The fallout of the 2018 Superstar Shakeup

SmackDown Women's Division

The addition of Asuka was a massive boost to the women on Tuesday nights. There's a new atmosphere as well, with Carmella and the IIconics doing a good job so far of acting like catty heel antagonists, thus producing something different from what went on for the last year. This likely won't last long though, because obviously, Asuka and Charlotte are the major stars, and the prospect of a year-defining rivalry is now becoming closer to reality.

The division does have its problems though. Charlotte and Asuka are so obviously vastly above the rest of the superstars in their field. The gap between them and the rest is truly enormous and it's unlikely to be closed anytime soon. Beyond their long, slow-burn rivalry, there might not be much to work with after Carmella's reign ends, and this will especially be clear if both of them remain babyfaces.

The prospect of multiple Asuka/Charlotte matches is dazzling, and that alone boosts the division's outlook tremendously, but the division does need to put in an effort to build the rest of its stars. Hopefully, Nikki Cross will be called up soon to join her SAnitY comrades, as the division definitely needs her. Finally, though it's likelier she moves to Raw to work with Ronda Rousey after SummerSlam, Shayna Baszler would be a much-needed acquisition for the blue brand if neither Charlotte nor Asuka turn heel.

Grade after the Shakeup: B