WWE SummerSlam 2020: Ranking every match at the PPV

#5 Bayley vs. Asuka (SmackDown Women's Championship)

That's that EMPRESS OFFENSE.#SummerSlam @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/PU2FopcP7r

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 23, 2020

SummerSlam kicked off with the story between Asuka and the 'Golden Role Models'. The Empress of Tomorrow took on Bayley in the first of her two Women's Championship matches at the Biggest party of the Summer. This was as solid as one would expect from a match between the two Grand Slam Champions.

Bayley was particularly impressive, especially with Asuka having another match later on. The SmackDown Women's Champion brought her A-game at SummerSlam and executed a wide range of maneuvers from her move set. With all of her terrific character work, it is easy to forget how good Bayley is in the ring.

She countered a lot of Asuka's moves, with a mid-flight knee-bar standing out in particular. The finish came when Sasha Banks took a Hip Attack from Asuka, pushing her best friend out of harm's way. This distracted Asuka long enough for Bayley to catch her in a small package for the victory.

.@WWEAsuka's heard enough outta @SashaBanksWWE. #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/CEYMzzrgID

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 23, 2020

While the RAW Women's Title match later on was better, Bayley and Asuka did well here. This match definitely held it's own as the SummerSlam opener.