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.

Let's just get down to business, shall we?



Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott

It's no secret that these two former SHIMMER stars can go. Their time in WWE may have a few too many tag matches for my personal taste, but when given time and opportunity, Sasha Banks and Ruby Riott can bring the house down. And if not for Seth Rollins and Finn Balors's incredible match later that night, this probably would have been Raw's best match.

Riott tried to use her superior strength to keep Banks at bay, but Banks' athleticism and technical prowess proved too much for the newcomer...on her own. Interference from liv Morgan and Sarah Logan allowed Riott to pick up the win against Banks.

Winner: Ruby Riott
Rating: 3/5

Natalya (w/ Ronda Rousey) vs. Mickie James (w/Alexa Bliss)

On one hand, it's a bit laughable to see worldwide superstar Ronda Rousey acting as a manager to known charisma vacuum who can still wrestle well Natalya. On the other hand, she's somewhat "paying her dues," so I can't complain too much.

The match was fairly standard up until the point where Rousey spotted Bliss trying to cheat to help her friend win. When she did, she proceeded to chase Bliss at full throttle (a truly terrifying sight) until the former champ ran right into the waiting arms, to to speak, of Nia Jax. Natalya picked up the win as Bliss fled, and Jax raised Rousey and Natalya's hands high.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2.5/5



Charlotte, Becky Lynch & Asuka vs. Carmella & The IIconics

If this match seems familiar, it's because it was the exact same match as last week, adding in Charlotte and Carmella. How...lazy. But I digress, it was the main event, so that's good!

Carmella's strategy in this match was simple: avoid Charlotte at all costs, unless she was beaten down, in which case get into the ring to taunt her. That said, once Asuka tagged in red hot, it was lights out, and the faces picked up the victory heading into Backlash.

Charlotte and Carmella is one of the more intriguing matchups for the upcoming pay-per-view.

Winners: Charlotte, Becky Lynch & Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5



Taya Valkyrie vs. Kiera Hogan

Though Taya started the match off aggressively, Kiera Hogan fought back spectacularly, stomping the blonde heel into the ring steps. However, this match was cut short by none other than Tessa Blanchard, who went straight for Hogan and took her right out.

Oh my.

Winner: No contest?
Rating: 2/5

Rosemary vs. Su Yung

The fight, as one might expect, began before Rosemary and Su even got to the ring. And it was physical from the get-go.  The lights went to black, and Su's little ones were out with the wooden casket. Allie emerged to attack Yung, but Rosemary angrily tried to send her friend off. Su's minions took her instead as Su attacked Rosemary, who fought back with a kendo stick. However, Su caught Rosemary with her mist and...buried her in a coffin as Allie begged her not to.

Man, the Knockouts division rocks.

Winner: Su Yung, I guess.
Rating: 3/5



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

Pro-Wrestling: EVE

Match: Sammii Jayne vs. Charlie Morgan (Pro-Wrestling: EVE Title match)
Winner: Charlie Morgan

STARDOM

Match:  Io Shirai vs. Mayu Iwatani
Winner: Draw

German Wrestling Federation

Match: Katey Harvey vs. Blue Nikita (GFW Women's Title match)
Winner: Katey Harvey



What a weird, delightful rivalry we have brewing between Impact's two oddball workhorses. These two are so strange, but they're an absolute delight to watch. The level of character work and physicality they bring to the table is uncanny.


Welcome to television, Su. You're brilliant.

It can be hard to go toe-to-toe with Impact's best character and still look wildly interesting, but Su Yung has absolutely delivered so far in her rivalry with Rosemary. I can't wait to see where they take it next.