5 Things that must happen at the Royal Rumble

#2 Asuka must retain the SmackDown Women's Championship

It's the best for both.

It's far too early for Asuka to be losing the SmackDown Women's Championship. Despite her recent renaissance, she's still very much recovering from a span of horrendous booking from last April to November. Her dropping the title, especially after Becky Lynch's insults, would feel like putting her back in a pit she doesn't belong in. For Asuka's sake, she needs to retain and shut Becky's big mouth on Sunday.

For Becky, Asuka needs to retain as well. Regaining the SmackDown Women's Championship is a step backwards for her, not forward. Becky's destination should be a date with Ronda Rousey at MetLife Stadium. Getting the SmackDown Women's Championship back would complicate that picture, if not preclude it.

For both of their sake, Asuka should retain after a furious brawl of a match where both come out looking like warriors.