Prior to joining SmackDown Live earlier this year, Asuka had an amazing streak which stretched from her beginnings on NXT to well into her time on Monday Night Raw.

However, at WrestleMania 34 back in April, this came to a grinding halt when she lost against Charlotte Flair in a SmackDown Women's Championship match.

Since then, she's been on a bit of a downward spiral, and she arguably hasn't been used to her full potential.

The Empress of Tomorrow has mainly been used in a SmackDown title feud against Carmella, where every single time she has fallen short of winning championship gold.

Most recently, she failed to win the title at Extreme Rules after James Ellsworth caused her to be distracted and not see Carmella's attack from being into the shark cage hanging in the ring.

She's only had one TV match since then, which was a win against Billie Kay back on the July 24 episode of SmackDown Live, and she hasn't been booked in a match at SummerSlam tonight.

This could all be for a good reason though, according to reports.

Dave Meltzer recently stated on Wrestling Observer Radio, via Wrestling Inc, that Asuka could be turning heel really soon, although exactly when this heel turn could take place is currently unknown.

This could help explain why Asuka hasn't been booked on SmackDown as of late, and also why she hasn't been booked for SummerSlam tonight.

If her heel turn was to happen at WWE's biggest party of the summer tonight, it would be unexpected.

It appears as though WWE officials do have plans for her, despite her booking as of late. Therefore, if these reports are true, it's possible that the heel turn happens before the first-ever all-women's Evolution pay-per-view October 28.

There are plenty of face superstars for her to go up against as a heel on SmackDown too such as Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Naomi as well.

A heel turn could also eventually lead to The Empress of Tomorrow finally earning her first championship reign on WWE's main roster as well.

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