Azula is frequently regarded as one of the most powerful characters in the original Avatar story, and rightly so. Her mastery over firebending, lightning, and the martial skill at the Fire Princess's disposal made her one of Aang's most vicious and tenacious opponents. This was particularly true when accompanied by her two henchwomen, Mai and Ty Lee.
Despite the terrifying power at her disposal, she is far from the most deadly character in the series. By acknowledging ten individuals whose strength eclipses even her own, fans can better understand Azula's weaknesses and how one might go about overcoming her.
10 The Aye-Aye Spirit
One of the first souls Wan encountered, the Aye-Aye spirit was deceptively capable. He could dodge the first Avatar's fire (similarly useful against Azula) and possess the bodies of anyone he wished, becoming impossible to remove once submerged within them and slowly changing his victims from the inside out. Should he remain there, his host will become permanently altered even if he leaves.
Due to his elusive nature and agility, Azula would have a difficult time targeting him. Further, his spiritual physiology enhances his durability, entailing that even if his Fire Nation adversary should score a lucky shot, he should be able to survive it.
9 Iroh
The celebrated "Dragon of the West," Iroh was the former general of the Fire Nation's armies and had many years of combat experience during his campaign against Ba Sing Se. A member of the White Lotus, he was also one of the most proficient benders of his time, able to breathe fire even from his mouth.
Perhaps his greatest advantage over Azula is through his ability to deflect lightning. It would turn her strongest asset against her, exploiting her aggressive fighting style and concluding the fight decisively in his favor.
8 Kuvira
Arguably the most proficient metalbender alive (second only to Toph), Kuvira could detach the metal plates of her armor and use them as restraints. Her combat ability was so considerable that she was able to defeat Korra in the Avatar State.
This contrasts with Azula's comparatively lackluster feats since she can only overcome Aang by shooting him in the back. Further, she was unable to defeat him even though he had gone days without rest. From how each character handled their respective encounters, we can interpret Kuvira's combat skill as superior to her opponents.
7 Ghazan
Ghazan was one of Zaheer's most formidable lieutenants, able to create and bend lava itself. With this technique, he managed to crumble the legendary walls of Ba Sing Se in seconds - a feat that Azula, a massive drill, and the venerated might of the Fire Nation military failed to accomplish.
While her lightning may pose a considerable threat to Ghazan's efforts, she can only accomplish this with even footing. Should he continue to destroy the ground, she stands on. Her only reprieve would be a retreat, allowing him to fight on his terms.
6 Aang
Once he had mastered all four elements, Aang's power eclipsed that of Fire Lord Ozai's even in the midst of Sozin's Comet. Considering that Azula regards her father as a superior fighter than herself. This entails that the Avatar should be able to best her with little difficulty.
As previously mentioned, he can dodge her lightning while awake, exhausted, and outside the Avatar state. Subsequently, he should avoid it with little effort if he decides to bring the full wrath of his bending upon her.
5 Amon
Amon was the mysterious leader of the Equalist movement and proved himself to be qualified. He was agile enough to dodge lightning, durable enough to withstand the full brunt of Korra's attacks, and strong enough to physically overcome Tarrlok's bloodbending (albeit through the assistance of his own).
Given his feats, it would be trivial for him to dodge Azula's bending and engage her in melee combat. Though they are similarly matched in martial skill, he would be able to paralyze her if necessary, guaranteeing his success in their battle and siphoning her powers shortly thereafter.
4 Zuko
While Zuko and Azula have clashed before (resulting in the former's defeat), this was only based on the Fire Nation's princess's predatory exploitation of her surroundings. She sent a bolt of lightning at Katara, anticipating that her brother would cast his body in its path to protect her.
Should the waterbender have been absent at the fight, Zuko would have defeated Azula because of his proficiency in deflecting her lightning. This is particularly true when considering his saber's skills - an advantage that his sister cannot reciprocate.
3 Zaheer
Zaheer was another of the few individuals to have successfully dominated someone who had achieved the Avatar state. Though Korra was poisoned during their battle, it only began to debilitate her minutes after the fight started, with the new airbender faring well up until that point.
After he had abandoned all earthly attachments, Zaheer's prowess increased considerably, and he achieved the ability to fly. This would make it extremely difficult for Azula to hit him, and considering that he can coax the wind from her lungs, he has much greater offensive potential than she could hope to match.
2 Korra
In some ways, Korra's strength overshadowed even Aang's own. In addition to physically overcoming bloodbending (something he failed to accomplish against Hama), she was able to adapt and master metalbending quickly, being the first Avatar to do so.
This entails that she should be capable of defeating Azula, especially if she uses her airbending to keep the Fire Nation princess in suspension (as she practiced during her fight against Unalaq). Should she crush the villain with the earth as she floated, Korra would defeat one of Aang's most deadly enemies.
1 Ozai
Ozai was one of the greatest firebenders to have ever lived, single-handedly capable of burning down massive swathes of the forest in seconds. His concentrated flames were potent enough to disintegrate rock into ash in seconds, even destroying the layered barriers Aang could muster to protect himself.
Considering the massive caliber and range of his attacks, it would be difficult for Azula to dodge him with her agility alone. With the Phoenix King able to withstand the Avatar himself's fury, her lightning would not be devastating enough to defeat her father.