September 8, 2023. Boston, Massachusetts. TD Garden. SmackDown. Damage CTRL were fed up being disrespected. It reached a boiling point when the entitled brat Charlotte stuck her nose where it didn't belong, giving that cheater Shotzi a win over Bayley. WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY & Bayley sought revenge on Charlotte and Shotzi in a tag team match. The Guardian of the WWE Women's Championship Dakota Kai stood at ringside lending support to her sisters. It was going The Ladies' way until someone else stuck her nose in Damage CTRL business.

Asuka was once a proud and noble warrior with a sinister edge. On this night, she proved to be a coward, sneaking up behind the injured Dakota Kai intending harm. Kai's still recovering from an ACL injury so understandably panicked. Asuka snared the championship off her shoulder. IYO and Bayley shifted focus to concern for Dakota. opening the window for Shotzi and Charlotte to steal a victory thanks to Asuka. IYO confronted Asuka who again showed cowardice by backing down. SKY picked up the championship and stared intently, readily at Asuka.

Later on backstage, Bayley was fed up that Damage CTRL had again been disrespected. The Role Model made it clear to Kayla Braxton that if Asuka doesn't mind her own business she'll wind up like Bianca Belair. Bayley was asked if that was a challenge, however before she could answer IYO stepped forward to declare war. "I'm ready for Asuka, that is a challenge for the title!" Dakota Kai smiled in agreement. As for Bayley... her reaction when IYO stepped forward was concerning. But look, I'm remaining optimistic that Bayley's reaction was just frustration directed at Asuka. Yes. That's all it was.

September 22, 2023. SmackDown. The match the world has been waiting for, for many years will finally happen for the first time one on one. IYO SKY defends the WWE Women's Championship against Asuka. SKY has an understandable chip on her shoulder because she's a champion yet management's focus has been on Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley. A victory over Asuka will put the rightful attention on IYO SKY. Dakota supports IYO. The crowd has been getting behind IYO. Bayley supports IYO. Asuka will rue the day she trifled with The Ladies.

On The SmackDown LowDown, Kayla Braxton had the nerve to start out by asking IYO if she's ready for Asuka even though on SmackDown, SKY made it crystal clear she was by challenging Asuka... in front of Kayla no less. Dakota corrected Kayla with the question she should have asked: "Is Asuka ready for IYO?" SKY continued, pointing out Asuka disrespected her. She's champion, this is her era, the plates have her name on them. SKY finished with some intense words for Asuka in Japanese. Dakota and IYO took their leave. Bayley followed after them.

I have to say it was a nice change to see Bayley just there for moral support, selflessly giving the entire floor to IYO and Dakota so they could speak. IYO didn't hint any resentment toward Dakota for correcting Kayla because she knows Kai wasn't trying to speak for her. Bayley means well but you know, on occasion she uses their group interview time speaking for others instead of giving them the opportunity to speak for themselves. But this proves she's working on that. The SmackDown LowDown certified Damage CTRL are stronger than ever.