The Empress of Tomorrow: Ranking Asuka’s Top WWE Matches via Dave Meltzer

With news that Asuka is said to be semi-retired, the wrestling world has a timely opportunity to reflect on one of the most dominant and technically proficient careers in WWE history. Known as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” Asuka’s tenure has been defined by an uncanny ability to deliver high-caliber performances regardless of the opponent or the stipulation.

To quantify this legacy, we look to the ratings of Dave Meltzer, the industry’s most prominent critic. Because several of Asuka’s matches earned identical star ratings, Cagematch rankings were utilized as the tiebreaker to determine the final order of this list.

Key Takeaways: Asuka’s Critical Success

• Peak Performance: Asuka has reached a ceiling of 4.5 stars across multiple match types, including singles, triple threats, and multi-person brawls.
• Consistency: The “Empress” has secured 11 matches in her career rated at four stars or higher by Meltzer.
• Versatility: Her top-rated bouts span from the developmental heights of NXT to the grandest stages of the main roster, including Raw, Survivor Series, and PLEs.

The Top 10 Matches Rated by Dave Meltzer

1. Asuka vs. Ember Moon (NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III)

Rating: ★★★★½
Taking the top spot is the August 19, 2017, clash at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. In a bout lasting just under 15 minutes, Asuka successfully retained her title in a performance that stands as the gold standard of her WWE career.

2. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (TLC 2018)

Rating: ★★★★½
On December 16, 2018, Asuka headlined the TLC pay-per-view in a grueling triple threat TLC match. After more than 25 minutes of action, Asuka emerged victorious, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch.

3. Women’s WarGames (Survivor Series 2023)

Rating: ★★★★½
Asuka showcased her ability to thrive in chaotic environments during the 2023 Survivor Series. Teaming with Bayley, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane as Damage CTRL, Asuka pushed a team consisting of Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Shotzi to the limit, though Damage CTRL ultimately suffered a loss.

4. Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley (WWE Raw)

Rating: ★★★★½
One of Asuka’s highest-rated main roster singles matches occurred on the September 22, 2025, edition of WWE Raw. Headlining the show, Asuka faced Rhea Ripley in a contest that lasted just over 17 minutes, with Ripley securing the win.

5. Asuka vs. Ember Moon (NXT TakeOver: Orlando)

Rating: ★★★★¼
The rivalry with Ember Moon produced another critical darling on April 1, 2017. At NXT TakeOver: Orlando, Asuka once again retained the NXT Women’s title over Moon in a match rated four and one-quarter stars.

6. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania Backlash 2021)

Rating: ★★★★¼
Kicking off the May 16, 2021, WrestleMania Backlash event, this triple threat match lasted just over 15 minutes. Despite Asuka’s efforts, Rhea Ripley retained the Raw Women’s title.

7. The Kabuki Warriors vs. IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley (Crown Jewel 2025)

Rating: ★★★★¼
On October 11, 2025, Asuka teamed up for The Kabuki Warriors at Crown Jewel. In a match lasting just under 20 minutes, the duo fell to the team of IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley.

8. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair (Hell in a Cell 2022)

Rating: ★★★★
Asuka opened the June 5, 2022, Hell in a Cell event in a 19-minute triple threat encounter. Bianca Belair ultimately retained the Raw Women’s title in this four-star bout.

9. Asuka vs. Emma (NXT TakeOver: London)

Rating: ★★★★
Occurring just months into her WWE journey, Asuka’s match against Emma on December 16, 2015, signaled her arrival as a force. The match lasted just under 15 minutes and served as the opening contest for the pay-per-view.

10. Asuka vs. Nikki Cross (NXT)

Rating: ★★★★
Closing out the top ten is the Last Woman Standing match from the June 23, 2017, episode of NXT. Main-eventing the show, Asuka retained her NXT Women’s title in a physical encounter that lasted 20 minutes and 30 seconds.

Quick Reference: Asuka’s Highest Rated Encounters

A Legacy of Excellence

Asuka’s career is a testament to the impact of international talent in the WWE ecosystem. While she has numerous other matches with Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch that earned four-star ratings, the matches listed above represent the absolute pinnacle of her work according to critical analysis.

Whether in the high-intensity environment of NXT or the global spotlight of the main roster, Asuka consistently delivered a level of technical precision that few could match. As she moves toward semi-retirement, these matches remain the definitive blueprint of her influence on the women’s division.