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.



Raw featured no women’s matches this week, however Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler engaged in an altercation which maintained the intrigue of their WrestleMania 36 match.



Alexa Bliss vs Asuka

This match had been set up via Asuka’s interference in Alexa Bliss’ recent tag team match with Nikki Cross against Fire & Desire, with Bliss displaying quite the vengeful attitude in the build up.

The match itself was quite entertaining, as both Bliss and Asuka put on a great performance. It was the performance of Cross on commentary that actually stole the match, as she teased Asuka from the announce table. Bliss was able to hit a quick DDT for the pinfall victory, underlining how she still remains a viable threat.

This was an entertaining match, with Cross’ antics enhancing the enjoyment of the match. Bliss came away looking strong, whilst Asuka continues to impress as a heel.

Winner: Alexa Bliss
Rating: 3/5



Aoife Valkyrie vs Nina Samuels

This match felt quite inconsequential, with the match quality falling far below what is acceptable in NXT UK. Aside from a select group of wrestlers, NXT UK’s women’s division has been disappointing.

Aoife Valkyrie clearly has potential, but she is currently stalling on NXT UK. Her matches are not interesting, whilst she also struggles with sharpening her in ring performances. Nina Samuels is capable of great matches, but she is wildly inconsistent.

The match itself felt longer than it actually was, and after a fairly even contest, Valkyrie was able to successfully hit a Top Rope Axe Kick and secure the pinfall victory. Both wrestlers could, and should, have done better. NXT UK needs to urgently re-evaluate how it presents the women’s division.

Winner: Aoife Valkyrie
Rating: 1.5/5


Io Shirai vs Aliyah

Io Shirai came out to immediately exert her control over Aliyah, who sold how terrified she was at competing with Shirai well. This was a strong return for one of the cornerstones of NXT.

It took Shirai almost no time at all to take Aliyah out, hitting her patented Moonsault for the pinfall victory, and with it a place in the women’s ladder match.

This was all it needed to be, as Shirai dominating a wrestler is pure entertainment.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 2.5/5


Candice LeRae vs Kayden Carter

Candice LeRae has always been on the periphery of the NXT Women’s Championship picture, and she showed exactly why with yet another strong performance.

Her match against Kayden Carter never felt in doubt, however Carter did improve her in ring performance to match LeRae. Carter looked as though she was carving out an opportunity for herself, only for LeRae to lock in a GargaNo Escape for the submission victory.

LeRae advances to the women’s ladder match, and she has to be considered a dark horse for picking up the victory. This was a good match which highlighted the strength of NXT’s women’s division.

Winner: Candice LeRae
Rating: 2.5/5



There were no women's matches on this week's episode of Dynamite.


There were no Knockout's matches on this week's episode of Impact.


Asuka vs Kayden Carter

Asuka's heel antics are hilarious, which adds a different dynamic to her matches. Yes, Asuka operates better as a serious wrestler, but it is nice to see a different side to The Empress of Tomorrow.

Asuka toyed with Kayden Carter throughout the match, although Carter was able to get a few moves in. Carter successfully hit Asuka with a series of strikes, only for Asuka to hit a Head Kick and apply an Asuka Lock for the submission victory.

This was a perfectly acceptable match, but it was the antics of Asuka that made it more entertaining than it had any right to be.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5


This match was fun, however it was the antics of Nikki Cross that made the match for me. Sometimes wrestling is all about having fun, and this match achieved this easily.


Asuka performed well in 2 matches this week, with her performances coming off well. She is a strong heel with a dedicated following, and once again she reiterated why she is one of the best workers in WWE.

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!