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 GFW's Knockouts, Lucha Underground's luchadoras, and even a glimpse at the women on the independent circuit.


Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks

Banks went right into the Banks Statement, but Alicia Fox managed to scramble out of it. Foxy got some offense in, but Banks went right back into a Banks Statement, forcing Fox to tap. An infuriated Fox brutally attacked Banks backstage. The two will face off in the TLC pre-show.

Given time, this feud could have been a lot more interesting than it is. I don't understand why WWE wouldn't start building this weeks ago instead of sticking their women in meaningless tag matches. But hey, what do I know?

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 1.5/5

Alexa Bliss & Emma vs. Bayley & Mickie James

As it happens, Bayley and Mickie James are a very fun tag team. This tag served two purposes: give us a dose of Emma before she is fed to Asuka on Sunday, and build up Mickie before she challenges Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship. The match was quick-paced and fun, allowing Emma to show some fun ferocity against Bayley and Mickie to look strong, pinning Bliss after landing a Mick Kick.

This was a fun exhibition of Raw's women in the final Raw before Asuka begins her tear through the women's division. Mickie James, despite the obnoxiousness of her age-related storyline, has looked like an absolute star. I hope WWE doesn't forget her after this program wraps up.

Winners: Bayley & Mickie James
Rating: 3/5



Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair & Naomi vs. Natalya, Lana & Tamina

I love SmackDown. I really do. But these tag matches are getting very, very tiresome. I don't know what to say about this match that hasn't happened multiple times already. I enjoyed last week's singles match because it was a singles match. It felt fresh.

That said, SmackDown's long-term storytelling with its women has been a lot of fun so far.  Whatever is happening between Tamina and Lana is still interesting. Carmella and her pet Ellsworth is certainly... something. This match ended with Lana tapping to Flair, who chased off Natalya after the latter tried attacking her from behind.

Winners: Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair & Naomi
Rating: 3/5



Ember Moon vs. Ruby Riot vs. Sonya Deville

Wow. What a fun freaking match. Ember  Moon, Ruby Riot and Sonya Deville put on a match that brought out the best in all of them. Sonya held her own well with the two more-experienced ring vets. Riot was her typically exciting self, and Ember Moon made a case for keeping her on top of the women's division.

Ember Moon hit an Eclipse on Deville, but Deville rolled away, allowing Moon to cover Riot for the victory.

Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 3.5/5



Taya Valkyrie vs. Rosemary

Rosemary, as usual, started off strong, but Valkyrie took control by flinging the babyface into a ring post. The match was intense and physical, but in the end Valkyrie won with a stomp. Valkyrie attempted a post-match beatdown, but ate mist from Rosemary.

These two. I can't get enough.

Winner: Taya Valkyrie
Rating: 3/5



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

Glory Pro

Match: Savanna Stone vs. Kylie Rae
Winner: Savanna Stone

SHINE

Match: LuFisto vs. Vanessa Kraven
Winner: LuFisto

Revolution Pro Wrestling

Match: Jinny vs. Charli Evans vs. Veda Scott
Winner: Jinny



NXT's women's division post-Asuka will be just fine.


Ember Moon earned herself a place in yet another title match with a super-fun victory over two rising stars. She continues to impress, and perhaps soon she will have gold around her waist to punctuate her meteoric rise.

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! Also, come back next week for a full breakdown of the Mae Young Classic's first round of episodes and matches.