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.



Nikki Bella vs Ruby Riott

It's hard for the Riott Squad's antics to work as well when Nikki Bella has some twin magic up her sleeve. After Brie Bella thwarted some underhanded antics from Liv Morgan, Nikki Bella hit Riott with a beautiful Rack Attack 2.0 for the pinfall victory.

Nikki's power offense clicked well with Riott's striking style. It's fun seeing Nikki lock up with some of the talent that wasn't around when the Bellas owned the women's division.

Winner: Nikki Bella
Rating: 2.5/5

Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James

Though the heels had some early momentum, an Anvil Hart Attack tribute from Nattie and Rousey swung the momentum in their favor. Rousey locked in an armbar onto James for the submission victory in a very clear message to her challenger on Sunday.

Rousey continues to impress. I'm looking forward to seeing literally anyone other than Bliss in the title scene. I think Bliss is great, but WWE has worn out her appeal for me, at least for now. Give me something fresh.

Winners: Ronda Rousey & Natalya
Rating: 2.5/5



Charlotte Flair vs. Sonya Deville

Despite a good fight from Deville and some attempted interference from Mandy Rose, Charlotte Flair did what Charlotte Flair does: win.

Despite a reversed moonsault, Flair was able to lock in the Figure Eight for the submission victory. However, as she celebrated with fans, one attacked her: Becky Lynch! In a wig! She locked in the Dis-Arm her before being pulled off the champ.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 2.5/5

Brie Bella vs. Maryse

Maryse took a break about one second into the match to get some good lovin' from the Miz. After some stop and go non-action, Miz and Maryse tried just walking away until Brie literally dragged Maryse back to the ring.

Daniel Bryan runs interference on the Miz as Brie locks in the Yes Lock, but the Miz then pulled Maryse out of the ring, giving Brie a DQ victory.

Winner: Brie Bella
Rating: 1/5



Tessa Blanchard vs. Rebel

Oh, yay. My favorite. Rebel. Yay.

Tessa Blanchard won after Rebel showed early aggression, nailing the Impact veteran with her hammerlock DDT.

Elsewhere, Scarlett Bordeaux called herself the next Marilyn Monroe, and Allie vowed to stop Su Yung at all costs. So we have a new anti-role model, and

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 2/5



Ivelisse vs. El Dragon Azteca (Gift of the Gods Championship match)

Despite a roaring start to the match, Ivelisse couldn't capitalize on momentum when she needed to, falling to a headbutt/leg drop from El Dragon Azteca and failing to win herself the Gift of the Gods Championship.

After, ZO Lishus and Joey Ryan emerged to console her. Or really, offer her a spot at their side in a trio. I, for one, am so down for this. Ivelisse is most fun when she's HAVING fun, and what better way to ensure fun is there than to stick her with XO and Joey Ryan?

Winner: El Dragon Azteca
Rating: 3/5



Shayna Baszler vs. Violet Payne

First, A+ name for the girl who fell rather quickly to the very focused, very determined former NXT Women's Champion.

Second, man, I love Shayna. She's got swagger to spare, title be damned.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 2/5

Bianca Belair vs. Nikki Cross

After their brawling led them to the ramp, the EST of NXT and Nikki Cross were unable to beat to ten-count back to the ring. Belair threw Cross over a table post-bell, but Cross leeaped back up and sinisterly smiled at a shocked Belair to end the episode.

In four words: GIVE IT TO ME.

Winner: No contest
Rating: 3/5



Deonna Purrazzo vs. Priscilla Kelly

Kelly's mind games weren't enough for last year's alternate, who comes into the Mae Young Classic with a chip on her shoulder.

Purrazzo walked away victorious after locking in a beautiful Fujiwara armbar.

Winner: Deonna Purrazzo
Rating: 3/5

Aerial Monroe vs. Zeuxis

Monroe rapidly won the hearts of the crowd with some excellent trash talk, but the charismatic high-flyer couldn't beat Zeuxius, whose intensity was simply too much to overcome. The luchadora moved forward in the tournament with a perfect Spanish Fly.

Winner: Zeuxis
Rating: 3/5

Kacy Catanzaro vs. Reina Gonzalez

Kacy Catanzaro, in many ways, reminds me of Bianca Belair from last year's tournament. Obviously, temperament-wise they're polar opposites minus the whole "my athleticism is more than you or your grandchildren will ever possess" thing. But she's a welcome, home-grown surprise who has taken to pro-wrestling with surprising acumen.

Catanzaro beat Gonzalez via roll-up, which was a good way to put her over without doing too much damage to the very entertaining Gonzalez.

Winner: Kacy Catanzaro
Rating: 3/5

Mercedes Martinez vs. Ashley Rayne

In my eyes, Queen Mercedes can do no wrong whatsoever.

Ashley Rayne put up one hell of a fight, but Mercedes Martinez was absolutely beastly. And better yet? Satomura awaits in the next round.

Prepare yourselves.

Winner: Mercedes Martinez
Rating: 3.5/5



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

STARDOM

Match: Hazuki vs. Momo Watanabe
Winner: DRAW

Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion

Match: Lady Maravilla, Lady Shani & Vanilla vs. Keyra, La Hiedra & Scarlett Bordeaux
Winner: Lady Maravilla, Lady Shani & Vanilla

Bar Wrestling

Match: Taya Valkyrie vs. Viper
Winner: Taya Valkyrie


[insert glowing words of praise and adoration for Mercedes Martinez's storytelling ability and Ashley Rayne's relentless energy here]


It's hard to surprise a bitter, withered soul like mine. But Kacy Catanzaro was a fun choice to go over, and an example of all of the good things WWE's Performance Center is capable of producing. I'm excited to see what they have in store for her.

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!