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.



Toni Storm vs Kay Lee Ray

The anticipation for this match meant both women had to be on their A game, however it unfortunately was a disappointment. Kay Lee Ray came out of this match with an enhanced reputation by virtue of winning the NXT UK Women’s Championship, but the same cannot be said of Toni Storm. Storm’s wrestling appeared disjointed and uncharacteristically poor, which impacted on the quality of the match.

After taking control of the contest, Ray hit a Gory Bomb onto the ropes before hitting a standard Gory Bomb for the pinfall. This finish either came out of nowhere or was a poor finish, as the fans didn't respond to the title change in the way they had for the NXT UK Tag Team Championship title change earlier in the night.

Unfortunately, this match was the only disappointing match on the NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff card. It wasn’t a bad match, but it did not live up to the expectations going into the event.

Ray was at least was able to show her repertoire of skills in this match, which sets her up well for her first reign as champion. Her character plays well against the NXT UK crowd, and there is a wealth of great talent on the roster to make her reign memorable.

Winner: Kay Lee Ray
Rating: 2/5



Lacey Evans vs Natalya

Lacey Evans made up for her poor performance on SmackDown last week with a better match against Natalya. Natalya was able to bring the best out in Evans, with Evans controlling most of the match.

After Natalya mounted a comeback, Evans threw her handkerchief at Natalya, distracting her enough to hit the Women’s Right for the pinfall.

This match was inoffensive and a much better Evans performance than we have been used to recently. Natalya was able to again display her ability to make her opponents look better than they are, whilst Evans was able to regain some form of credibility.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 1.5/5


Becky Lynch & Bayley vs Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross

This match was billed as a champions showcase, and was rightly positioned as the main event of Raw. Earlier on in the night, Bayley announced she wasn’t going to be overshadowed anymore, which increased the interest in this match.

As for match quality, it was as good as can be expected with the names involved, with Nikki Cross in particular looking a star. However, the match was all about the finish as Sasha Banks interfered by attacking Becky Lynch, giving Lynch and Bayley the victory via DQ.

This is where Bayley revealed exactly how she intended to not be overshadowed, as she joined Banks in attacking Lynch with a chair. The heel turn was executed perfectly, and it allows Bayley to explore a darker side of her character. It also felt justified, and her connection to Banks should ensure she performs at the top of her game.

This match was overshadowed by the post match angle, but the quality of the match itself was good.

Winner: Becky Lynch & Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5



Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville

The Women’s Tag Team Championships feel more important in the hands of Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, which in turn causes teams to up their game in order to force their way into the title picture. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville were able to do exactly that on SmackDown as they beat the champions clean.

Cross dominated the match as she tends to do, but she was isolated near the finish of the match which left Bliss alone. Bliss attempted a Twisted Bliss, only to have Deville counter it with her knees, leaving Rose to pin Bliss following a double team V-Trigger.

In terms of match quality, this was one of the best offerings from Rose and Deville in quite a long time, which should result in a title match with Bliss and Cross at Clash of Champions.

Winner: Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville
Rating: 2/5



Havok vs Su Yung

Havok started this match in dominant fashion, and even had to be warned by the referee for beating on Su Yung too much in the corner. Yung was able to fight back, but every time she managed to build some momentum, Havok would take her out with ease.

The finish of the match had Havok argue with the referee, and as she turned around, Yung was waiting to mist Havok for the DQ. Yung attacked Havok after the match to further their feud.

The match was good, with the finish to the match protecting both wrestlers. Hopefully their feud will lead to a hardcore match, as both wrestlers would suit that environment.

Winner: Havok
Rating: 2/5



Rhea Ripley vs Piper Niven

Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven are arguably the 2 best wrestlers in the NXT UK women’s division, and they underlined just why they are in this great match.

The match itself was fairly even, with both women enjoying periods of dominance as they hit their best moves. The finish of the match came as Ripley countered Niven’s Michinoku Driver into a Riptide for the pinfall. This had followed a sequence where Niven had countered the Riptide and got a close 2 count.

Niven looked strong in defeat whilst Ripley continues to underline just how talented she is. This was the perfect match to showcase the skill within the NXT UK women’s division.

Winner: Rhea Ripley
Rating: 3/5



Bianca Belair vs Taynara Conti

Bianca Belair has been the victim of poor booking in NXT, as she has never been able to enjoy a sustained period of dominant performances. Taynara Conti on the other hand is yet to receive much attention within the NXT women’s division, therefore this match was the perfect opportunity for both women to highlight their credentials.

Belair largely had control of this match, however Conti more than held her own, challenging Belair more than would be expected. The finish of the match came when Belair hit a sequence of strikes following a Moonsault, before pinning Conti after hitting a KOD.

This was the quintessential NXT women’s match, with both women looking strong. Belair continues to show she has the talent to trouble Shayna Baszler, whilst Conti was able to truly announce herself to the NXT fans. This was a great match that fully achieved its purpose.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5



Dana Brooke vs Sarah Logan

Where do I start with this match? Sarah Logan and Dana Brooke have competed against each other numerous times on Main Event, and each match fails to differentiate itself from the last.

This match was just as dull and lifeless as their previous encounters, however Logan came off better as she won with a Running Knee Strike for the pinfall.

One of the glaring problems in these 2 competing against each other on Main Event is the lack of consequences, with the winner not being elevated to a better programme. Each match feels inconsequential, and this match in particular failed to entertain.

Winner: Sarah Logan
Rating: 1.5/5


The NXT UK women's division provides matches of a consistently high quality, and this match was no different. It felt fresh, interesting and didn't struggle to captivate the interest of the fans. Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven are 2 of the best wrestlers in NXT UK, and they both showed exactly why here.


Bayley was in desperate need of reinvigorating her character, however nobody foresaw her heel turn on Raw. It was highly effective as it came out of nowhere, however it felt justified and deserved. With the support of Sasha Banks, Bayley's new heel persona should be able to flourish. Bayley is a consistently good performer, however she will have a new lease of life for her to take advantage of.

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!