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.



Honourable Mention: Contract Signing Segment

There may have been a noticeable lack of women's wrestling this week on Raw, but there was plenty of attention given to the upcoming women's elimination chamber match. Not only did Shayna Baszler look absolutely dominant here, but everyone involved looked credible. This means that despite Baszler being the overwhelming favourite, there is a possibility a dark horse can win the match.



Naomi & Lacey Evans vs Bayley & Sasha Banks

This match followed an attempt at a match between Naomi and Bayley, which was the smart decision considering Naomi's defeat to Bayley at Super Showdown.

Sasha Banks made her in ring return to much fanfare, whilst Lacey Evans reminded fans just how capable she is in the ring. After a fairly even match, Naomi was able to take advantage of a brawl between Banks and Evans on the outside to pin Bayley following a Sunset Flip.

This was a fun little match, with Naomi getting the upper hand over Bayley, which forces the question of whether or not she deserves another shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship. This was a perfectly acceptable match to further 2 feuds at once.

Winner: Naomi & Lacey Evans
Rating: 2.5/5



Kay Lee Ray vs Toni Storm

This match was for Kay Lee Ray's NXT UK Women's Championship, with the I quit stipulation seemingly favouring the heel champion. However, Toni Storm does have a mean streak, and it was hoped she would be able to put this to good use to recapture the title.

This match was quite violent, with both Ray and Storm putting the stipulation to good use. This played into the finish as Ray attempted to Pillmanise Storm's neck, but as Piper Niven came out to remonstrate with Ray, Storm quit to avoid further damage.

This was a great match, with Ray able to display her violent side to great effect. Niven coming out to support Storm hints at a feud between the pair, as Storm's long awaited heel turn starts to feel more likely as the weeks go by. This was a match which used the I quit stipulation well.

Winner: Kay Lee Ray
Rating: 3.5/5



Mia Yim vs Xia Li

This match was disappointing, mainly due to the fact that once again, a match was used as a vehicle to push another wrestler's promo. Dakota Kai came out mid match with Raquel Gonzalez in tow, as Xia Li pinned Mia Yim following a cradle.

Gonzalez proceeded to attack Yim and Li post match, as Kai gleefully watched on. This entire segment only benefitted Kai and Gonzalez, as Yim and Li were both treated as afterthoughts.

Winner: Xia Li
Rating: 2/5


Bianca Belair vs Charlotte Flair

This was a fabulous match, as Bianca Belair finally got her hands on Charlotte Flair following weeks of interactions. Belair was determined to prove she could hang with The Queen, and this is exactly what she did.

The match was booked well, with both superstars being afforded time to dominate, however it was Belair that looked more impressive. Unfortunately for the EST of NXT, Flair's overwhelming quality was too much, with Flair following up a Spear with a Natural Selection for the pinfall victory.

Yes, Belair ultimately came up short here, but once again her reputation has been enhanced. She is clearly a star for the future, and I hope there is still an opportunity for her to be inserted into Flair's WrestleMania 36 match with Rhea Ripley.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 3.5/5



Hikaru Shida vs Big Swole vs Shanna vs Yuka Sakazaki

This was an opportunity to put some focus on the wider women’s division in AEW, and everyone involved put in a great performance.

Hikaru Shida and Big Swole were impressive in this match, however Yuka Sakazaki and Shanna also held their own. Shida was able to wrap up the pinfall victory following a Knee Strike, in what looked like a brutal spot.

With the victory, Shida is able to highlight the threat she poses to the AEW Women’s Championship, and potentially sets herself up as the next contender.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 2.5/5



Jordynne Grace vs Miranda Alize

Jordynne Grace is determined to bring success to Impact Wrestling’s Knockout’s division, and she succeeded here in coming across as a likeable fighting champion.

Grace defended her Knockout’s Championship against Miranda Alize, who was an energetic and athletic opponent that Grace struggled to wear down. However, Grace was not to be denied as she hit her patented Grace Driver to secure the pinfall victory.

This was an entertaining match, with Grace already doing a world of good for the Knockout’s Championship. She is already a better choice to lead the division than Taya Valkyrie, and hopefully this clear improvement continues.

Winner: Jordynne Grace
Rating: 2.5/5



Bayley vs Naomi

This was a momentous occasion as this match became the first ever Women's Championship match at a Saudi Arabia show, following Natalya and Lacey Evans breaking down barriers at Crown Jewel. Unfortunately, crowds in Saudi Arabia still don't care for women's wrestling, and this was clear in just how little heat there was for this match.

Both Bayley and Naomi were made to wear all in one suits with a t-shirt to cover any lingering curves, which instantly killed any credibility for the match. Despite there being clear heel and face characters, the action just didn't do anything to interest fans. Bayley was able to retain her SmackDown Women's Championship following a Rose Plant, using her t-shirt to trap Naomi's leg.

This was your standard house show match, however with no discernible crowd heat, it fell flat. This was only good in the sense that women's wrestling is slowly becoming more tolerated in Saudi Arabia, but this is still not good enough.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5



Angelina Love vs Nicole Savoy

Angelina Love is a serviceable hand in Ring of Honor’s women’s division, however Nicole Savoy is much better in terms of in ring ability and overall connection with fans.

This was a fairly even match, however Savoy was able to take control and use the distraction of Mandy Leon to cradle Love for the pinfall victory.

Yes, the match was rather dull in parts, but the finish allows Love to keep her heat as she didn’t lose cleanly. Savoy is a good wrestler for Ring of Honor to use, and hopefully she will get better opportunities to shine on pay-per-view.

Winner: Nicole Savoy
Rating: 2/5


Nyla Rose vs Kris Statlander

This match was rough, and AEW only have themselves to blame for putting it on so late into the show. Fans were burned out from the great matches on offer, which meant Nyla Rose and Kris Statlander didn’t have the attention they deserved.

In addition, Statlander had been ill all week, which unfortunately showed as she was sluggish in her performance. She tried hard to overcome this, but Rose was too strong, finishing the match with a Beast Bomb for the pinfall victory.

This match was poor, but both women are capable of better, and no doubt their imminent rematch will be better received.

Winner: Nyla Rose
Rating: 1/5


This was a cracking match to highlight how talented both wrestlers are, with NXT benefitting from Charlotte Flair's appearance. The match was highly compelling, with Belair once again looking like a true star.


Shayna Baszler is simply booked perfectly, with fans completely buying into the fact she is a clear threat to Becky Lynch's Raw Women's Championship. Without even wrestling this week, Baszler left her mark on the wrestling world.

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!