WWE History Vol. 20: 10 Moments from 2019 we can't forget

#7 Asuka strikes Paige with the Legendary Green Mist

Asuka unleashes her poisonous Green Mist attack on former ally Paige.

When Asuka made her debut in WWE, many were critical of the promotion's decision to hire her. Not because Asuka was a poor performer — far from it — but because the concerns were that she would not be used to the best of her ability.

Indeed, she was renamed Asuka rather than using her original designation of Kana. But then Asuka went on one of the most legendary — and competitive — winning streaks in pro wrestling history. Unlike other streaks, such as Goldberg's long run, Asuka didn't face droves of enhancement talent. Rather, she faced top of the tier competition and performed in the WWE's first-ever Last Woman Standing match against Nikki Cross.

But when Asuka made the transition to the main roster, she seemed to lose a bit of her mystique. After losing her first match in WWE to Charlotte, her career kind of stalled out, until she formed a tag team with Kairi Sane. Asuka seemed to be reinvigorated, and then the team started flirting with a heel turn — which Asuka completed by spraying Paige with the deadly green mist.

Other Japanese superstars, such as The Great Muta and Tajiri, also used the green mist to great effect. Asuka reviving the tradition was seen as a return to her darker Japanese wrestling scene roots, to the joy of many.

When Asuka spat the deadly green venom into the winsome, fan-favorite Paige's face, she wasn't just debuting a new gimmick. Asuka was making a statement and a bold one at that.

No longer would she be the smiling babyface who shook hands with fans and posed for pictures. From now on, she would be a heartless assassin who only cares about victory and hurting her opponents. Asuka's new edginess has gone over well, and it was definitely one of 2019's most memorable moments.