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.


Eva Marie Released

This week saw the end of All Red Everything, as Eva Marie finally parted ways with WWE after a year on the sidelines. As has often been the case when discussing Eva Marie, this news split the wrestling world, with some sad to see the redhead leave, while others celebrated the departure of someone many regarded as the worst wrestler ever to step foot in WWE.

In my opinion, while she was no Kurt Angle, Eva Marie generated more crowd investment and interest in matches and segments than a lot of wrestlers in WWE right now, and her last run of sidestepping matches on SmackDown Live garnered a great deal of interest. Plus, we now have Lana taking up that spot on the roster, and I'm sure even Eva Marie would cringe watching the Ravishing Russian's matches.

At the end of the day, Eva Marie's release hopefully opens up another spot for more talented performers in NXT and the Mae Young Classic to move up to the main roster. So thank you Eva and WWE for doing the right thing!


Bayley vs. Nia Jax

For what felt like the millionth time this last year, Bayley took on Nia Jax on the latest episode of Raw. Having just become number one contender to the Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Bayley could have benefitted from another strong win against an Emma, Mickie James or Alicia Fox. Instead, she had to contend with Jax, who doesn't lose often, especially in a clean fashion. Something was going to have to give here.

In fact, what gave out appeared to be Bayley's right shoulder, after she was pushed hard out of the ring by Jax. In what was either a case of exceptional selling or toughing it out with a legitimate injury, Bayley was favoring the shoulder the entire match, having to fight back the imposing power of Jax.

When the action spilled to ringside, Bayley overcame interference from Alexa Bliss and escaped Nia Jax, who continued her ongoing feud with stationary objects outside the ring - this time, she charged into the steel steps. Bayley returned to the ring to secure a countout victory, but she was left worse for wear in the end thanks to that shoulder injury. WWE are reporting she may be out of SummerSlam, which makes the legitimacy of the injury seem suspicious, but I guess we'll find out on Raw if she'll be in Brooklyn as a spectator rather than a competitor.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2/5



Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Natalya & Carmella

SmackDown Women's Champion Naomi has needed eyes in the back of her head in recent weeks, as she not only has to contend with SummerSlam opponent Natalya, but also the constant threat of Carmella and her Money in the Bank contract. So, it must have been somewhat of a relief that she could keep an eye on both in this tag team match, with Becky Lynch by her side.

The match wasn't especially long or memorable, but I thought it told a good story. Natalya and Carmella isolated Naomi from her partner, with the Canadian veteran displaying her in-ring superiority by locking the champion in the Sharpshooter. Naomi crawled to the ropes, where Carmella tagged herself into the match, much to the annoyance of Natalya. Carmella attempted her own submission, the Code of Silence, but this was cleverly reversed by Naomi into the FTG to force Carmella to tap out.

This gave Naomi some good momentum, protected Natalya from taking a direct loss and made it appear as though Carmella couldn't get it done against Naomi in a fair fight, so she'll need to take advantage of her Money in the Bank contract to do so - a good job all round.

Winners: Naomi & Becky Lynch
Rating: 3/5



If there was any need for proof that Asuka is the biggest star in NXT right now, the latest episode proved it beyond all reasonable doubt. Walking to the ring dressed in a great suit and her characteristic swagger, Asuka promised to defeat her Takeover: Brooklyn opponent Ember Moon once again and retain her title. While her English is still developing, Asuka had the crowd eating out of her hands and got her point across effectively. She said what needed to be said, no more, no less.

Likewise Ember Moon came out and responded by saying she was ready to beat Asuka, albeit less charismatically and with markedly less crowd support. Asuka extended her hand in what seemed to be a show of respect, but instead lifted her hand away when Moon reached out, and then slapped her challenger across the face to a loud reaction.

Both superstars then brawled to the canvas, Asuka getting the upperhand with forearms and a huge kick to the head, before throwing Moon to ringside. However, as she turned her back to grab her championship, Moon had scaled the turnbuckle. She leaped off and knocked Asuka out with the Eclipse. Moon feigned touching the belt herself, but decided against it, saying she'd pick it up after she earned it.

This was a great, succinct segment, and will hopefully lead into an awesome match at Takeover: Brooklyn. This has 'main event' written all over it...


Sonya Deville vs. Jenna Van Bemel

Sadly, the second segment featuring NXT's women's division on this show was firmly on the other end of the spectrum. I appreciate when backstage want to get behind someone and give them a big push, as that is the way to build true stars. The problem is you have to choose the right person, and Sonya Deville just isn't that person. For someone who is billed as an ultimate fighter, Deville sure likes to spend a long time talking in a match rather than fighting.

In fairness to Deville, her opponent, Jenna Van Bemel was never going to give her a great outing - Van Bemel's punches were atrocious and she barely sold anything. The best thing about this match was that it was over quickly, with Deville locking in a triangle choke to force the submission. I don't feel good saying it, but I think Deville could use some more seasoning before she's ready to take the lead in squash matches.

Winner: Sonya Deville
Rating: 1/5



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

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Tokyo Princess Cup 2017 Semi Final Match: Reika Saiki vs. Shoko Nakajima
Winner: Reika Saiki

Tokyo Princess Cup 2017 Semi Final Match: Yuka Sakazaki vs. Mizuki
Winner: Yuka Sakazaki

Match: Marika Kobashi, Nodoka-Oneesan & Yuu vs. Miyu Yamashita, Nonoko & Yuna Manase
Winners: Marika Kobashi, Nodoka-Oneesan & Yuu

DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Title Match: Miyu Yamashita (c) vs. Marika Kobashi
Winner (and NEW champion) Marika Kobashi

DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Title Match: Marika Kobashi (c) vs. Cherry
Winner (and NEW champion): Cherry

Match: Azusa Takigawa vs. Maki Ito
Winner: Double Countout

Match: Martha & Yukio Saint Laurent vs. Maho Kurone & Rika Tatsumi
Winners: Martha & Yukio Saint Laurent

Tokyo Princess Cup 2017 Final Match: Reika Saiki vs. Yuka Sakazaki
Winner: Reika Saiki

Stardom

Match: Starlight Kid vs. Hanan vs. Ruaka
Winner: Starlight Kid

Match: Hiromi Mimura vs. Shiki Shibusawa
Winner: Hiromi Mimura

Match: Oedo Tai (Hana Kimura & Kris Wolf) vs. Team Jungle (Kaori Yoneyama & Natsuko Tora)
Winners: Oedo Tai

Match: Konami, Mary Apache & Yoko Bito vs. Gabby Ortiz, Shanna & Xia Brookside
Winners: Konami, Mary Apache & Yoko Bito

Match: Kagetsu & Viper vs. Jungle Kyona & Mayu Iwatani vs. Queen's Quest (AZM & HZK)
Winners: Kagetsu & Viper

ICW

ICW Women's Championship Match: Kay Lee Ray (c) vs. Kasey Owens
Winner (and NEW champion): Kasey Owens

(They had a rematch the following night, which Kasey Owens also won.)

CMLL

Match: Dalys la Caribena, La Amapola & Tiffany vs. La Vaquerita, Princesa Sugehit & Sanely
Winners: Dalys la Caribena, La Amapola & Tiffany

AAA

AAA Reina de Reinas Number One Contendership Match: Lady Shani vs. Big Mami vs. Goya Kong vs. La Hiedra
Winner: Lady Shani

OVW

Match: Cali & Kevin Giza vs. Mickie Knuckles & Sam Thompson
Winners: Cali & Kevin Giza


There wasn't exactly a lot of competition this week, but that doesn't mean SmackDown Live's tag team match won Match of the Week merely by default. I thought in a rather short space of time it told a good story and helped establish the roles of the three main players in the SmackDown Women's Championship scene right now: Naomi, Natalya and Carmella.


Asuka is arguably the most dominant champion in all of WWE and NXT right now, and has the crowd firmly behind her whether she's meant to be a babyface or a heel. Above all else she's a winner, and her segment with Ember Moon helped build towards their big clash at Takeover: Brooklyn. Many believe this will be the Japanese sensation's swansong before joining the main roster, and whatever roster she ends up on, I have no doubt she will make her presence felt in a hurry.

A quick message for WWE: you somehow managed to screw up Bayley, so please try not to screw up Asuka. Thanks!

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!