Asuka ended SmackDown by aligning herself with Damage CTRL.
Friday’s show saw Asuka refuse to tag in towards the end of a match pitting her, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair against Kairi Sane, Bayley, and IYO SKY. Asuka misted Belair and began attacking her and Charlotte Flair, with the rest of Damage CTRL joining in. Shotzi came out for the save but was also taken out. The show ended with the four, as well as Dakota Kai, raising each other’s hands.
Earlier in the show, Bayley addressed Kairi Sane with SKY, who came to the ring with Kai and Sane. Kai explained to Bayley that she and SKY brought in Sane to ease the workload for Bayley. Sane said that she forgave Bayley for attacking her back in 2020, taking her out of WWE in storyline. The three, along with Kai, ended up hugging.
At Crown Jewel last Saturday, SKY was wrestling Biana Belair when Sane interfered on her behalf, eventually allowing SKY to retain the WWE Women's title. Bayley seemed surprised that Sane and IYO had joined forces.