WWE Monday Night Raw
Becky Lynch vs Charlotte
This match would determine which show would receive the first draft pick of the night, therefore in addition to the natural competition these 2 give each other every time they face off, there would be an added element to make the match feel more important.
Becky Lynch and Charlotte both had periods of dominance in the match, such is the expectation of 2 wrestlers at the top of their game. The finish of the match had Charlotte hit Lynch with a Spear for a near fall, only to have Lynch cradle her for the pinfall.
This contest was not as good as their previous encounters, however the match felt exciting at times, with the finish protecting both wrestlers.
Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 3/5
The Kabuki Warriors vs Natalya & Lacey Evans
This match made no sense at all, as Lacey Evans and Natalya have been feuding in a mediocre programme for a while now. Teaming up to face The Kabuki Warriors, they had an opportunity to show they could hang with the Women’s Tag Team Champions, but unfortunately they were unable to put on a good performance.
The newly heel Kabuki Warriors are a great team, but even they were unable to drag a good match out of 2 of the most untalented wrestlers on the roster. The climax to the match was interesting though, with Evans hitting Kairi Sane with a spectacular Women’s Right, only for Asuka to play up to her new her persona and cradle Evans for the pinfall.
2 cradle pinfall finishes in one night was a poor move by the writers, and having this match as the main event hurt too. The Kabuki Warriors deserve much better than this.
Winner: The Kabuki Warriors
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE SmackDown
Carmella vs Nikki Cross vs Dana Brooke vs Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville vs Lacey Evans
Having a six pack match to become the number 1 contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship was a great idea, however the clear lack of stellar names was a shame to see. Outside of Nikki Cross and Carmella, there was little to get excited about.
The action wasn’t downright bad, however it also wasn’t exciting. There was no real cohesion to the match, which was evident in the finish as Cross pinned Mandy Rose with a Purge, following a sequence where a number of the wrestlers hit their finishing moves on each other.
Cross winning was the right decision, but in order for her to be taken seriously against Bayley’s new character, Cross needs to be presented better than this.
Winner: Nikki Cross
Rating: 2/5
WWE NXT UK
Xia Brookside vs Nina Samuels
Women’s matches in NXT UK tend to be of a high quality, but unfortunately this match left a lot to be desired. Nina Samuels and Xia Brookside are both great wrestlers, however they failed to gel in this match.
Samuels dominated the majority of the match, with Brookside only getting a few brief moments to really show what she can do. The finish of the match had Brookside counter Samuels’ kicks with a cradle for the pinfall victory.
Yet another match to use a cradle finish, in a match that would have benefitted from a more decisive finish. The match wasn’t outright bad, but it felt lethargic in places. A disappointment for NXT UK.
Winner: Xia Brookside
Rating: 2/5
WWE NXT
Io Shirai vs Kayden Carter
Io Shirai continued her dominant run in NXT with a squash victory over Kayden Carter, although Carter looked good in defeat. Shirai ended the match quickly with a Moonsault, after Carter had attempted to steal the match with a victory roll.
Interestingly, Rhea Ripley turned up to confront Shirai after the match, teasing coming after her once she takes out Bianca Belair next week. This would be a tantalising matchup if it comes off.
The match itself served it’s purpose well, but the post match angle was better received.
Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 2/5
Tegan Nox vs Taynara Conti
Tegan Nox made quite the impression in this match against Taynara Conti, underlining just how good she is as a wrestler.
Nox quite frankly destroyed Conti, using a Chokeslam, Cross Body and a Shining Wizard for the pinfall. Realistically, Conti wasn’t going to offer much competition, but despite this, Nox looked extremely impressive.
The NXT women’s division is currently thriving, which makes the current product must see viewing.
Winner: Tegan Nox
Rating: 2/5
AEW Dynamite
Riho vs Britt Baker
This was Riho’s first defence of her AEW Women’s Championship, with Britt Baker a more than admirable opponent for her to face. This match followed their tag team contest from last week.
As good as Baker is, Riho is just that little bit better, and that was clear from this match alone. Both wrestlers had an opportunity to shine, with Riho in particular looking strong. As seems to be the pattern this week, Riho successfully retained her title by countering Baker’s submission move into a cradle for the pinfall following a great sequence of moves from the pair.
This match was great, but left a lot to be explored in a future match. Riho retaining was the right decision, however Baker is one to look out for in the future. Another successful AEW women’s match is now in the history books.
Winner: Riho
Rating: 3/5
Main Event
Sarah Logan vs Dana Brooke
The match that no one wants to see on Main Event. This was quite the disappointment, but then again every match Sarah Logan and Dana Brooke have had against each other has been dull and uninteresting.
Brooke attempted to finish the match off with a Back Handspring Elbow, but Logan was able to cut her off and apply the Inverted Cloverleaf, with Brooke having no option but to tap out.
If you want to see the final instalment in their non stop series of matches, check this out. Otherwise, you aren’t missing much.
Winner: Sarah Logan
Rating: 1/5
Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory
Taya Valkyrie vs Tenille Dashwood
This match was for the Knockouts Championship, serving as Tenille Dashwood’s first shot at the title. Taya Valkyrie has been the champion for a while now, with some people calling for Dashwood to be victorious here.
Unfortunately for Dashwood, her performance here seemed very disappointing. Despite a strong effort from both women, the match failed to strike a chord with fans. Following a cradle from Dashwood which only got a 2 count, Valkyrie hit a Knee Strike and the Road to Valhalla for the pinfall victory.
Following Valkyrie successfully retaining her title, it is unclear who should be her next opponent. The Knockouts division isn’t bad by any means, but there is a tangible lack of real quality at the moment. This match was ok, but was severely lacking in terms of excitement.
Winner: Taya Valkyrie
Rating: 2/5
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Riho vs Britt Baker
Riho vs Britt Baker
This was another great AEW women's match, with both wrestlers showing they are extremely talented. There was room for improvement though, which is intriguing as their next match could be even better.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Tegan Nox
Tegan Nox
In a week where there was little to celebrate in terms of individual greatness, Tegan Nox's squash victory was extremely impressive. With the win, she once again sets herself up as one of the best women in the NXT women's division.
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!
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