday.
Although details on the severity of Asuka’s injury or her expected return date are unclear, her absence from the Queen of the Ring tournament prompted the shift in Monday’s lineup. Dakota Kai, another prominent member of Damage CTRL, stepped in to face Lyra Valkyria, providing an opportunity for both women to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria
Kai’s match against Valkyria brought additional intrigue to the Queen of the Ring tournament. Valkyria, who recently joined the main roster from NXT, was expected to face Asuka, but the change offered a new dynamic to the tournament’s progression. Following the announcement, Kai and Valkyria delivered a competitive bout, showcasing their athleticism and in-ring prowess.
Additional Changes in the Tournaments
Asuka’s injury and Kai’s replacement weren’t the only changes in Monday’s WWE Raw. Drew McIntyre, initially scheduled to compete against Finn Balor in the King of the Ring tournament, was also pulled from the match due to undisclosed reasons. Jey Uso replaced McIntyre and went on to defeat Balor, securing his advancement in the tournament.
The evolving landscape of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments adds an element of unpredictability as injuries and replacements shift the competition’s dynamics. While fans eagerly await updates on Asuka’s condition, the focus remains on the remaining participants as they vie for the prestigious titles.
