Asuka will defend the SmackDown Women’s Title against Becky Lynch at WWE Royal Rumble 2019

WWE has made official the bout for the SmackDown Women’s Championship between Asuka and Becky Lynch at Royal Rumble 2019, the PPV event to be held on January 28 from Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

The company has not released an official statement in a press release, but the fight was announced yesterday, during the Main Event broadcast on WWE Network. Scott Stanford was the person who gave entrance to a promotional image in which it is appreciated that Asuka will defend the title against Becky Lynch. Supposedly, the idea of announcing the fight was to be made on SmackDown Live, but WWE has decided to change the plans.

This aired on #WWE Main Event. It’s Becky Lynch vs. Asuka at the #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/M49cpiYUWf

— WrestlingNews.co – WWE News (@WrestlingNewsCo) December 21, 2018

This news could disrupt the plans for WrestleMania, although a title rematch was the most logical thing that could happen in the PPV of January. Rumors pointed to a possible victory for Becky Lynch in the Women’s Royal Rumble battle to win a pass to WrestleMania and fight against Ronda Rousey in what could possibly be the main event. It seems that WWE’s plan remains the same, although Becky Lynch should double up at Royal Rumble or change rosters for some special reason.

On the other hand, unless the plans for this match change, Charlotte Flair expected to be part of the women’s battle at Royal Rumble. Flair did not participate in the women’s real battle in 2018, while Becky Lynch appeared in second place, held more than half an hour in the ring but was eliminated in the 14th position.