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.



Becky Lynch vs Kairi Sane

This was a non-title match, but that did not mean Kairi Sane would be any less motivated against Becky Lynch. As the opening match of the night, this contest was given a considerable amount of time, with both wrestlers putting in a great shift.

Lynch was able to impose herself on the match, with Sane reminding her throughout that she is no easy wrestler to defeat. After an extremely competitive outing, Lynch was able to trap Sane in the Disarm Her, with Sane left with no other option than to submit.

This match served as a reminder of how talented Lynch is, whilst elevating Sane to her level. The quality of the match was high, and from an in ring perspective, this was the best main roster women’s match of the week.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 3.5/5


Charlotte & Natalya vs The IIconics

The IIconics have done little of note since they lost their Women’s Tag Team Championship, and despite facing off against Charlotte and Natalya, they were underwhelming and poor in their performance.

Surprisingly, The IIconics had a decent amount of offence, however the overwhelming talent of Charlotte was the difference maker. The finish of the match had Charlotte clear Peyton Royce from the ring whilst Billie Kay was locked in Natalya’s Sharpshooter, with Kay submitting almost immediately.

The match served its purpose well as a vehicle to get a potential tag team between Charlotte and Natalya over, but in terms of match quality, it was lacking in drama and interest.

Winner: Charlotte & Natalya
Rating: 1.5/5



Bayley vs Nikki Cross

Nikki Cross earned her shot at Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship through winning a six pack match, but had spent the last few weeks demonstrating the risk she poses to Bayley’s title reign. Unfortunately for Cross, it never felt like she was in with a chance to win this match.

Bayley was accompanied to the ring by Sasha Banks, who made it her business to interfere on behalf of Bayley. It was this interference that led to Bayley hitting Cross with a Rose Plant for the pinfall victory to retain her title.

This match was a fine contest, however the post match angle where Shayna Baszler took out Bayley, Cross and Banks made the match finish seem much more understandable. It worked as a way to open SmackDown and create an unpredictable atmosphere.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5


Fire & Desire vs Rhea Ripley & Tegan Nox

Once Carmella and Dana Brooke were taken out by Bianca Belair backstage, it was obvious that we would see a new team come out to challenge Fire and Desire. This would be the team of Rhea Ripley and Tegan Nox, who wasted no time in making their presence felt.

Ripley and Nox flat out destroyed Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, with both wrestlers looking dominant in front of a new audience. Nox hit a Shiniest Wizard on Rose, which was followed up by Ripley connecting with an Inverted Cloverleaf. Rose sold the move well and submitted shortly after, with Ripley and Nox looking utterly dangerous in their destruction of Fire and Desire.

This match introduced Ripley and Nox to a new audience, and they took full advantage of their opportunity. As a squash match, this was highly entertaining and satisfying to watch.

Winner: Rhea Ripley & Tegan Nox
Rating: 2.5/5



Rhea Ripley & Piper Niven vs Jinny & Jazzy Gabert

This was a heavily one sided affair, with Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven in complete control. Jinny and Jazzy Gabert have never really been able to establish themselves as a force within NXT, whereas Ripley and Niven have consistently proven themselves to be head and shoulders above the competition.

After dominating the match, Niven was able to hit Gabert with a Michinoku Driver for the pinfall. As a match, there was little competition to be found, but as a spectacle, it was fun to watch Ripley and Niven dominate.

Winner: Rhea Ripley & Piper Niven
Rating: 2/5


Io Shirai vs Candice LeRae

This was a rematch from NXT Takeover: Toronto II, which was a stunning match. Not only was the match amazing, but it elevated Candice LeRae to Io Shirai’s level, legitimising her in the eyes of the fans.

This match wasn’t on the same high level as that match, however it was still a highly entertaining contest. LeRae had opportunities to win the match, but Shirai’s overwhelming talent allowed her to sneak the victory. LeRae attempted a Lionsault onto Shirai, who was laid on top of a steel chair. Unfortunately for LeRae, Shirai moved and LeRae landed on the chair. This allowed Shirai to cover her for the pinfall victory.

This match allowed both wrestlers to showcase their talent, and the finish was interesting. Not only was Shirai’s heel character amplified, LeRae was essentially protected in the manner of her defeat. Rhea Ripley also turned up after the match to further her feud with Shirai.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 3.5/5


The Kabuki Warriors vs Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox

This match was for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, with The Kabuki Warriors returning to NXT to face off against some highly talented wrestlers in the form of Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox.

It was great to see a competitive contest from both teams, with Kai and Nox winning becoming a believable outcome the longer the match went on. Understandably though, The Kabuki Warriors were too strong for Kai and Nox as Asuka resorted to hitting Kai with her green mist, which was followed up by the Insane Elbow for the pinfall victory.

Kai and Nox were elevated to The Kabuki Warriors’ level through their great performance, in addition to NXT seeming important enough for the titles to be defended. This match was well played out, serving everyone involved well.

Winner: The Kabuki Warriors
Rating: 3/5



Natalya vs Lacey Evans

This match was quite simply a landmark moment, as Lacey Evans and Natalya became the first women to wrestle in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of the motivations of each wrestler, this was an emotional event for everyone involved in WWE, fans of the product and women in general. Evans and Natalya are trailblazers and history makers, and deserve a lot of credit for achieving this.

In what was a rather even match that felt by the numbers in places, Natalya was able to follow up a Clothesline with a Sharpshooter, with Evans left with no option but to submit. Evans and Natalya hugged and cried after the match as they soaked up the adoration from fans, in addition to the significance of the match itself.

The match itself may have only been ok, but the historical significance of the match cannot be understated. Hopefully this leads to more women’s wrestling in Saudi Arabia, with hope that Saudi Arabian women themselves are able to be treated as equals within society.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2/5 (but 5/5 for historical significance)



Hikaru Shida vs Shanna

AEW has been using Japanese talent well so far, and this was no different with Hikaru Shida, who looked great as she competed against Shanna.

Shida had the control of most of the match, however Shanna was able to look good as she fought valiantly to overcome Shida. This was the case until Shida hit a Knee Strike and a Falcon Arrow for an agonisingly close 2 count. Shida subsequently ended the match with another Knee Strike for the pinfall victory.

This match allowed AEW fans to rally behind Shida, whilst also becoming familiar with Shanna. The quality on show was great, and once again AEW was able to highlight the quality of their women’s division.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 3/5



Rosemary, Jordynne Grace & Alexia Nicole vs Taya Valkyrie, Madison Rayne & Keira Hogan

The Knockouts division have produced some extremely underwhelming matches recently, however this match wasn’t a bad offering. Rosemary, Jordynne Grace and Alexia Nicole challenged Taya Valkyrie, Madison Rayne and Keira Hogan in an entertaining six woman tag team match.

After a competitive contest in which no one team was able to truly establish an advantage, Grace was able to cradle Valkyrie for the pinfall victory. This was shocking, however a potential injury to Hogan put a dampener on the victory.

As Grace was able to pin Valkyrie, this should set her up to challenge for the Knockouts Championship. It would be an intriguing matchup, and one that could produce a great championship match. Everyone in this match had an opportunity to look good, which is something that has sorely been lacking in the division recently.

Winner: Rosemary, Jordynne Grace & Alexia Nicole
Rating: 2/5



There could be no other choice, quite frankly. This may be the single biggest women's match ever in terms of real world importance, and both Lacey Evans and Natalya did women and WWE proud.


During multiple matches on multiple shows, Rhea Ripley was able to display her undoubted talent. She is one of the brightest spots in the NXT women's division, and it is surely only a matter of when, and not if, she will become a champion on the main roster.

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!