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



Asuka vs. Bayley

This week was all about what the women of Raw deserve. Before Asuka and Bayley faced off, Alexa Bliss confronted Kurt Angle about forcing her to defend her title inside the Elimination Chamber while Brock doesn't have to. She, for once, actually had a point, but Kurt Angle works crowds with ease so somehow he still appeared to be in the right.

Bayley and Asuka tore the house down, if not as spectacularly as the last time they faced off. This testing series of sorts for Asuka has done a great job of highlighting how unstoppable she truly is while also showing how much heart Bayley has when up against a talented opponent. Asuka won, of course, but afterwards finally shook hands with Bayley. That's new, and a good piece of long-form storytelling.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 3/5

Nia Jax vs. Vanessa Floyd

Oh hey, we're back to Nia Jax eating random women from the streets for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Blink, and you'd have missed Nia Jax easily picking up a win before saying she'll make Asuka a has-been when she faces her for the chance to be added to Asuka's Mania title shot at Elimination Chamber.

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 1/5

Mickie James vs. Sonya Deville

What is happening??? Three women's matches in one show? Is this the freaking twilight zone?

Despite interference from the usual suspects, Mickie James' experience allowed her to get the advantage over Deville int he end and come away with the pinfall victory. Absolution descended on her afterwards, but she was rescued by none other than....Alexa Bliss?

Okay, WWE, you've got my attention.

Winner: Mickie James
Rating: 2/5



Charlotte Flair vs. Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan showed some spunk early on, but even after continued interference from Sarah Logan and Ruby Riott, she just wasn't ready to defeat Charlotte. Because...well, Charlotte. The Riott Squad getting thrown out was the icing on the cake for Flair, who forced Morgan to tap handily with the Figure Eight.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 2.5/5



CANDICE WRESTLING

Candice LeRae jumped, once again, to the defense of her husband Johnny Gargano against Zelina Vega and Andrade Almas, and man, the crowd was red-hot for her. Candice is such a fun, unique talent who can work a crowd with ease and strike like an unhinged beast. And her involvement with her husband doesn't take away any of her power or agency. In fact, it's a lot of fun and a good way to introduce her to more casual fans.

Keep being awesome, Candice!

Bianca Belair vs. Jesse Tillson

We've entered a new era of Bianca Belair squash matches, and I am HERE. FOR. IT. A series of power moves and a gallon throw quickly netted Belair a dominant victory.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2/5

GFW Impact Wrestling

Laurel Van Ness vs. Kiera Hogan (Knockouts Championship match)

Frankly, we all knew how this would end. Laurel Van Ness defeated Kiera Hogan handily, but let's give hogan her credit: she put on an impressive showing. After the match, Van Ness attacked Hogan, but Allie ran out to make the save.

Winner: Laurel Van Ness

Rating: 2/5

Bayley's main roster run has exposed a lot of her flaws. Without the time to really plan out a match and an emotionally investing story behind her, Bayley's matches can often fall flat. However, I think she's heard a lot of the criticism, because this match was fun from start to finish. She and Asuka's story of respect and competition is a fun and engaging one, and both women absolutely delivered on WWE's flagship show.


Candice gets my award for wife of the century, let's be honest. She's great, and if I keep typing this will just devolve into fangirlish giggles.

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!