Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of DIVAS DEBRIEF—a rundown of the events that have transpired in the world of women's professional wrestling over the past several days. Whether it's the women on WWE programming or elsewhere with the TNA Knockouts and other smaller, independent companies, Smark Out Moment attempts to keep you up to date on all things going on with the ladies of the ring.



Charlotte, Dana Brooke & Nia Jax vs. Bayley, Sasha Banks & Alicia Fox

Before the match, all five women gathered in the ring, but not much memorable happened because the Glasgow crowd drowned most of the segment out with their enthusiastic crooning for Bayley. While cute at first, it soon became evident that the crowd was more interested in getting itself over than Bayley, who could barely get any words in herself. The team introduction soon began to fall apart, and a match was made.

Alicia Fox fell early to a harsh, unforgiving offense by Nia Jax, who looked dominating as ever. Putting her against true roster talent made her look even more fearsome; a triple dropkick by all three babyfaces wasn't enough to faze her. Even Sasha Banks found herself victimized by the newcomer, isolated from her teammates. Charlotte tagged in, working Banks' back with practiced ease.

However, when Bayley finally managed to tag in, the tides turned. Bayley's babyface fire was in full effect against Flair until Dana Brooke interfered in a pin. Alicia Fox got her out of the equation before going after Jax, who threw her into the turnbuckle like a ragdoll. Sasha Banks came to her rescue, baiting Charlotte into hitting Jax with an accidental big boot to the face. Bayley took advantage of the distraction, hitting Flair with the Bayley to Belly for the pinfall.

Winners: Bayley, Sasha Banks & Alicia Fox
Rating: 3/5



Naomi vs. Natalya

With Nikki Bella on commentary, a bitter Natalya took on Naomi in the first women's bout of the night. The two briefly chain-wrestled before taking each other out with simultaneous crossbodies. While they recovered, Carmella emerged, going right after Nikki Bella. Natalya noticed, leaving the ring to keep the two teammates from brawling.

Natalya got in Nikki's face, blowing her whistle, and Nikki threw her to the ground before brawling with Carmella. Natalya broke them up again, just barely getting back in the ring in time to beat the count out, but Naomi rolled her up for the win.

As far as matches go, this one was nothing special, but it served its purpose for storylines, which makes it a plus. It's wonderful to see Naomi wrestling regularly again, and Nikki Bella is settling into SmackDown as if she was never even injured.

Winner: Naomi
Rating: 2.5/5

Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss (SmackDown Women's Championship match)

Both women attempted roll-ups early on, looking to end things quickly, but neither could be kept down for the count. Lynch attempted a rolling pin combination from the ropes, but Bliss held on, staring down Lynch with undisguised contempt.

Bliss fought hard, but neither woman could keep control for long. Lynch managed to get on a roll with a series of forearms, but a missed double leg drop allowed Bliss to take control. Bliss planted Lynch with a wicked DDT, but Lynch kicked out, much to Bliss's shock and dismay. Bliss screamed at the referee in fury while Lynch recovered. She set Lynch up for a springboard kick from the turnbuckle, but Lynch countered, trapping Bliss in the Dis-Arm her. Bliss got her feet under the ropes, but the referee did not see, and Bliss was forced to tap.

The controversial ending was a smart move. Bliss and Lynch's feud has been a highlight of SmackDown Live, and the need for an undisputed victor sets up the possibility of a ladder match at SmackDown's next exclusive pay-per-view: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 3.5/5



Gail Kim is Ambushed

Gail Kim called Jade into the ring and talked her up to the crowd, saying she reminded her of herself when she first broke into the business. Kim sounded like she's about to retire when Decay cut her off. Rosemary caught Kim with the mist before planting Jade with an F5. She caught Kim in a chokehold, and Kim tapped, but there was no referee to drag Rosemary off her. Rosemary let Kim go, but only so she could hit Jade with a nasty Coast to Coast.

Gail Kim's impending retirement is something nobody really wants to think about, so it's definitely good to keep her engaged in a feud with a performer as dynamic and engaging as Rosemary. She and Jade are two of the most skilled female workers TNA employs, and their upcoming matches are sure to be entertaining.



Mariposa, Marty the Moth, the Mack, Ivelisse & Jeremiah Crane vs. Killshot, Argenis, Dante Fox, Texano & Cage

For the chance to be in Aztec Warfare, the two powerhouse teams brought each other to the limits. Ivelisse, when tagged in, worked with Crane to wear down Killshot, but a tag in by Cage brought their offense to a screeching halt. Marty tagged in, but was soon tagged out by an eager Mariposa, who took on Texano.

The match soon devolved into chaos. Ivelisse took on Killshot once more, but her momentum was halted by an ankle injury. She rolled out, but Marty the Moth was able to pick the win up for the team.

Winners: Mariposa, Marty the Moth, the Mack, Ivelisse & Jeremiah Crane
Rating: 3/5



Ember Moon vs. Rachel Evers

Ember Moon remains one of the strongest new prospects in NXT's women's division. Despite being thoroughly worked over by an increasingly impressive Rachel Evers, Moon managed to fight back, Eclipsing Evers for an easy win.

Moon's ring work is engaging and her finisher is stunning (pun absolutely intended), but in order to truly make her a worthy contender to Asuka's throne, she is going to need some character development. Her persona is fascinating, but we still know next to nothing about her. That has to change. Fast.

Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 2/5



Wow. Just....wow.

Brie reveals that Bryan will be unable to attend Kathy and John's wedding because his doctor has recommended he avoid travel. Nikki calls, informing Brie that Kathy and she are at the doctor, getting the mystery lump in Kathy's breast checked. Luckily, the lump is just from Kathy's implants and is nothing to be concerned about.

Brie arrives in Florida and agrees to take in John and Nikki's dog Winston, believing he will help Bryan cope with his depression. Nikki and Kathy return home, giving Brie Kathy's good news. Nikki invites Brie to go train with Neil Melanson, the man who taught Bryan the Yes Lock, but Brie declines. Nikki urges her to reconsider, pointing out how important WrestleMania is. Brie relents.

Brie admits to not properly training for Mania because of everything going on in her personal life. The training session starts out rough for Brie, but she eventually masters the lock. Later, while getting ready for the rehearsal dinner, Brie ruminates on how sad she is that Bryan will not be there for her retirement match. John Laurinitis gets emotional at the dinner, telling everyone how much it means for him to be a part of the family, and the family is moved.

Later, Nikki and Brie argue about Brie's marriage. Nikki thinks Brie's life is unfairly consumed by her husband. Brie is infuriated at Nikki's judgment of her life and her marriage, and tells Nikki never to bring her husband up to her again. Cena notices tension between the two before the wedding photoshoot, but the two sisters manage to work out their differences and come to an understanding.

Kathy and John are married without a hitch. Back home, Brie and Bryan joke. Bryan has been feeling better. Brie and Nikki talk about how their struggles have brought them closer together, and look forward to WrestleMania. Nikki gets good news from her doctor: she can wrestle again, as long as she gets a new finisher. The show ends with a teaser for Total Divas.

I'm glad Nikki and Brie came to an understanding. I for one get incredibly annoyed when Nikki tries to interfere in a marriage that is not her own. Alas, everything worked out for the best. Total Divas should be interesting, to say the least.


So there you have it, the breakdown for the week in women's wrestling. What were some of your favorite and least favorite moments from these women? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!