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.



Bayley vs Nikki Cross

This match felt very anaemic without the presence of Alexa Bliss, with the match never really getting out of second gear. Nikki Cross dominated the opening section of the match by slamming Bayley, and following this up by laying into Bayley with kicks whilst she was trapped in the Tree of Woe. Bayley took control following a Sunset Flip, hitting Cross with Knee Strikes and a Side Slam before heading up top to successfully hit the Diving Elbow Drop for the pinfall.

This match was perfectly serviceable and inoffensive, however it showed that at least in terms of Cross and her matches, Bliss brings an interesting dimension which was sorely lacking here. Both women wrestled well with the correct woman winning here.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2/5


Sasha Banks vs Natalya

This match was everything it needed to be, solidifying Sasha Banks as the most dangerous female wrestler in WWE. Banks targeted Natalya's injured arm throughout the entire match, and did not relent in her aim to destroy it. Banks won via submission by applying the Banks Statement, with extra pressure applied to Natalya's injured arm to ensure she tapped almost immediately.

Banks came off so well here, ensuring her new heel persona was validated in the ring. She attacked Natalya after the match to reinforce the idea that she is taking no prisoners, and this only made her appear even more dangerous. The match was short but sweet, achieving all it needed to in order to highlight just how good Banks is.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5



Bayley vs Lacey Evans

This match was flat out horrendous. Lacey Evans has been a resident of Main Event recently, which appears to be the level she should be competing at. However, she should not be wrestling the SmackDown Women's Champion on SmackDown, as this highlights just how much she is out of her depth.

The match was particularly rough early on, with Evans having clear issues with basic moves and what can only be described as poor communication with Bayley. The heat section in which Evans was in control was dull, flat and lifeless, and at 14 minutes, this match overstayed it's welcome. The finish to the match came when Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly and followed it up with a Diving Elbow Drop.

This match did nothing for either wrestler, other than show just why Evans is no longer a regular competitor on the main roster. This match was extremely poor, with no saving grace. Just do not watch unless you are a Bayley fan.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 0.5/5



Taya Valkyrie vs Big Mami

For a Knockouts Championship match, this was a pure embarrassment. Lasting only 3 minutes, Taya Valkyrie had 95% of the offense of a boring match. Big Mami tried to fight back during the middle of the match, however this was easily stopped by Valkyrie before she won via submission after locking in the STF.

The redeeming aspect of this match was ironically the post match angle in which Tenille Dashwood arrived to take out Valkyrie. A programme between these 2 over the Knockouts Championship is an interesting prospect, so I hope Impact book their feud effectively.

Winner: Tara Valkyrie
Rating: 1/5


Chick Tormenta & Jordynne Grace vs Vanilla Vargas & Kiera Hogan

This match was not even a proper match, as we had interference from Madison Rayne and Rosemary to transition the match into a trios contest. The match hadn't gotten out of first gear, therefore it is unfair to rate it.

Winner: No Contest
Rating: No Rating

Rosemary, Chick Tormenta & Jordynne Grace vs Madison Rayne, Vanilla Vargas & Kiera Hogan

Unfortunately, this trios match was disjointed and highly uninteresting. The finish of the match came when Madison Rayne and Kiera Hogan walked out on Vanilla Vargas, which allowed Rosemary to hit the Sitout DDT for the pinfall.

The problem with this match is how moves were botched, such as the Osaka Street Cutter which looked really bad, and the match had no clear direction whatsoever which led to a poor and uninteresting contest. All of the women involved are capable of much more than this, with this match the worst contest of the week in my eyes. If Impact wants to secure more fans, matches like this are not the way to gain long term fan investment in the Knockouts division.

Winners: Rosemary, Chick Tormenta & Jordynne Grace
Rating: 0.25/5



There were no female matches on NXT UK this week, however there was a video package for Toni Storm vs Kay Lee Ray that was superbly produced. The excitement for their match at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff is palpable, and I cannot wait to see them go at it.


Io Shirai vs Cami Fields

Quite simply, Cami Fields did not get a look in here. Io Shirai hit the Double Knees and Moonsault before making Fields submit to one of her holds. Shirai won in about 90 seconds which showed just how dominant and dangerous she is. However she wasn't finished as she went to get a kendo stick, only for Candice LeRae to arrive and save Fields, beating down Shirai with the kendo stick until she bailed. The match was insignificant outside of showing just how dominant Shirai is, but it looks like we will see a continuation of the Shirai and LeRae feud which I cannot wait for.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 2/5


Honourable Mention: Shayna Baszler is confronted by Rhea Ripley!

The pop that Rhea Ripley received when she made her return to NXT was amazing, and it appears we may have finally found the face character that will be able to dethrone Shayna Baszler. Ripley came down to the ring to taunt Baszler over the fact she hasn't beaten Ripley, with Ripley calling Baszler a bitch. This was the perfect way to reintroduce Ripley to a larger audience than NXT UK. I cannot wait to see these 2 destroy each other over the NXT Women's Championship.



Lacey Evans vs Dana Brooke

Women's matches on Main Event are a real chore to get through, and this match was sadly no different. Lacey Evans performed better here than she did on SmackDown, but that is not glowing praise. Dana Brooke performed ok, but the match had no real heat or imagination to it. The finish to the match came with Brooke getting a near fall following a Powerbomb, only to have Evans hit her Women's Right for the pinfall. It was a dull finish to a dull match.

There is a real lack of purpose or thought to the women's matches on Main Event, and if you watched all of their matches back to back, there would be little if any difference in the quality or themes within the matches. There is no significance in winning, other than to get these wrestlers onto at least one show a week.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 1/5


Sasha Banks looked like she hadn't lost a step during her hiatus as she displayed skill and passion during her match. Banks' new heel persona is a hit with the fans, and she has now been able to follow up a series of amazing promos with a match that instantly elevates her to the head of the Raw women's division, alongside her rival Becky Lynch. The match itself was well put together, with the finish a particular highlight. Natalya played her role as an injured face well, which allowed the match to succeed on so many levels.


That entrance. That reception. Those words! Rhea Ripley may not have competed this week, but her interaction with Shayna Baszler sets her up as the next challenger to Baszler's NXT Women's Championship. Ripley is instantly a made woman, and I cannot wait to see how their feud develops.

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!