A big night on SmackDown as Asuka turns heel and joins Damage-CTR. Asuka joined Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair in taking on Damage-CTRL during SmackDown's main event. Unfortunately for Asuka's partners, they never saw the swerve coming.

Things Look Bleak for Damage-CTRL

Things started off with Bayley calling out Iyo Sky to ask Sky why she joined forces with Kairi Sane. Wrestling's "Role Model" was in for a shock as Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai walked out to the ring with Kairi Sane. Bayley was obviously concerned as she's sure Sane hasn't forgiven her for beating her down back in 2020 and sending Sane back to Japan.

However, Sane wasn't there for revenge. She told Bayley she wanted to join Damage-CTRL and that she forgives Bayley for what happened. Dakota Kai told Bayley that they brought Sane in to take some of the pressure off her. Although Bayley was skeptical, she eventually joined her teammates (as well as her new teammate) in a group hug.
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The lovefest didn't last long as Bianca Belair showed up. "The -EST" was quickly joined by Charlotte Flair and Asuka. The three babyfaces challenged Damage-CTRL to a six woman match, with all three babyfaces eager to get revenge on Damage-CTRL.

A Not-So-Shocking Turn

The women's match featured Bianca getting some much-deserved revenge on Bayley. However, Damage-CTRL played the numbers game (thanks to Dakota Kai being at ringside). The numbers caught up and Belair was isolated as Damage-CTRL triple-teamed her. In the meantime, Damage-CTRL also pulled Charlotte Flair off the mat apron, throwing "The Queen" into the steel steps, leaving Asuka alone. Despite the odds, Belair got her one moment and broke free, reaching for the hot tag from Asuka.

Asuka pulled her hand back before spraying Belair with green mist. Asuka welcomed Kairi Sane (her old Kabuki Warriors partner) and Iyo Sky for a hug. The three heels then invited Bayley. It was a bad day in Columbus as the five heels laid out Bianca and Charlotte. Shotzi ran in for the save only to get the same treatment.

Although Asuka's turn wasn't a shocker (at least if you've been following WrestleLamia's news videos), the turn was well-executed. Asuka's recent alliance with Bianca Belair and Charlotte had some fans scratching their heads as "The Empress of Tomorrow" was a full-blown heel just a few months back.

Damage-CTRL is apparently not only free from internal strife, but stronger than ever. How will SmackDown's babyfaces cope with five of the most ruthless individuals in wrestling now aligned?