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.



Sasha Banks vs Nikki Cross

Sasha Banks continued on the road to Hell in a Cell with a well earned victory over Nikki Cross, perfectly underlining the threat she poses to Becky Lynch.

Banks dominated the majority of the match whilst absorbing the offense of Cross, who once again put in a great performance as a face in peril. The finish of the match involved Cross hitting Banks with the High Cross, only for Banks to roll through it and counter the move into a Banks Statement. Cross valiantly tried to escape but had to submit, giving Banks the victory, who continues to look strong in her pursuit of the Raw Women’s Championship.

This match was a great advertisement of the talent on Raw, with both wrestlers shining in different ways.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5


Ember Moon vs Lacey Evans

Lacey Evans vs Ember Moon was not a match I was expecting on Raw, and despite both wrestlers working hard to produce a great match, it unfortunately felt like a vehicle to get to the next Evans vs Natalya match.

The contest was fairly even, however Evans was able to take control at the end of the match and follow up her patented Women’s Right with a Sharpshooter for the submission. Not only did this make Evans look strong, it added fuel to the fire for a rematch with Natalya. This was confirmed by the post match angle with Natalya.

This was a surprisingly entertaining match between two wrestlers with a point to prove, however it felt unimportant in contrast to the ongoing feud between Evans and Natalya.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2/5



Charlotte & Carmella vs Sasha Banks & Bayley

Sasha Banks and Bayley continued to demonstrate how strong they are as a united force in this contest, with Charlotte and Carmella looking strong in defeat. The inclusion of Carmella was important as it reminded fans of just how talented she actually is.

Following a fairly even match in which Charlotte displayed her usual high level of athleticism, Banks was able to take control by locking in the Banks Statement on Carmella for the submission. This provided Banks with her second victory of the week and reaffirmed just how strong her partnership is with Bayley.

The match was extremely entertaining, with all 4 women performing well. The post match angle with Becky Lynch was also entertaining as she came to the aid of Charlotte, which highlighted how dominant the Four Horsewomen are in the women’s division.

Winner: Sasha Banks & Bayley
Rating: 3/5


The Kabuki Warriors vs Fire & Desire

Despite The Kabuki Warriors being 2 of the most talented wrestlers in WWE, this match failed to connect with fans. Fire and Desire are arguably the worst tag team in the women’s division, and their lack of talent was evident in this match.

The Kabuki Warriors dominated this match, with Asuka and Kairi Sane both getting a large amount of offense in. The finish of the match came when Sane followed up a Codebreaker from Asuka with the Insane Elbow on Mandy Rose for the pinfall.

This match did nothing for either team, with The Kabuki Warriors seemingly receiving less support than they had when Paige was their manager. Hopefully they can return to the summit of the women’s tag division, but without quality matches to captivate the fans, this may be a real struggle.

Winner: The Kabuki Warriors
Rating: 2/5



Tenille Dashwood vs Madison Rayne

In what was a rather even match, Tenille Dashwood was able to put the Knockouts division on notice as she defeated Madison Rayne in convincing fashion.

Rayne taunted Dashwood during the match, noting that the Knockouts division was hers and not Dashwood’s. However, in an act of defiance, Dashwood defeated Rayne with The Spotlight for the pinfall, establishing the real threat she poses to the rest of the division.

The match itself was serviceable, but rather than emphasise how good both wrestlers are, it felt like a vehicle to only show how good Dashwood is.

Winner: Tenille Dashwood
Rating: 2/5



Nina Samuels vs Dani Luna

Women’s wrestling in NXT UK is usually of a high quality, however this match was a solid effort without really getting out of second gear. Nina Samuels is a solid wrestler, and she showed exactly why as she was in control for the majority of this contest.

Samuels easily overpowered Dani Luna, with Luna occasionally coming back with effective offense of her own. An issue for Luna was some of her moves looked a little rushed, however with time and more experience she will clearly improve in the ring. The climax of the match arrived when Luna jumped over Samuels, only to be hit with a Final Cut for the pinfall.

This match was a solid effort which not only showed how much potential Samuels has as a star in NXT UK, but highlighted the strength in depth of the women’s division. Both wrestlers put in a good shift, however with more time they would have been able to put on a truly great match.

Winner: Nina Samuels
Rating: 2.5/5


Dakota Kai vs Taynara Conti

Dakota Kai vs Taynara Conti was a strange match, as it felt like a squash match without actually being a squash match. Conti started the match off with a series of kicks and judo throws, only to be overpowered by Kai with her own series of kicks. This led directly to the finish of the match as Kai pinned Conti following a Running Corner Kick and the GTK.

This match established Kai as a threat within the NXT women’s division, however I would have preferred for Kai to have won in a more dominant fashion. In terms of match quality, this was entertaining whilst also being an effective way to highlight Kai as a credible wrestler.

Winner: Dakota Kai
Rating: 2.5/5


Kayden Carter vs Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley is an extremely compelling character in both NXT and NXT UK, and in this match she showed exactly why as she competed against Kayden Carter.

Carter actually had a decent amount of offense during the match, hitting Ripley with a Head Scissors and Superkick, however Ripley absorbed this and replied with a Riptide to secure the pinfall.

The match was another entertaining example of how dominant Ripley is, but it was also refreshing to see someone who isn’t on Ripley’s level inflict a decent amount of damage on her. Not only did this allow Carter to look better in the ring, it also meant Ripley winning would be viewed in a more dominant light. Ripley continues to be must see viewing in both NXT and NXT UK.

Winner: Rhea Ripley
Rating: 2.5/5



Both wrestlers performed well in this match by putting on a great performance, whilst also playing up to their established roles. Sasha Banks continues to thrive as a heel, with Nikki Cross shining in her current plucky face role. This match was a great advert for the high quality women's matches currently on offer on Raw.


Sasha Banks can do no wrong it seems. Not only did she win 2 matches this week, but she also decimated and brutalised Becky Lynch on SmackDown. Banks is riding the crest of a wave as she heads into Hell in a Cell, and it will be hard to bet against her capturing the Raw Women's Championship.

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!