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

I'm amused that I said these two could have a feud given time, and then they got plenty of it at the actual pay-per-view. Not that it makes up for a lack of story, but I was pleasantly surprised all the same.

The match itself was standard. Banks' purpose was clear; she wanted to lock in the Banks Statement, and she wanted to do it fast. However, Foxy had a lot of fight in her. She lasted for a long time, but in the end Banks' force of will and technical prowess resulted in a Banks Statement Foxy couldn't escape from.

Fox's strikes and in-ring storytelling skill elevated her performance beyond what a lot of fans seem to expect from her. She exhibited a lot of character against Banks in a feud I'd be happy to see continue. Banks, of course, might be wallowing lower in the card than she prefers, but she'll return to the title picture someday. Until then, excellent work from both ladies.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5

Asuka vs. Emma

I normally try to base my ratings on in-ring action exclusively, but man, I just cannot fathom why WWE booked Asuka as a scrappy babyface when she should have dominated Emma in five minutes or less. Emma, who has been a consistent loser for months, had no place being this competitive in a match against Asuka. She's a fantastic wrestler without a doubt, but WWE's decision here just took steam away from their hottest new agent.

At least she won.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5

Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James (Raw Women's Championship match)

Mickie James has wrestled for more women's titles than I can fathom. Seriously, this woman is unstoppable. James and Bliss executed a very even, high-paced match featuring a lot more high-flying from Bliss than we've seen in a while. In the end, some cleverness and a snap DDT helps Bliss retain her title. Afterwards, Mickie cuts a promo saying she's disappointed but proud of her performance.

For such a nonsensical storyline, this match was a lot of fun. James is utterly fantastic, and her chemistry with Bliss shines every time the two women share the ring.

Winners: Alexa Bliss
Rating: 3/5

WWE Monday Night Raw

Asuka vs. Emma

It should be noted that Survivor Series will feature Raw and SmackDown's women's champions wrestling each other. So I suppose we'll get...Bliss vs. Natalya? Hrm, alright, I guess.

Anyways, this was the Asuka match we should have gotten yesterday. Asuka secured a quick and decisive victory, and even so, I still think it was too competitive. At this point, I want Asuka to Nia Jax this division. Literally eat them alive.

What? Stop judging me.

Winner: Asuka

Rating: 2.5/5

Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox vs. Bayley

Before this match, Mickie James beat up Alexa Bliss in heels. Just gonna throw that out there.

In a shockingly delightful move, the captain of Raw's Survivor Series women's team will be the woman who has been with WWE for over a decade! Huzzah!

I like a lot about this match. First, Alicia Fox uses Sasha Banks and Bayley against each other. This plants some more dissent between the two for when their feud eventually happens, and I'm fine with WWE playing the long game. For once. And of course, Fox as captain is a great surprise that is sure to set up some hilarious segments over the next month.

Speaking of Survivor Series, SmackDown invaded Raw and destroyed everyone, the ladies included. I love this time of year.

Winner: Alicia Fox

Rating: 3/5

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi vs. Tamina vs. Carmella

It's wonderful that the idea of Lana being on the Survivor Series team was actually laughable to everyone. Lana sold that like a champ. Anyways, the stakes here were simple: who would captain the SmackDown women's Survivor Series team?

Naomi and Charlotte fought hard, and Carmella dug deep into her bag of tricks, but in the end it would be the inaugural SmackDown Women's Champion who would capture the victory and leadership of the team. She's been lost in the shuffle for the past few months, so this is an excellent opportunity to build her up and maybe even groom her to reclaim the title that she once held.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 3/5



Women's Battle Royale 

A good chunk of the Mae Young Classic and NXT Women's Division came out to claim the final spot in the NXT Women's Championship Fatal Four-Way at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. Three of the four women are already decided: Kairi Sane, Ember Moon and Peyton Royce.

This match was full of fun moments from all of the competitors, but Nikki Cross cleaned house to secure her spot in the title match. I'd be remiss to not mention standout performances from Bianca Belair and Mercedes Martinez.

Cross is a proven talent who is on a hot streak along with all of SAnitY. She's a fine choice for what is turning out to be an unpredictable and exciting match that shows the depth of NXT's talent despite the loss of Asuka.

Winner: Nikki Cross
Rating: 3.5/5



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

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Match: Nonoko & Rika Tatsumi vs. Shoko Nakajima & Yuu
Winner: Nonoko & Rika Tatsumi

NOVA Pro-Wrestling

Match: Laynie Luck vs. Faye Jackson
Winner: Laynie Luck

Revolution Pro Wrestling

Match: Zoe Lucas vs. Veda Scott
Winner: Zoe Lucas



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


Nikki Cross as a babyface is proving to be an absolute delight. Her antics are physical, amusing and engaging. I cannot wait to see how she performs when sharing the ring with Moon, Royce and Sane.

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.