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.

It's Superstar Shakeup week, which means the midcards of Raw and SmackDown get all jumbled up! But it also means that we get call-ups and new rivalries, so let's dive right in!



Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

Let's be real...you didn't really expect them to end this budding feud on a random episode of Raw, did you?

After a back-and-forth bout between the two on-again-off-again friends that showcased how great these two work together even in a seemingly anticlimactic environment like the beginning of Raw, Bayley and Sasha's match was crashed by none other than a debuting Riott Squad, fresh from the blue brand, right as it looked like Bayley might tap to Banks.

This is as good a move as can be expected. Riott and co. had little left to do on SmackDown after Riott's failed championship match, and she has yet to work with a lot of the women on WWE's flagship show. I'm looking forward to seeing what these three can do on Monday nights.

Winner: No contest
Rating: 3/5

Ember Moon vs. Mickie James

Raw's Mania week acquisition made her singles debut in a fun match against Mickie James that featured what might be the best sell of the Eclipse I have ever seen. Mickie James looked like she was turned inside-out by Moon's wildly exciting finisher.

On commentary, Nia Jax sounded confident and comfortable in her new champion role. Alexa Bliss refused to join her at the desk, citing Jax's "bully" status.

WWE is doing a good job so far at showcasing Moon and highlighting her biggest strengths: athleticism and charisma. Both were easily on display against her familiar Shimmer opponent. And she looks like she's having the time of her life out there too. Good for her, Raw is lucky to have her.

Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 2.5/5

Natalya vs. Mandy Rose

...okay so here's the thing.

I can acknowledge that Natalya was the best technical wrestler of the Divas Generation. I can say with confidence that she is a stellar athlete whose in-ring work is fantastic. Any wrestler can go in the ring with her and know they're working with a seasoned profession.

That being said, I can also say that at this point, for me, Natalya is a charisma vacuum. Every time I see her on screen, I instantly stop caring, even if she's being roped into a storyline with Ronda Rousey. Sure, WWE, suck the life out of that too! I don't know if it's the fact that the deepest aspect of Natalya's character is that she's a Hart or the constant cat aesthetic, but I cannot care about anything she does. Which is a shame, because she's a great ambassador for WWE the company.

Natalya won her debut Raw match. She and Rousey fended off an attempted ambush from Absolution. Yay, I guess.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2/5



Charlotte Flair vs. Billie Kay

Carmella happily celebrated her newly minted championship reign, but was soon interrupted by Charlotte Flair, who pointed out that she needed James Ellsworth (who just jobbed to Matt Riddle on the indies, in case you were wondering) to wint he Money in the bank briefcase and the Iconics to cash in successfully. The Iconics then came out to mock Charlotte, who attacked them. Becky Lynch emerged to give her a hand, and a match was set.

Charlotte and Billie Kay are both very tall, very physical, and very aware of the fact that this is a brawl match made in heaven. The pair broke out their signature boots, knees and suplexes, but it was Charlotte's experience and overall...dominance, really, that got her the victory in the end.

After the match, Carmella pounced with an attack. Becky tried to make the save, but it took help from Asuka, now officially on the blue brand, to even things up. Also on SmackDown in the future are Paige's proteges: Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 2/5



Candice LeRae vs. Zelina Vega

I'll say it: these two women are just as good as their men and it shouldn't surprise anyone. Using movesets inspired by Gargano and Almas, who will be making the leap to SmackDown as a part of the Superstar Shakeup with Vega at his side, LeRae and Vega put on an exciting, fast-paced match. In the end, Mr. and Mrs. Wrestling submitted NXT's former power couple together.

Winner: Candice LeRae
Rating: 3/5



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

SHIMMER

Match: Nicole Savoy vs. Kimber Lee
Winner: Nicole Savoy

STARDOM

Match: Io Shirai vs. Martina
Winner: Io Shirai


I'm glad we got to see this match before Vega and Almas went to the blue brand. Candice LeRae is exceptional. I hope she gets her own independent story soon. She's earned it.


Even after losing in singles competition, I'm still completely hyped about these two. They're so deliciously obnoxious that I enjoy every single interaction they have with the main roster.