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, ROH's Women of Honor, and even a glimpse at the women on the independent circuit.

Happy Pride Month, everybody, and happy TakeOver recovery week! I feel like I always need a while to recover from the wild stuff that goes down at TakeOvers, and this one was no different. Stay with me till the end for my recap of THAT. Cheers, everyone! Let's get rolling!



Becky Lynch & Nikki Cross vs. The IIconics

So funny story: I live pretty close to Kansas City, so when I realized I could have been there to see Brock Lesnar dance like a lunatic live, I was very upset. I had no idea WWE was in town. My bad, I guess. Anyways, let's talk the ladies, shall we?

The IIconics are now the longest-reigning tag champs, but can you recall a single substantial title defense? I can't. Cool, with that depressing thought in mind, let's talk about this match.

It was pretty short, with Nikki once more playing the babyface in peril so that a hot tagged Lynch could save the day. I'm not even going to pretend that I cared a lot about this match, I just spent the whole time praying Laey wouldn't come out... but she did, just to play "mind games" with Lynch after she won the match with a power slam.

WWE is definitely committing to this whole "women are kind of an afterthought even if Becky is our hottest act" thing, aren't they?

Winner: Becky Lynch & Nikki Cross
Rating: 2.5/5



Mandy Rose vs. Carmella

After spoiling a book for Ember Moon, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville emerged so that Mandy could take on Carmella. And despite Mella's best efforts, including her signature moonwalk, she couldn't halt the momentum of Mandy Rose, who pinned the former champ with a folding press.

Yay? Guess we know who runs the midcard? Congrats on the magazine cover, my dear Mandy Rose. I'll be the first to admit that yes, it does look awesome.

Winner: Mandy Rose
Rating: 2/5

Bayley vs. Lacey Evans

After calling Bayley and Becky Lynch classless over tea with Charlotte, Lacey Evans took on the SmackDown Women's Champion in one-on-one action as Flair watched on. Evans got the best of the Hugger early on, much to Flair's amusement, but Bayley was able to fight her way back, and elbow Flair for good measure, to take the match with a bridge.

Flair, frustrated, attacked Evans in the aftermath. Because she's Charlotte Flair, that's why. Shut up. I'll admit that I enjoyed this, because we can't let Flair lose her bite, after all. She stopped making friends when she split with Bex.

It was nice to see Bayley pick up another win. I wonder what it says about WWE that I am relieved, not unsurprised, to see the champion booked well.

Winner: Mandy Rose
Rating: 2/5



Tessa Blanchard vs. Glenn Gilberrti

Punches, pin, profit.

Tessa Blanchard, bitches.

That's what he gets for insulting the Flyers. (Have I mentioned I'm a Philly fan?)

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 3.5/5



Toni Storm vs. Nina Samuels (NXT: UK Women's Championship match)

One does not simply accuse Toni Storm of abandoning her family and come out of that unscathed. That said, let's not pretend Samuels didn't give just as good as she got, she took Storm to the limit, hitting her near the match's end with a wild tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. But here's the thing: Toni Storm is a badass. She battled back and hit a Storm Zero for the pinfall victory.

God. I love Toni. In the spirit of TakeOver week, I encourage everyone to look up her match against Io Shirai in STARDOM a few years back. But she better keep her eyes peeled. Kay Lee Ray looms on the horizon.

Winner: Toni Storm
Rating: 3.5/5



Mia Yim vs. Bianca Belair

MIA F$@%%^ING YIM!

On an otherwise lackluster NXT episode, these two continued to prove that they just might be wrestling soulmates with yet another fun match. Like many of their previous bouts, this match was hard-hitting and even-handed throughout. But this time, Yim found the upper hand, and landed a vicious Eat D-Feet, following it with a Protect Ya Neck to finally, FINALLY, pick up a win in their never-ending battle of egos and wills.

Considering this match was (highly enjoyable) filler in the build to TakeOver, I'd say it was pretty damn good. I do wonder, however, where these two go from here.

Winner: Mia Yim
Rating: 3/5



Shayna Baszler vs. Io Shirai (NXT Women's Championship match)

I love Shayna Baszler. She's so good at playing the deplorable, arm-hating badass that her reign of terror doesn't feel tired. She's a master storyteller and a wickedly talented athlete. Paired with Io Shirai, I expected a much better match than I got. Now, before you throw rocks at me, I enjoyed the match. Io has long been one of my favorites, but I don't know how to feel about the match's ending.

Candice LeRae neutralized Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke early on, so most of this bout was a clean, physical fight. But here's the thing: Shayna won clean, and Io still attacked her after. Yes, yes, Shayna is a bully and has essentially held the division hostage for months, but that didn't exactly translate in the midst of the chaos.

NOW... I became a fan of Io when she was a heel. I am absolutely here for her being a high-flying heel who takes on all comers. Hell, maybe even Candice. I'm also fine with Shayna retaining. At this point in time, nobody feels big enough to take the title from her. The right story isn't there yet. But give it time. I trust NXT's creative team.

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.

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Match: Mizuki vs. Miyu Yamashita
Winner: Mizuki

AAW: Pro

Match: Thunder Rosa vs. Christi Jaynes
Winner: Thunder Rosa

Beyond Wrestling

Match: Allie Kat vs. Davienne
Winner: Allie Kat


Wonky ending aside, this match was as solid as they come. Shirai and Baszler both are well-versed in creating exciting moments for fans, and they did not disappoint. Shirai's style contrasts fantastically with Baszler's, and I legitimately would not mind seeing a rematch.


I mean.

Just look at her.

Champ. Forever champ.

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!