Money in the Bank is fast approaching, and there is certainly a lot to discuss! Unfortunately, Impact was devoid of any matches to discuss, but WWE certainly gave us a lot to talk about, so let's dive right in!
WWE Monday Night Raw
Alexa Bliss vs. Ember Moon
Hey guys, if any of you were worried about the strength of Alexa Bliss and Mickie James' friendship after last week, I have some good news for you: none of that mattered! James and Bliss are just fine after last week's complexities. James was right there to provide some useful distractions early on in the match that allowed Bliss to take control early on.
However, their shenanigans weren't enough, as Moon escaped an attempted schoolboy to pin Bliss with her signature Eclipse.
Elsewhere, Stephanie McMahon manipulated Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax into some animosity to add some drama to their impending title match, and Rousey continued to grow more and more comfortable in the theatrics of WWE. I'm still a bit lost on what kind of story WWE hopes to tell here. It seems a bit silly to portray your two big stars as being easily manipulated by a known manipulator, but I digress. WWE will do as WWE does.
Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 2.5/5
Dana Brooke vs. Liv Morgan vs. Natalya vs. Sarah Logan (MITB qualifier)
The Riott Squad attempted to use the power of friendship (and intervention from their fearless leader) to turn the tides against Natalya and Dana Brooke, but in the end the veteran's experience gave her enough of an advantage to lock in her Sharpshooter and earn herself a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
It's no secret that in general, Natalya bores me, but alas, she's technically sound and can play a decent utility role in June's pay-per-view. Next week, the remaining women on Raw who have yet to secure a spot in the match will fight in a gauntlet match for Raw's final spot. That should be exciting and chaotic. Remember: Bayley and Sasha Banks will both be in it. Keep your eyes peeled.
Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2/5
WWE SmackDown
Lana vs. Billie Kay (MITB qualifier)
Lana got her first singles victory! And she won in like, two minutes! And it was exactly the way a Lana match should be! The match's short time allowed Lana to get her moves in without exposing her weaknesses, and WWE highlighted the natural charisma she shares with Rusev by giving her the Rusev Day entrance. It was great.
It will be a unique challenge for Lana to be in the ladder match, but she's in good hands. She's going to be sharing the ring with the likes of Charlotte, Ember Moon and Natalya. It will be very telling to see how she performs in a high-stakes match on such a large platform.I'm rooting for her, though. She was a ton of fun this week.
Winner: Lana
Rating: 2/5
Naomi vs. Sonya Deville (MITB qualifier)
Sonya Deville put on an impressive performance, but in the end Naomi's resilience paid off, giving her enough of an edge to secure a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match. This match was quick, but a very athletic showing for both women involved. I may not expect Naomi to win, but you just know she has something crazy and memorable planned for that match.
Winner: Naomi
Rating: 2/5
WWE NXT
Lacey Evans vs. Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane has lost a match to Lacey Evans and I, for one, am Mad Online™.
Sane's quick striking style clashed well with Evans' physical, hard-hitting style. I was most surprised by the decision to have Evans beat Sane relatively cleanly. That said, Sane doesn't look weaker as a result of this, but I am still surprised all the same. I don't know what's so be gained from elevating Evans over Sane, especially if this is the end of their mini-feud, but perhaps NXT is just waiting to have Sane go over until Takeover or NXT taped in Chicago.
Lacey Evans' Woman's Right is a really interesting finisher. She executes it very well, and Kairi sold it to perfection. I look forward to seeing who Evans sets her sights on next.
But really, come on guys... when do we get our Kairi title shot?
Sane's quick striking style clashed well with Evans' physical, hard-hitting style. I was most surprised by the decision to have Evans beat Sane relatively cleanly. That said, Sane doesn't look weaker as a result of this, but I am still surprised all the same. I don't know what's so be gained from elevating Evans over Sane, especially if this is the end of their mini-feud, but perhaps NXT is just waiting to have Sane go over until Takeover or NXT taped in Chicago.
Lacey Evans' Woman's Right is a really interesting finisher. She executes it very well, and Kairi sold it to perfection. I look forward to seeing who Evans sets her sights on next.
But really, come on guys... when do we get our Kairi title shot?
Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2.5/5
International Corner:
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. Kimber Lee (AAW Pro Women's Title match)
Winner: Kimber Lee
Ring of Honor
Match: Tenille Dashwood vs. Kelly Klein
Winners: Tenille Dashwood
Great North Wrestling
Match: Lady Yasmin vs. Bea Bellatores (GNW Women's Title match)
Winner: Lady Yasmin
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Lacey Evans vs. Kairi Sane
Lacey Evans vs. Kairi Sane
The ending may have caught me off guard, but it is extremely exciting to see how much Lacey Evans is progressing. Her skill was on display with a very good performance alongside Kairi Sane, whose in-ring prowess has never been a secret. This match is a prime example of how much talent WWE's developmental system has to offer.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Lana
Lana
Lana has definitely been working hard ever since her in-ring debut at WrestleMania a little over two years ago. But her personality is also showing in new and unexpected ways. Letting her get in ont he Rusev Day craze was a brilliant idea, and made her a lot easier to root for. She was fun, she was charismatic, and this week? She gets my vote for most improved. Happy Lana Day!
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