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.


Becky Lynch & Naomi vs. Natalya & Carmella

In a fast-paced battle that really means nothing at the end of the day, Carmella began a hot streak that would continue in the week. As usual, Becky Lynch was fired up, but really, I doubt there is much left for her on SmackDown, which is a real shame.

Winner: Carmella & Natalya
Rating: 3/5

Charlotte vs. Ruby Riott (SmackDown Women's Championship match)

What a fun match. Ruby Riott got to wrestle the fun, physical style that she utilized on NXT, and Charlotte continued to be the phenom that she already is. After a moonsault from a barricade and some attempted interference from our friendly neighborhood Riott Squad, Flair retained her title against a very game Riott, who's gained a brand new level of legitimacy after this performance.

But the best part of this entire pay-per-view, if I'm being honest, was the surprise emergence of none other than ASUKA to challenge for the title at WrestleMania!

OH YES, IT'S HAPPENING! WWE's two biggest stars are facing off at the biggest event of the year! They got one right!

Winner: Charlotte Flair

Rating: 1/5



Sasha Banks vs. Sonya Deville

Deville started off strong, but Banks is too good at playing the game to be played herself. She controlled most of the match. Mandy Rose tried to interfere and turn the tide in her teammate's direction, but Bayley was there to hold her back, allowing Banks to lock in her submission for the submission victory.

After the match, Absolution teamed up to beat Sasha down, but Bayley disappeared and the heels stood tall to end the segment.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 2/5

Nia Jax vs. Joan King

Nia Jax destroyed the random jobber. Huzzah!

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 1/5

Everything else

Let's talk about heel heat.

It's important, obviously. Heat is part of what fuels the creation of the most engaging stories and the most successful babyfaces. The best heels have you furious, rooting for them to get their just desserts. But some things have no place in storylines, no matter how much "heat" they can get. I'm talking about blatant sexism, racism and body-shaming.

I saw all of this on Raw, all in a weak and lazy attempt to get heat on Alexa Bliss.

"But Gabby, don't you understand the concept of heat? This stuff happens in real life! Nia will win in the end!"

Yeah, but here's the thing: is it really so much to ask that WWE built storylines about women around something other than romance or their bodies? When I watch Raw, I'd rather not be reminded about racism or sexism that I have to deal with in real life. Give me my escape, okay?

The whole "catty backstabbing female" schtick is tired, lazy and boring. Women are so much more complex and interesting than that. And perhaps if WWE employed any women on its writing team,t hey'd be able to communicate that, but alas. We're stuck with the same, ridiculously lazy storytelling WWE's women are usually subjected to.



The Heavyweights Collide

Yes, ladies and gents, we are legitimately getting Charlotte vs. Asuka at WrestleMania, and the hype couldn't be more real. These two carry so much intensity and talent that they could probably read the phonebook and it would be a 5-star classic.

Naomi vs. Carmella

Carmella just keeps getting better.

In a surprisingly even match, Ms. Money in the Bank trash-talked her way to success, earning a pinfall over the former SmackDown Women's Champion.

Winner: Carmella
Rating: 2/5



Dakota Kai vs. Lacey Evans

Though Lacey tried to capitalize on the damage dealt by Shayna Baszler to Kai's arm, Kai was just too good and too resilient to keep down, securing the win with a rollup.

After, Baszley and Ember Moon both emerged and a brawled, and their rematch at TakeOver: NOLA was made official. Additionally, Candice LeRae attacked Zelina Vega like the queen of the universe that she is.

NXT is beautiful.

Winner: Dakota Kai
Rating: 2/5

GFW Impact Wrestling

Rosemary vs. Taya Valkyrie

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

AAW: Pro

Match: Jessika Havoc vs. Hudson Envy
Winner: Jessika Havoc

SHINE

Match: LuFisto vs. Mercedes Martinez
Winner: LuFisto

ATTACK! Pro Wrestling

Match: Millie McKenzie vs. Sierra Loxton
Winner: Millie McKenzie

NOVA Pro Wrestling

Match: Angelus Layne vs. Rain
Winner: Angelus Layne


These two finally got the chance to reignite their rivalry that stalled last year, and they did not disappoint. The crowds love Rosemary, and Valkyrie knows exactly how to play off of that and maximize heat in the best way.

Keep it up. This rocks.


Asuka was everywhere this week, and it was absolutely fantastic. Her very presence elevated every show she was on. THAT'S the true mark of a star, folks.

We're not ready for Asuka.