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.

It's a good week, folks. Not only did the Cowboys lose, but we also got a ton of fantastic women's wrestling content! I have coverage of two special events for y'all this week, so buckle in! Let's get started.



Ember Moon & Apollo Crews vs. Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal

Cue me mourning Ember Moon having direction and purpose. But hey, at least she's on television, right? Albeit, in a very short match, but I guess beggars can't be choosers.

Crews very quickly got the upper hand on Mahal, who tagged in noted Northern Lights Suplex master Alicia Fox into the match... but she was immediately pinned by an Eclipse from Moon. One thing these women have in common? They now exist to perform one move, it seems. Cheers, or whatever.

Winners: Ember Moon & Apollo Crews
Rating: 1.5/5

Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax (No. 1 Contender's match for the Raw Women's Championship)

Alexa Bliss came out for her "Moment of Bliss" talk show and brought out Ronda Rousey, who proceeded to basically anoint Sasha Banks as the second coming of Christ, which was cool. And then, because we can't have nice things, Nia Jax emerged with  microphone. She demanded a rematch and slammed Banks, who then emerged and called Jax a bitch. All very non-PG, all very fun to watch.

Jax started the match off fighting angry, but Banks, it seems, still has her number. She weathered the storm early and even got an early Banks Statement locked in, but Jax rose to her feet and kept going. However, Banks proved to be the stronger one, weathering another offensive onslaught to finally force Nia to tap, tap, tap, and earn herself a date with Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3.5/5



Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Carmella (No. 1 Contender's match for the SmackDown Women's Championship)

Mandy Rose walked out in a towel to say hi to Jimmy Uso earlier in the show, and I was supremely uncomfortable. Cool, now that we've covered THAT, let's discuss the amazing battle for a shot at Asuka's newly won SmackDown Women's Championship!

Lynch and Flair went after each other right away, naturally, but Carmella did not simply stand idly by. These three put on a classic triple threat, complete with a moonsault onto both Lynch and Mella, but neither woman could be kept down for the count. The second moonsault was a big fat nope, hitting nobody, but it looked pretty cool. Carmella then went on a bit of a run, hitting Superkicks all over the place, but Becky Lynch got the last laugh, submitting her with the trust ol' Dis-Arm-Her.

This is a great choice. Becky and Asuka one on one is the match people want the most, and even if Lynch loses, she can still enter the Rumble, right? It's clear that Lynch/Rousey is the money match for Mania, so I'm excited to see how WWE gets us there.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 4/5



Su Yung & Allie, but goth vs. Jordynne Grace & Kiera Hogan

This match was fairly quick, but it put the right women over. Jordynne Grace still feels like a big deal, and an even luckier get with the emergence of All Elite Wrestling. However, the aftermath of this match is what everyone will be talking about. When Su brought out her signature coffin following the victory, none other than ROSEMARY was inside!

She approached a horrified Allie, who fled when Rosemary tried to pet her head like in old times. Cue me crying softly in the distance.

Winners: Su Yung & Allie
Rating: 2.5/5

Tessa Blanchard vs. Taya Valkyrie (Knockouts Championship match)

Gail Kim officiated this match, and surprise surprise, that turned out to be significant. Valkyrie and Blanchard both refused to hold back, as can be expected from two absolute competitors like they are. However, Blanchard grew increasingly frustrated as Valkyrie stayed in the game, first due to Kim being knocked cold by Blanchard, and later due to Taya's overall toughness.

Eventually, Blanchard snapped and attacked Kim, who proceeded to plant her with the Eat Defeat, opening the door for Valkyrie to pin Blanchard for the title.

I can't be too mad about this choice. I like both women a lot, and a part of me would love to see Gail Kim suit up to take on Blanchard. You know, for funsies.

Winner: Taya Valkyrie
Rating: 3.5/5



Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm (United Kingdom Women's Championship match)

I don't normally cover NXT: UK for time reasons, but this TakeOver merited coverage, so here we are! Rhea Ripley is the first UK Women's Champion, and she's a total jerk. Toni Storm won the MYC, and is an absolute angel whose bangs game is very strong.

This match freaking rocked, okay?

Toni's signature aggression was exactly what she needed to overcome resident behemoth and powerhouse Rhea Ripley. WWE wisely booked her as a scrappy, come-from-behind David character against Ripley's Goliath, and it worked wonders. Storm had the charisma to make the crowd rally behind her, and the talent to put on a spectacular showing.

Toni Storm is now a champion, though. We're living in exciting times!

Winner: Toni Storm
Rating: 4/5



Bianca Belair vs. Nikki Cross

Nikki Cross said her goodbyes to NXT against the woman who will be charged with upholding it in her absence. Cross fought like the wonderful lunatic that she is, but in the end this match was as much about passing the torch as it was about sending Cross off in style. Belair won the match, and fans get to enjoy Cross wherever she lands.

So... win/win?

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 3/5



Tessa Blanchard vs. Cali Collins

Tessa won this sucker easily. Meanwhile, Rosemary continued to try and lure Allie back to the light (?) side.

Programming note, Impact now airs on Pursuit and Twitch Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 1.5/5



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

STARDOM

Match: Hazuki vs. Starlight Kid (High Speed Title match)
Winner: Hazuki

Pro-Wrestling: EVE

Match: Charli Evans vs. Sammii Jayne vs. Baynz vs. Charlie Morgan vs. Jetta vs. Martina vs. Millie McKenzie vs. Nightshade vs. Erin Angel vs. Heidi Katrina
Winner: Charli Evans

Revolution Pro Wrestling

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


This match might have been a tad rushed, but boy was it fun. Toni Storm had the crowd right where she wanted them, and put on a damn fun show in her first major WWE title win. I implore anyone with a WWE Network subscription to seek out this match and have fun watching it.


How many women not named Becky Lynch can catapult themselves into title matches with one word? Sasha Banks is a great talent, and Ronda Rousey is as excited to work with Sasha as we are to see her get her time in the spotlight.

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!