Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of WOMEN'S WRESTLING WEEKLY—a rundown of the events which have transpired in the world of women's professional wrestling over the past several days not just with the Superstars on WWE programming, but with TNA's Knockouts, Lucha Underground's luchadoras, and even a glimpse at the women on the independent circuit.



Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James (Raw Women's Championship No. 1 Contender's match)

Banks and Jax attempted to use Bliss as a human weapon, but that strategy yielded little for them. James showed impressive valor as she took Jax on, which is a welcome sight to see considering what a fight she put up against Asuka. Jax gained the upper hand enough to attempt a pin, but Bliss broke it off, which the small Superstar soon regretted, as Jax then advanced on her. James sent Nia out of the ring, and faced off against Banks, who took all three women out with a diving crossbody. Back int he ring, the four women brawled with a varied series of strikes and submissions, but no single woman could get a leg up over the others. Jax ended up taking herself out with a charge into the turnbuckle, and James took control of Bliss and Banks. Jax came back into the match, and soon enough took James out, but Bliss took her out with a dropkick, hitting Banks with a lateral press for the victory.

Bliss was Bayley's first challenger for the NXT Women's Championship after the Hugger wrapped up her rivalry with Banks, so it's only fitting that she challenge Bayley now that Charlotte has taken her place in SmackDown. Bliss is on fire at the moment, putting on fun matches and engaging audience with wonderful mic work. This spot is well-deserved and their characters will clash well as Payback draws near.

Winner: Alexa Bliss
Rating: 3/5



Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair

At the start of SmackDown, Flair wasted little time in demanding her shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship. Naomi came out, and the two women brawled before Shane McMahon came out to make the match official for later that night.

Charlotte started the match out strong, working on keeping Naomi as grounded and slow as possible. The women exchanged a variety of strikes, and the match turned into a quick-paced chain-wrestling challenge. Neither woman could get a definitive leave over the other. Charlotte then went for a dragon sleeper hold, stilling Naomi's efforts at offense, and hit the champion with a few knee drops, but Naomi wouldn't stay down. Naomi went for the Rear View, but Charlotte reversed it with a boot and hit Natural Selection, pinning the champion and earning herself a title shot.

Backstage, she waved off the attention of the bitter Natalya, Carmella and Tamina.

Flair and Naomi have squared off before, but never like this. Since the last time the women have faced off one on one, both have grown as both performers and characters. Naomi has truly come into her own in and out of the ring, and Charlotte is known as one of the best athletes on WWE's entire roster. Their clash will undoubtedly be something memorable.

Winner: Charlotte
Rating: 3.5/5



Rosemary vs. ODB (Knockouts Championship match)

I know, I know, I talk a lot of crap about Impact Wrestling, but here's the honest truth: I criticize because I see its potential for greatness. But this match, despite its short length, had the right ending.

ODB went on the offense early, taking on Rosemary with a clothesline, knocking her out of the ring. When Rosemary returned to the ring, ODB slammed her onto the mat. ODB attempted a suplex, but Rosemary escaped. She took advantage of that and took control of the match until she missed a splash. ODB scored a near-fall but then Rosemary hit a Red Wedding out of nowhere to retain the title.

As stated earlier, this is the best choice. Rosemary is the highlight of the Knockouts division, and she elevates the title by holding it.

Winner: Rosemary
Rating: 2.5/5



Billie Kay & Peyton Royce vs. Liv Morgan & Aliyah

The Aussie heels isolated Liv Morgan early on, beating her down with relish before Aliyah tagged in. Aliyah showed fire early on, but Kay and Royce soon brought the action back in their favor. However, a distraction by Morgan allowed Aliyah to score the pinfall.

People like to bemoan how NXT isn't what it used to be, but I'd argue that it is what it was meant to be in the beginning: a place for growth and development. This match was nothing special, but each woman has grown exponentially during their time in NXT. Give them time and be patient, and they will develop into high-caliber talent.

Winners: Live Morgan & Aliyah
Rating: 2/5



Ah, yes, the highlight of my week. The "Anything but wrestling" wrestling show! This week's episode dealt with the fallout of the WWE Draft and Brie's lack-of-baby issues. It's a grand old time.

In Bella-land, Brie is learning about her body in the process of trying to conceive. She teases Nikki about not knowing her own....body. Yeah, we'll go with that, because I don't know how PG it is to say vagina. Oops, I did it. Alright, well, there you go. Anyways, brie is stressed about trying to conceive and has gone on a vegetarian diet since retiring. Her doctor tells her to add more iron to her diet. Nikki tries tog et Brie to eat meat, but Brie refuses. She calls Rosa Mendes for advice.

Backstage at SmackDown, Eva Marie is thrilled to be on the main roster. Meanwhile, The Miz teases Maryse about her eyesight and how she can't drive at night. Their dynamic is actually incredibly adorable. That power couple vibe never leaves, I guess. Eva Marie is uncertain about the direction of her character (always making excuses not to wrestle), even though it's probably the most engaging her character has ever been for audiences.

At Raw, Lana tells Rusev that she's being sent to do some charity work for WWE and wants him to come with her. Paige learns that she has been suspended from Mark Carrano. Paige says she was suspended because she missed a test, and cries on the phone to her boyfriend Alberto Del Rio. She says that she is strong and will get over it...but you know, hindsight really is 20/20.

Speaking of 20/20, elsewhere, Miz suggests to Maryse at their home that she get Lasik eye surgery to help with her sight. At SmackDown, Eva wishes her gimmick was used years ago instead of having her sent to NXT.

In Anguilla, where Lana has brought her hubby, Renee Young is disappointed to find out it won't just be a ladies' trip like she thought. She's forced to play third wheel while they wait for Trinity to arrive, and it's not ideal for her. When Trinity arrives, they give Lana the ice treatment. Lana complains about Renee, who fires back that they aren't here to tag along on a second honeymoon. Lana later tells Rusev that she doesn't need friends, and he's hesitant to support THAT.

Backstage at SmackDown, as Eva continues to worry about her role on TV, Maryse is uncomfortable because she accidentally sent a naked selfie meant for Miz to an entire group message. Those eye problems. Yikes. Dolph Ziggler, like a true gentleman, teases her about it before deleting the photos from his phone. How nice of him to save them. Meanwhile, Eva learns to embrace the role she has been given.

Lana and Renee and Trinity make up after their charity work. Lana grew up disconnected because of moving around a lot, so she is still trying to figure out how to let people in. Maryse gets the eye surgery, and Miz sends her a very sweet card which she is actually able to read.



This section includes recaps of matches from around the world in various lesser-known independent promotions throughout the week.

Ohio Valley Wrestling

Match: Madi Maxx vs. Cali vs. Jessie Belle (OVW Women's Championship match)
Winner: Madi Maxx

Anarchy Championship Wrestling

Match: Thunder Rosa vs. Allie Kat
Winner: Thunder Rosa

Peachstate Wrestling Alliance

Match: Pandora vs. Victoria Ventress
Winner: Pandora

IGNITE

Match: Lacey Lane vs. Chuckles
Winner: Lacey Lane

IPW: UK

Match: Livvii Grace vs. Toni Storm (IPW: UK Women's Championship match)
Winner: Livvii Grace


This match was well-paced, well-executed and told a great story of struggle and dominance. Charlotte is fitting in wonderfully with the women of SmackDown Live, and Naomi's journey to prove her worth as champion after such a long journey to get to the top is enthralling and intense. Kudos to these women for building such a good feud in such short time.


After an exceptional match, Charlotte Flair thrust herself right into the women's title picture a mere two weeks after arriving. This is both a testament to WWE's faith in her and to her undeniable skill and talent. Flair is on top for a reason. She strikes well, flies like it's nobody's business and has an impeccable grasp on her character. Few deserve the spotlight as much as she does.

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!