Report: Original Plans For Asuka Vs. Sasha Banks On The July 27 Episode Of WWE Raw Revealed

On last night's episode of Monday Night Raw, Asuka and Sasha Banks went one on one for the Raw Women's Championship. The Empress Of Tomorrow was on course to retain the title but she was distracted after the titantron cut to Bayley attacking Kairi Sane backstage. While Asuka tried to fight on, she couldn't ignore her best friend's pleas for help so she decided to charge to the back to assist The Pirate Princess. This led to the referee counting to 10 and crowning The Standard as the new Raw Women's Champion.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio this wasn't WWE's original plan, as similar to The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Asuka was scheduled to defeat Banks and hold onto the title until at least SummerSlam 2020. The company altered their plans only hours before the TV tapings began, however, and booked Banks to win the championship by count-out.

Meltzer said: "There were so many changes made, including the… whole Asuka and Sasha Banks stuff was changed. Originally, Asuka was going to defend the title at SummerSlam against whoever injured Kairi. That was as of at least Sunday night. I think it was either Sunday night or Monday morning of last week right before the tapings when they tore that all up."