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.



Sasha Banks vs. Dana Brooke

Eager to prove she belongs, Dana Brooke took on Sasha Banks, much to the chagrin of fellow Titus Worldwide member Apollo Crews. However, her enthusiasm wasn't enough to pick her up the win. Banks submitted her with the Banks Statement.

...well. This happened.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 1.5/5

Natalya vs. Alicia Fox

Elias came to the ring, guitar in hand, and began to trash the lovely city of Toronto, but alas...

...he was interrupted by the hero Toronto needed: TRISH STRATUS! She slapped him, and we transitioned right into the next match.

Alexa Bliss brought Trish's familiar foe Mickie James to back up Alicia Fox as she took on Natalya.  However, the trash talk didn't really do much to help Foxy, who tapped out to Nattie's Sharpshooter not long into the match.

After, the Bellas met with Stratus, who celebrated with Rousey and Natalya after Nattie's big win.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2.5/5



Billie Kay vs. Naomi

Naomi got some early offense in, but Peyton Royce's interference allowed Billie Kay to pick up her first televised singles win in almost two years.

Holla.

Winner: Billie Kay
Rating: 2/5

Charlotte vs. Carmella (SmackDown Women's Championship match)

In the main event of SmackDown, Carmella gave all she had, nailing Flair with a stunningly wicked Frankensteiner, but nothing was quite enough to keep Charlotte down. With a Natural Selection and Figure Eight, Charlotte had Carmella tapping to retain her title.

Afterwards, Becky Lynch attacked Flair, and the crowd went absolutely wild. Becky proclaimed the title would be hers come Hell in a Cell, and called Charlotte a bitch.

It appears that WWE has given up on face/heel dynamics altogether in this feud, and that is absolutely fine. Becky Lynch's manic maverick energy and Charlotte's integrity make for a fantastic feud.

Winner: Billie Kay
Rating: 2/5



Allie vs. Su Yung vs. Tessa Blanchard (Knockouts Championship match)

Kiera Hogan showed up to be in Allie's corner, while Su Yung brought her undead bridesmaids along. Blanchard took Su Yung out of commission by press-slamming her into her bridesmaids. Allie and Blanchard brawled, but then Su returned, and in the confusion, Blanchard rolled Allie up for the victory.

After, Blanchard announced she had exposed Allie, and invited all comers to challenge her place at the top.

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 3/5



The epitome of romance

Cheerleader Melissa and Beautiful Brenda served as bridesmaids, which I feel the need to point out because Melissa is literally Mariposa, and that makes me chuckle.

Following some very long vows where Mundo and Taya called each other perfect (you know, as perfect couples do), Matanza charged the ring and chaos ensued. People fainted, Taya got clocked and then chokeslammed into her wedding cake; it really was a swell time. Just what a wrestling wedding should be.



Dakota Kai vs. Aliyah

Our favorite captain of Team Kick showed a lot of heart in her scrappy victory against NXT mainstay Aliyah. Kai fought back from a rough spot with a flurry of kicks and pinned Aliyah with an inverted backstabber.

Dakota Kai continues to quietly climb her way up the ladder of NXT, boosted by her easy charm and resilient style of wrestling. She's the heir apparent of Bayley, and this steady ascent is the perfect way to build her up.

Afterwards, Nikki Cross told an entirely uninterested Bianca Belair that she wanted to play with her. So we can expect that chaos to ensue any week now.

Winner: Dakota Kai
Rating: 3/5



I'm actually going to miss Miz and Mrs, and that is saying something considering I am notoriously adverse tot he thing I have to watch every week for this column. Miz and Maryse come off as sincere and charismatic, and their families are entertaining as hell.

After some very relatable moving drama and a magnificent meltdown from Maryse at the movers, the lovely couple line-danced their way into a summer hiatus. Miz and Mrs will return in 2019.



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

ALL IN

Match: Tessa Blanchard vs. Brit Baker vs. Chelsea Green vs. Madison Rayne
Winner: Tessa Blanchard

PROGRESS

Match: Millie McKenzie vs. Candyfloss vs. Chakara vs. Charlie Morgan vs. Laura Di Matteo
Winner: Millie McKenzie

STARDOM

Match: Kagetsu vs. Natsuko Tora
Winner: Kagetsu


Honestly, I enjoyed both title matches we got this week, but in the end, I just enjoyed the drama around Carmella's last stand more. And man, Becky Lynch's run-in after? Icing on the damn cake.


Tessa Blanchard has long been a gem (get it?) in the world of indie wrestling, and it's fantastic to see her be given the chance to shine on a television promotion. She has been great for the Knockouts division, and is more than deserving of being their champion.

So there you have it, the breakdown for the week in women's wrestling. What were some of your favorite and least favorite moments from these women? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!