WWE recently introduced the Women's Intercontinental Championship, a title that will be part of Monday Night RAW. According to GM Adam Pearce, the tournament that will crown the inaugural champion will kick off this week, with Dakota Kai taking on Katana Chance and Shayna Baszler in a Triple Threat match.
As all the participants for the Women's Intercontinental Championship tournament are yet to be revealed, a four-time women's world champion could make her return after 219 days and compete for a shot at the newly-introduced title.
This former champion is Asuka. The Japanese Superstar has been out of action since May 4, due to a knee injury she has been dealing with reportedly since March. Asuka has had surgery and recovering since then.
However, as she is most probably in the final stages of her recovery, she could make her return as a surprise entrant in the Women's Intercontinental Championship tournament.
More specifically, Asuka could be part of the tournament already, but Damage CTRL members don't know about it. So, she could return next week as a surprise entrant and compete for a spot in the semi-finals.
Should this happen, it will allow WWE to help her make a smooth comeback, before going after Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship.
Reigning WWE Women's Champion teases a future match in WWE with Asuka
The current WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax will be waiting to find out who her next opponent will be. At the same time, she recently teased a match with Asuka once the latter is back.
In an interview with WWE Die Woche, Nia Jax had nothing but high praise for the former WWE Women's Champion and said she would love to face her again soon.
"One of my toughest opponents has been Asuka. She is through and through, she’s incredibly strong, and she’s incredibly explosive. She’s definitely a tough opponent. Love getting in the ring with her, love working with her. I can’t wait til she comes back. I hope we go head to head, but Asuka is one of my toughest," Nia Jax said. [H/T - Wrestlezone]
That said, it remains to be seen what plans the WWE creative team has for Asuka and how close she is to her return.