Shark cage stipulation set for Carmella-Asuka at Extreme Rules

A new stipulation has been added to the SmackDown women’s championship match at Extreme Rules.

GM Paige made the announcement during SmackDown tonight that James Ellsworth will be suspended above the ring during the match between Carmella and Asuka. Ellsworth was the one responsible for Asuka’s loss last month at Money in the Bank when he made his return to the promotion, helping Carmella score the win while distracting Asuka.

After the first Battle of the Sexes bout proved to be inconclusive, James Ellsworth and Asuka had their second encounter on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Like the previous week, Ellsworth continually tried to escape out of the ring. But this time, since it was a lumberjack match, he was kept in the ring thanks to the likes of Becky Lynch and Naomi. Asuka eventually latched on with the Asuka lock for the submission.

Despite winning the match, it was Asuka and James Ellsworth who were left standing, as Ellsworth sprayed Asuka in the eyes with an unknown substance. Carmella followed up with a superkick which laid Asuka out.

Extreme Rules is this Sunday on the WWE Network. It will take place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.