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.

Good afternoon, everyone! We are officially one week removed from Money in the Bank, and boy is there a lot of ground to cover! Let's get started!



Nia Jax vs. Natalya

Natalya put up a valiant effort against Jax, even attempting to lift the Raw Women's Champion into the air for a bodyslam, but her efforts were for naught. Jax won easily, even apparently "injuring" Nattie in the process. Ronda Rousey, who had been on commentary, immediately rushed to her friend's side, snapping at Jax when she got to close trying to check on Natalya.

Backstage, Jax tried checking in on Natalya, but Rousey told her to leave. Natalya was having none of it and walked off.

So basically...they're all still easily manipulated, and apparently it's impossible to be concerned for an opponent you respect. Really, truly, groundbreaking storytelling here, folks.

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 2/5

Ember Moon, Sasha Banks & Alexa Bliss vs. The Riott Squad

I'll admit to snarkily saying that Alexa Bliss being on a tag team with Ember Moon and Sasha Banks made no sense...and promptly eating my words to my laughing friends when Bliss abandoned Banks and Moon at the first chance she got.

Moon and Banks put up an exceptional fight, but the numbers game was clearly mounting on them. Moon was driven into a barricade, leaving Banks with nobody to turn to until...Bayley came running in, and hopped up into Banks' corner. She tagged in and went on a tear, securing the pinfall victory for Moon, Banks and herself.

That is, until Kurt Angle approached the trio backstage and informed them that Bayley wasn't an official part of the match, so they're disqualified. You know, the basic rules of tag team wrestling, which apparently Bayley doesn't know. Is it so hard for Creative to build tension between Bayley and Sasha without making Bayley look like a moron? Good lord, do better you guys.

Winners: The Riott Squad, technically
Rating: 2.5/5



Asuka vs. Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose

Some very condescending trash talk from Carmella got Asuka to challenge both Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville to a handicap match, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Asuka had something to prove as she faced Rose and Deville, and make a statement she did, forcing Sonya Deville to tap with a wicked Asuka Lock. After the match, Mandy Rose attempted to blindside Asuka, but it was Carmella who would do so after Rose failed, knocking Asuka down with a cheapshot with the title belt.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5

Naomi & Jimmy Uso vs. Lana & Aiden English

Naomi and Lana are having a ton of fun with this mini-rivalry, and it showed in a mixed tag match that, although it did not include Rusev, did a lot to showcase Lana's in-ring growth and Naomi's effortless charisma.

Though the women weren't involved in the finish of the match, Naomi did take out Lana and Aiden English at the same time with a suicide dive, so I, for one, am satisfied.

Winners: Naomi & Jimmy Uso
Rating: 2.5/5

Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch

Oh, I could watch these two fight for the rest of my days and never tire of it.

It's clear how much these two powerhouses love sharing the ring with each other, and that level of trust never fails to elevate both women to perform spectacularly. Becky Lynch has been woefully underused since her title reign, but this match served as a reminder of how wonderful she can be when given the chance.

After a very physical, back-and-forth match, Lynch got her knees up as Flair attempted a moonsault, and rolled Flair into the Dis-Arm Her for the submission victory. The match was probably the highlight of all of SmackDown for me. It's a welcome respite from six-woman tags, that's for sure, and Lynch and Flair never fail to capitalize on every opportunity they get.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 3.5/5

WWE NXT

Kairi Sane vs. Lacey Evans

First things first, Nikki Cross and Shayna Baszler had a wild brawl to open the show, and good lord, these two are going to rip each other to shreds at TakeOver, and I am here for it.

Now, onto Kairi Sane and Lacey Evans' rubber match! This mini feud has certainly surpassed my expectations, and Lacey Evans is quickly emerging as one of the welcome surprises from the Mae Young Classic. Kairi is no surprise, given that we've known for a while what a dynamic rockstar she is.

Evans started off strong, really going for Kairi's beautiful rose gold hair before Sane turned her offense up a notch, hitting Evans with a diving forearm, series of spears, and finally her magnificent elbow drop for the final victory in their series of matches.

If Baszler defeats Cross at Takeover, then the path forward appears to be clear: Kairi Sane is ready for the big spotlight. I can't wait to see what NXT does with her next.

Winner: Kairi Sane

Rating: 3/5

GFW Impact Wrestling

No actual matches from Impact this week, but we did get a fun backstage brawl between Tessa Blanchard and Kiera Hogan.

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

Pro-Wrestling: EVE

Match: Kay Lee Ray vs. Kris Wolf
Winner: Kay Lee Ray

Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment

Match:  Kimber Lee vs. Savannah Evans vs. Shotzi Blackheart
Winners: Kimber Lee

STARDOM

Match: Toni Storm vs. Kagetsu (World of STARDOM Title match)
Winner: Kagetsu



I've already waxed poetic about the match above, but I can't stress enough how much fun it is to see two competitors who love their craft so much just go out and have fun at an elite level.


Becky Lynch, the most underrated woman on SmackDown, showed this week how much fun she is when givent he chance to be the elite-level talent that she is. Her underutilization by WWE Creative is just about as close to criminal as it gets, if you ask me. Here's hoping that her moment in the spotlight this week becomes a recurring thing.