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.



Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

These two could wrestle each other forever and I'd probably be entertained. This match was physical, emotional, character-driven and rich with the shared history between these familiar foes. Banks and Bayley both brought their best, but in the end Bayley was able to escape the Banks Statement and land a Bayley-to-Belly from the top rope. It seems that our favorite hugger still has Sasha's number.

The pair faced off in the center of the ring, and Sasha looked prime for a heel turn, but Nia Jax decided to quite literally crash their party and ambush them, laying the pair out before declaring herself the woman who will finally break Asuka. You know, the woman who's beat her three times now. But hey, you do you, Nia.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 3.5/5


Absolution vs. Mickie James & Alexa Bliss

Here's the thing: no matter how nice and friendshippy Alexa Bliss acts towards Mickie, her former ally in the early days of the brand split, we know that this is just a ploy to get an ally in the Elimination Chamber. Which is very, very smart of her. But still, convenience wasn't enough to defeat the one-track minds of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose.

Absolution is a tricky beast. Sonya and Mandy both are very talented. That said, there is very little character work from them, and very little story for them to work with. They are defined by Paige, even entering to her music. Where they go from Elimination Chamber is certainly interesting to consider.

Winners: Absolution
Rating: 2/5



Charlotte Flair vs. Sarah Logan

Well, would you look at that, the rotation of Charlotte wrestling a Riott Squad member with no discernible plot in sight continues! Flair took on the artist formerly known as Crazy Mary Dobson in a good match that displayed Logan's fun technique well enough. Logan got a decent amount of offense in, but all it took was some Natural Selection to net Charlotte another victory.

Yes, it's getting rather annoying to see SmackDown, which once used its women with versatility, story and commitment, relegate itself to a boring shuffle of matches that do little to showcase the depth of its roster. Hopefully, Fastlane will put this division back on track before Mania season hits its stride.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 2/5



Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler (NXT Women's Championship match)

If anything, this week's re-match proved that a motivated Ember Moon is far more engaging than regular Ember Moon. Facing a still-terrifyingly cold and calculating Shayna Baszler, Ember Moon struggled to compete with her "injury" inflicted int heir last bout. The pair fought tooth and nail, with Moon never giving in despite her pain. For a moment, it looked like Baszler might be inching towards a victory, but an angry Kairi Sane came in with a fury and speared Baszler, putting an end to the match.

Sane and Baszler provide excellent drama with their carryover tension from the Mae Young Classic. The NXT Women's Division looks stout as ever. Remember, aside from these three phenomenal performers, we still have Nikki Cross, Candice LeRae, the Iconic Duo and a game Zelina Vega in the wings as well.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 3.5/5

GFW Impact Wrestling

Rosemary vs. Hania

Rosemary, also known as my favorite thing on Impact, defeated Hania in an extremely short match that was about as inconsequential as Impact feels right now. It's a transition period, and I know that, but a 4-minute match? Sigh.

Hania attacked Rosemary following the match, but fled once Rosemary showed signs of life. Probably for the best, as nobody wants any part of a Red Wedding.

Winner: Rosemary

Rating: 1/5

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

STARDOM

Match: Io Shirai vs. Momo Watanabe (Wonder of Stardom Championship match)
Winner: Io Shirai

WrestleCircus

Match: Chelsea Green vs. Christi Jaynes vs. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Leva Bates
Winner: Chelsea Green

Defiant Wrestling

Match: Millie McKenzie vs. Kay Lee Ray (Defiant Women's Championship match)
Winner: Millie McKenzie


This match delivers every single time. There's so much history between these two that even if it's out of the blue, their face-offs feel like a huge deal. This match was an excellent display for two athletes who often struggle in meaningless matches. However, both women have gotten the chance to shne in losing efforts against Asuka, and now each other. You go, ladies. Show us why we love you!


The Boss is going dark. I can feel it. This is the slowest of slow burns, but it feels like with every week they tease this feud, Sasha gets a bit of her old mojo back. She's showing more sass, more jealousy and more intensity every week as she grows more and more desperate to rise up in Raw's loaded women's division.

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!