This week’s WWE Monday Night RAW in Hartford, CT, had its share of surprises and last-minute changes, affecting both the broadcast and the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. Here’s a breakdown of the backstage news from this week’s RAW, including updates on Asuka’s injury, changes to the tournament matches, and more.
Asuka’s Injury and Replacement by Dakota Kai
One of the notable changes during Monday’s RAW involved Asuka, who was scheduled to compete in the Queen of the Ring tournament but was replaced by Dakota Kai due to a legitimate injury. Although Asuka was backstage at the show, her injury prevented her from competing against Lyra Valkyria. The nature and severity of Asuka’s injury are not entirely clear, but her replacement by Kai reflects WWE’s need to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances.
King and Queen of the Ring Tournament Adjustments
The ongoing King and Queen of the Ring tournaments are shaping up to be key events in the WWE calendar. However, some matches originally slated for broadcast on TV were moved to non-televised live events. The reason behind this decision is the limited time available to complete the tournaments before the WWE King and Queen of the Ring 2024 event on May 25. By hosting some matches at live events, WWE can keep the tournament schedule on track without compromising the main storyline progression on RAW and SmackDown.
One wrestler impacted by this change discovered their match had been bumped on the day of the show, emphasizing the fluid nature of WWE’s scheduling. Despite these adjustments, the tournaments continue to garner interest, with notable matches and key victories keeping fans engaged.
Zoey Stark’s First Singles Victory Since July 2023
Zoey Stark’s opening-round victory in the Queen of the Ring tournament on Monday’s RAW was her first singles win since defeating Becky Lynch in July 2023. Stark’s win over Ivy Nile was a significant moment, demonstrating her potential to make a deep run in the tournament. As she progresses, her success adds momentum to the Queen of the Ring storyline and provides her with an opportunity to establish herself on the main roster.
NXT Talent and Additional Backstage News
Several recent draftees from WWE NXT were backstage at RAW this week at the XL Center, though they were not used in the show for unspecified reasons. Their presence backstage suggests that WWE continues to evaluate and integrate new talent into the main roster, with the potential for their involvement in future episodes.
Additionally, B-Fab, known for her role in the Hit Row stable, has been training in mixed martial arts with Bobby Lashley. Her MMA training at the Fight Ready Complex in 2018 and 2019 aligns with WWE’s emphasis on diverse skills and athleticism, hinting at B-Fab’s evolving role in the company.
These backstage insights reflect the ongoing changes and adaptations within WWE as the company builds toward key events like the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. With injuries, tournament adjustments, and emerging talent, the landscape of WWE continues to evolve, keeping fans eager for what’s to come.
