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 Alexa Bliss

This match kicked Raw off on Monday, in what turned out to be a great opener. Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss are 2 of the biggest names in the women’s division, with this match the perfect example of why.

After a contest in which both wrestlers were able to exert a level of dominance, Banks was able to outwit Bliss by feigning injury, only to then take out Bliss’ leg whilst she was distracted, following this with a roll up for the pinfall victory.

This was an effective example of just how much Banks has changed since she returned as a heel, as she is willing to win at any cost. This match was fun, with both wrestlers playing their roles well.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 2.5/5


Lacey Evans vs Natalya

Lacey Evans continued her feud with Natalya in what was honestly a disappointing match, however to be fair, expectations weren’t initially high.

This was a fairly even match, with both wrestlers having an opportunity to show off their potential. This was evident in the way Evans wrestled, as she seemed to have more purpose than normal. The finish to the match came when Evans was able to fight off Natalya’s Sharpshooter and use a cradle for the pinfall.

The finish was a little flat, however the match was a lot better than Evans’ recent offerings on Raw.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2/5



Becky Lynch & Charlotte vs Sasha Banks & Bayley

This was a fun tag team match that allowed the Four Horsewomen to confirm their status as the top 4 wrestlers in the women’s division, whilst also enticing casual fans that tuned in for the debut of SmackDown on Fox.

Everyone put in a great shift, but Charlotte in particular looked really strong. Charlotte was able to take out Sasha Banks and Bayley with her patented Moonsault, before making Bayley submit in the ring with the Figure Eight.

For new fans tuning in, this was a great introduction to the women’s division, whilst also serving as a great way to set up Bayley vs Charlotte at Hell in a Cell.

Winner: Becky Lynch & Charlotte
Rating: 3/5



Riho vs Nyla Rose

This match would determine the inaugural winner of the AEW Women’s Championship, with both Riho and Nyla Rose equally capable of leading the division.

As could be expected with this match taking place on the first ever episode of AEW Dynamite, the crowd were molten for this match, which really helped highlight the importance of the match. After a back and forth contest, Riho managed to underline her late dominance in the match with a Running Knee Strike for the pinfall.

This was a great match to highlight how strong the AEW women’s division will be, in addition to how the quality of matches can rival those in WWE. If this match is a sign of things to come in AEW, I cannot wait to see what is next.

Winner: Riho
Rating: 3/5



Piper Niven vs Isla Dawn

Piper Niven is perhaps the most talented women’s wrestler in NXT UK outside of Rhea Ripley, whilst Isla Dawn is capable of putting in good performances. Unfortunately, something felt off with this match which led to a rather disappointing contest.

Niven controlled the majority of this match, using her superior wrestling skills to overpower Dawn. Niven was able to follow up a Headbutt with a Michinoku Driver for the pinfall, but the problem with the match was how it never really got out of second gear. Hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come, as both wrestlers are capable of much better.

Winner: Piper Niven
Rating: 2/5


Kay Lee Ray vs Tegan Nox

Kay Lee Ray showed just why she is the NXT UK Women’s Champion as she faced off with Tegan Nox, an opponent who had the benefit of being the hometown hero in this match.

The match was fairly even, but Ray was able to take control near the end of the match, hitting the Gory Bomb for the pinfall victory, just as it seemed Nox was gaining momentum.

Ray continues to show she is a credible champion, whilst also elevating the talent she works with. This was a thoroughly enjoyable match, with both wrestlers looking good in the process.

Winner: Kay Lee Ray
Rating: 4/5


Mia Yim vs Io Shirai

This contest was intriguing on paper, as Io Shirai has been on fire since she turned heel, whereas Mia Yim has been on a downward trajectory. I predicted a good match, and it certainly achieved that distinction.

Both wrestlers had an opportunity to put their own stamp on the match, however Shirai always seemed one step ahead of Yim. The finish of the match came when Shirai followed up a Sliding Kick with a Moonsault for the pinfall.

This match was well set out as it allowed Yim to regain some of the credibility she had lost recently, whilst continuing to build Shirai up as a dangerous wrestler.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 3/5


Shayna Baszler vs Candice LeRae

Candice LeRae has slowly developed into the biggest face of the NXT women’s division, therefore fans were clamouring for her to defeat Shayna Baszler and claim the NXT Women’s Championship in the process.

Baszler, however, was not prepared to allow LeRae to defeat her, and despite the best efforts of Mrs Gargano, Baszler successfully defended her championship. The finish of the match saw LeRae submit to Baszler’s Clutch, however this did not take away from how well LeRae performed in the match, as she came very close to defeating Baszler.

This was a worthy match to grace NXT, with both wrestlers putting in a great performance. Fans believed that LeRae was going to win, and despite coming up short, she maintains her status as the biggest face in the NXT women’s division.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 4/5



Lacey Evans vs Natalya

Unfortunately for fans, the Lacey Evans and Natalya feud continued with yet another match at Hell in a Cell. Nobody was clamouring to see this, and as expected, it was not a great match.

After an extended period of uninspired and lethargic wrestling, Evans attempted a Moonsault, only for it to be countered into a Sharpshooter, with Evans submitting as she was unable to escape.

Neither wrestler benefitted from this match, with the rehabilitation of Evans seemingly at an end. They will now compete in a last woman standing match on Raw, in a match that surely no one wants to see. The only saving grace for this match is that it took place on the pre-show.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 1/5


Becky Lynch vs Sasha Banks

This was quite simply a masterpiece, and by far the best match at Hell in a Cell. Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch both tried to not only beat each other, but destroy each other in the process.

Both Banks and Lynch had extended periods of dominance, with Lynch arguably using the Hell in a Cell stipulation to the fullest. Following an Avalanche Xploder onto a pile of steel chairs, Lynch locked the Disarm Her in, with Banks submitting as she was unable to escape.

This match surpassed the previous women’s Hell in a Cell effort by a country mile. Both wrestlers were motivated, which made the hard hitting match much more memorable. Some fans would have preferred Banks to win as she has impressed since her return, however Lynch remains beloved by the fans, and for good reason.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 5/5


Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs The Kabuki Warriors

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross have restored pride to the Women’s Tag Team Championships, and entered this match against The Kabuki Warriors in high spirits. The Kabuki Warriors themselves had been struggling to gain momentum, so this contest was the perfect springboard for them to show just how talented they are.

The interesting aspect of this match was how The Kabuki Warriors were playing subtle heels, which was cemented when Asuka sprayed green mist into Cross’ eyes, following that up with a Head Kick for the pinfall victory to claim the titles.

This was a great match with all 4 women starring. Bliss and Cross are now sympathetic faces, whilst The Kabuki Warriors go forward as a dominant unit.

Winner: The Kabuki Warriors
Rating: 3/5


Bayley vs Charlotte

Charlotte secured this opportunity by pinning Bayley on SmackDown, entering the match as the favourite. Charlotte and Bayley had a disappointing match at SummerSlam, and unfortunately this contest was just as disappointing.

The issue was the lack of drama within this contest, in addition to uninspired performances. Charlotte was able to submit Bayley with the Figure Eight following Bayley being caught by the referee trying to cheat. It was in all honesty a drab ending to a drab match.

With the victory, Charlotte becomes a 10 time champion which is impressive, however the defeat leaves Bayley at a crossroad. She has turned heel but has felt like an afterthought to Sasha Banks. The upcoming Draft needs to be kind to Bayley to allow her to develop into a better character.

Winner: Charlotte
Rating: 2/5



This match was sheer perfection. The Hell in a Cell gimmick was used perfectly, with both women displaying a high level of desire to win.


Becky Lynch underlined just why she is one of the best wrestlers in WWE with a great performance. Lynch can seemingly do no wrong at the moment, and it is great to see her dominate on Raw.

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!