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 & Bayley vs. Alicia Fox & Mickie James

After a cringy press conference with Bayley & Sasha Banks (sigh), the besties faced Alicia Fox & Mickie James to avenge the latter's ambush.

Alicia Fox did that one super dope thing she does (oh Northern Lights Suplex, if only you were a real finisher), but aside from that Sasha Banks and Bayley controlled this match, even when Mickie James saved an early pinfall attempt. Bayley hit the Bayley-to-Belly on James, and the Boss'N'Hug Connection walked away victorious.

I hope that someday, I'm given a reason to care.

Winner: Sasha Banks & Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5

Ronda Rousey & Ember Moon vs. Tamina & Nia Jax

I'm impressed. WWE gave Ronda a tag partner who has storyline reasons to have legitimate beef with Nia Jax and Tamina. I'm actually shook. Ronda didn't trust Bliss to find her a partner, so she chose Moon, which is good because... well, because it's Ember Moon, shut up.

Jax and Tamina isolated Moon early on and lay the beatdown on her, even though she put up a gutsy fight against them. A well-timed Enziguri let Rousey tag in, and she locked in her armbar on Tamina to get her and Moon the victory. The pair stood tall and victorious to close Raw.

It was a good match, but man, I want Ember Moon to be given so much more. Glad she was allowed the share the spotlight, even if only for a night.

Winner: Sasha Banks & Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5



Contract Signing

Is it strange that I was surprised that of all of the history WWE's women have made for the company this year, a TLC match was not yet among it? Charlotte and Becky Lynch exchanged barbs until Asuka wonderfully pointed out that Lynch hasn't beaten her yet. The contract was signed, of course, but then Lynch "wondered" if Asuka and Charlotte would even make it to TLC. Finally, Flair and Asuka were put into a tag match while Lynch snickered on.

Despite an impressive showing, per usual, from Charlotte and Asuka against Deville and Rose, a miscue between Asuka and Flair allowed Deville to capitalize and pin Charlotte with a press for the upset victory.

Oops!

Winners: Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose
Rating: 2.5/5



Goth Demon Allie vs. Heather Monroe

Good god, Allie. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it? With Su Yung watching on, Allie decimated poor Monroe and pinned her with the Codebreaker before locking in the Mandible Claw for evil funsies, I suppose? Allie utilized a lot of Su-esque moves, so it looks like they're going full demon possession here, which I must say is kinda dope.

Kiera Hogan emerged to try and bring Allie back into the light, but let's just say that move was, ah, ill-advised.

Winner: Allie
Rating: 2/5

Taya Valkyrie & Johnny [Insert Company Here] vs. Tessa Blanchard & Moose

This was a really fun match, even if it did have Moose in it.

Valkyrie and Blanchard were very evenly matched throughout the match, hitting each other with some incredible-looking elbows, knees and just about everything you could imagine when they shared the ring. It's so odd to see them in such a classic wrestling feud on the same show with Demonic!Allie, but I kind of enjoy the contrast. There's something for everyone.

Taya tapped to a new submission by Blanchard, but trust me: this feud is far from over.

Winners: Tessa Blanchard & Moose
Rating: 3.5/5



Shayna Baszler vs. Dakota Kai

With Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir at her side, Shayna Baszler took her bully vibe to yet another level by trying to put Baby (I'm so sorry) in a corner. Kai fought back with that same fiery spirit we fell in love with. She and Baszler went to war, fighting to the top rope and down again. Kai got so close so many times, but in the end it was Baszler who emerged victorious with her brutal submission finisher.

Duke and Shafir attempted to prop a half-alert Kai up for another beatdown, but then the Queen of the Skies, Io Shirai ran out! She dismantled the two, allowing Kai to rise, but Baszler was pulled away by her friends before they could deal their blows.

What an amazing way to properly introduce Shirai to NXT, and what a likable duo, am I right? Kai is definitely this generation's Bayley, and I am here for it!

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 3.5/5



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

Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion

Match: Taya Valkyrie vs. La Hiedra
Winner: Taya Valkyrie

Bar Wrestling

Match: Heather Monroe vs. Rebel
Winner: Heather Monroe

STARDOM

Match: Atsushi Onita, HASEGAWA, Pupanda, Raiden & Tomohiko Hashimoto vs. Chainsaw Tony, Kim Duk, NOSAWA Rongai & Tarzan Yamamoto
Winner: Atsushi Onita, HASEGAWA, Pupanda, Raiden & Tomohiko Hashimoto

RevPro

Match: Zoe Lucas vs. Jamie Hayter (RevPro Undisputed British Women's Title match)
Winner: Zoe Lucas


Deep breaths, deep breaths.

Okay.

AAAAHHHHHH!

This match, and its aftermath, was so great! If Kairi Sane isn't the one to dethrone Shayna for good, Io is the best option. She's a brutal striker with unbelievable athleticism and aerial skills. She will clash wonderfully with Baszler.


I mean, Jesus. Just go to her Twitter.

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!