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.



Ember Moon vs. Tamina

Oh hey, Nia Jax was at ringside and very much serving as a distraction for her new partner-in-crime. It made the difference in the end, as Jax's distractions allowed Tamina to hit the Superfly Splash for the pinfall victory, which Jax made "sweeter" by hitting a leg drop.

Winner: Tamina
Rating: 2/5

Milennial Nonsense

Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey. Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey. Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey. Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey. Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey. Becky Lynch is older than Ronda Rousey.

These Millennial jokes are the stupidest way to try and get Ronda over. Ever.

Elsewhere, the Riott Squad got blindsided by Natalya.

Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

After announcing the Survivor Series team, Alexa Bliss announced that the final spot would have to be earned. Unsurprisingly, she had Bayley and Sasha Banks fight each other for it. I remember when I thought that these two would main event Mania. What a fool I was.

This was a fun match, for the few minutes it was happening. But right when it began to pick up momentum, Mickie James and Tamina began to attack them both, because of COURSE Alexa Bliss would want that to happen. Makes total sense... oh, and Ruby Riott is the REAL fifth member of the team. We then went backstage to check on Ronda Rousey...

...BUT BECKY LYNCH HAD HER IN AN ARMBAR!

What followed was the most badass sequence for Becky Lynch ever, and the bar was already set pretty high. She led the women of SmackDown on an all-out assault before retreating victoriously...and bloody. Yeah, Nia Jax caught her with a punch right to the face, concussing Lynch and breaking her face. More on that later.

Rumor has it that there's some serious heat on Nia for this, and I can understand both sides. But here's the thing: that kind of thing is inexcusable. I hope everything has been worked out backstage.

Winner: No contest
Rating: 2.5/5



It just kills me that after getting hotter than the sun, Becky Lynch has to miss Survivor Series because of someone else's sucker punch, someone else's mistake. But as Charlotte moves to take her place, I can only hope that WWE is realizing that Becky deserves that spot against Rousey at Mania.



Tessa Blanchard vs. Ray Lynn

After handily defeating Ray Lynn, Tessa Blanchard put Taya Valkyrie on blast, calling her out for making excuses and proclaiming herself the best champ, which is honestly not an unreasonable thing to say.

I'm curious to see how Impact is going to keep this interesting after this feud has gone through so many different chapters. I have a lot of faith in these two women, who are both badass and interesting in many ways, but my faith in Impact's writing team?

...eh.

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 2/5

Su Yung vs. Heather Monroe

Speaking of feuds drawn out too long...

After Su Yung's victory over Monroe, she kept dealing damage to Monroe, who just kind of had to take it until Kiera Hogan ran out to come to her rescue. Right after, her usual ally Allie emerged, only this time she had dark face makeup and ombre hair. It looks like she's under Su's control now, which would have absolutely thrilled me about a month ago, but now this feud has lost so much steam that I don't know what to think.

...maybe in another six months, I'll believe in Dark!Allie. But not yet.

Winner: Su Yung
Rating: 2/5



Bianca Belair vs. Mia Yim

Oh man, what a swaggy matchup this was. These two carry themselves with the self-assured confidence only they could pull off. These two brought a ton of fight, including some killer dropkicks, but in the end the EST was able to avoid the Seoul Food and hit the KOD for the pinfall victory.

I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this dynamic. I hope this feud is explored fully and builds to something great.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 3/5

Lacey Evans vs. Karissa Rivera

I mean, this was Lacey's from start to finish. After, she proclaimed herself the only lady in NXT.

I don't know why, but I suddenly want her to go to the uK and feud with Jinny?

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2/5



Building on last week's drama saw Total Divas go all-in on Brie Bella's (DEFINITELY imaginary) fear of a Loch Ness monster living in Lake Tahoe, while also having her meditate a truce between Paige and Lana.

Elsewhere, Naomi and Jimmy Uso's conflict continued in what has turned into the show's most anxiety-inducing conflict this season. The sincerity in their relationship, so different from what Nikki and John Cena's on-screen relationship became, seems to be under strain, but they both seem to be trying.

Since it's their life and not mine, I guess that's all I can ask for.



Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler face off once more for the title Baszler reclaimed at the last TakeOver in a shocking finish to a great match. I can see good reasons for both to walk away with the title, but I have a feeling that the MMA Horsewomen will once more give Baszler an edge and let her walk away with the title once more.

As far as Survivor Series is concerned, SmackDown should handily defeat Raw in the team match, though I wouldn't be surprised to see Nia Jax and Tamina play a significant role in giving Raw an edge. If you ask me, any team with Asuka should win (see: literally last year) but all bets are off. You can only feel secure in WWE if you're a blonde girl or Ronda Rousey.

Speaking of which, I'll go out on a limb and predict a no contest finish for Rousey/Charlotte. As much as I want Bex to face Rousey at Mania, I don't have enough faith in WWE to make it happen. Now, if there IS a clean finish to this match, I'll definitely get my hopes up.



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

STARDOM

Match: Bea Priestley, Chardonnay, Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita vs. Jungle Kyona, Kaori Yoneyama, Natsuko Tora & Ruaka
Winner: Bea Priestley, Chardonnay, Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita

Glory Pro

Match: Tootie Lynn Ramsey vs. Brett Michael David vs. Aaron Orion vs. Angel Dorado vs. Savanna Stone
Winner: Tootie Lynn Ramsey

PROGRESS

Match: Isla Dawn vs. Lana Austin
Winner: Isla Dawn




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!