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.



Asuka vs Kayden Carter

Asuka once again competed against Kayden Carter, and once again Asuka won convincingly.

Asuka followed up a German Suplex and Head Kick with an Asuka Lock, with Carter left with no choice but to immediately submit.

This was entertaining as Asuka dominating is always fun, although it did absolutely nothing for Carter.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2/5



Naomi vs Lacey Evans vs Tamina

This match was an absolute car crash, with Tamina proving why she is only called upon once a year.

The match itself was uninteresting and sloppy, with Tamina securing the victory with a Superkick following a distraction on Naomi by Bayley.

This did nothing for the SmackDown women’s division except bring down expectations for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 36.

Winner: Tamina
Rating: 1/5



Kay Lee Ray & Jinny vs Piper Niven & Dani Luna

This match was a great way to open the show, as Kay Lee Ray and Piper Niven are 2 of the better wrestlers within NXT UK’s women’s division.

The action was fairly even, with both teams getting an opportunity to shine. It was the heels, however, that were able to gain the upper hand by outsmarting the faces, as Niven was taken out in order to isolate Dani Luna. A Gory Bomb followed to allow Kay Lee Ray to pick up the pinfall victory.

This match was a better offering from NXT UK, and it underlined how wily and slimy Ray can be.

Winner: Kay Lee Ray & Jinny
Rating: 3/5

Xia Brookside vs Amale

This was a brief match which allowed Xia Brookside to show what she can do. Amale isn’t much of a performer, but it is clear Brookside has quite the potential.

Brookside secured the pinfall victory following a Broken Wings, which puts her into contention for the NXT UK Women’s Championship, but only if she can follow this match up with more victories.

Winner: Xia Brookside
Rating: 2.5/5


Shotzi Blackheart vs Aliyah vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Kayden Carter vs Xia Li vs Dakota Kai

This gauntlet match was used solely to elevate Shotzi Blackheart, who single handedly eliminated Aliyah, Deonna Purrazzo, Xia Li and Kayden Carter.

The roadblock, however, was Dakota Kai. Kai was in no mood to let a second chance at the ladder to fall through her fingers, as she used her skill and mischief to pin Blackheart. Raquel Gonzalez played her part in the victory as she provided the distraction necessary to allow Kai to capitalise.

This was a great match, with the elevation of Blackheart a positive action to note.

Winner: Dakota Kai
Rating: 3/5



Anna Jayy vs Hikaru Shida

Anna Jayy put in a competitive showing against Hikaru Shida, in what was a great match on Dynamite.

Shida was clearly the more established wrestler, and she put her experience to use against the upstart Jayy. Shida was able to follow up some stiff Knee Strikes with a Falcon Arrow, picking up the pinfall victory in the process.

This was a great match, with Jayy leaving her mark on AEW’s women’s division. Shida continues to star, and a shot at the AEW Women’s Championship should be just around the corner.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 2.5/5



Kylie Ray vs Cassandra Golden

Kylie Ray made her Impact debut against Cassandra Golden in a quick but effective match.

Following a short back and forth match, Ray was able to lock in an STF for the victory.

This was a great way for Ray to debut, and used correctly, she could be a real force within the Knockout’s division. If this match is anything to go by, she should have no issue getting the fans onto her side.

Winner: Kylie Ray
Rating: 2.5/5



The Kabuki Warriors vs Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross

This was a late addition to WrestleMania 36, but it was a match with a fair amount of interesting build.

Nikki Cross was the MVP of this match, as she put on one of her best performances inside a WWE ring. The action was hard hitting, with Alexa Bliss happy to throw herself at anyone and everyone to capture the Women’s Tag Team Championship. The finish of the match had Cross hit a Purge on Sane, which was followed up by a Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory.

This was a solid and entertaining contest, with Bliss and Cross reunited with the belts they did so well with last year. The Kabuki Warriors’ reign was good, but it feels much more natural to have Bliss and Cross as champions.

Winner: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross
Rating: 3/5


Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler

This match was for the Raw Women’s Championship, however despite the strong build to this contest, the quality of the match itself was lacking.

Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler both started with a sense of urgency as they hit each other with aplomb, however the match quickly devolved into who could lock in their submission move to end the match. Baszler locked her Kirifuda Clutch in, only for Lynch to roll over and trap Baszler in a pinfall to retain her title.

This match was a disappointment considering the stellar build, especially as Baszler appeared locked in for the victory. The match wasn’t outright bad, but it certainly didn’t have the heat it should have. Lynch continues as champion, whilst Baszler’s future is unclear.

Winner: Becky Lynch
Rating: 2/5


Liv Morgan vs Natalya

This was a late addition to WrestleMania 36, and unfortunately for fans, it was not a great addition. Neither Liv Morgan nor Natalya added anything to the show, with their match coming across as poorly as a standard house show match.

After about 6 minutes of uninspired wrestling, Morgan was able to secure the pinfall victory with a Cradle. As a pre-show match it was ok, but it should have been nowhere near the WrestleMania 36 card.

Winner: Liv Morgan
Rating: 1.5/5


Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair

Rhea Ripley made her WrestleMania debut here against The Queen of WWE, and it proved to be a baptism of fire as their match was highly entertaining and hard hitting.

Ripley immediately set about overpowering Charlotte Flair, however Flair smartly took out Ripley’s injured knee to soften her up for a Figure Eight. Ripley refused to be overpowered, fighting out of every attempt to submit her, until finally, Ripley had no option but to tap out.

Flair secured her second NXT Women’s Championship, but it leaves Ripley at a crossroads. It is unclear whether or not she will pursue the title she just lost, or if she moves to the main roster. She is talented and believable, but it is about maximising her exposure. This was a fabulous match, even if the winner was questionable.

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 4/5


Bayley vs Sasha Banks vs Tamina vs Lacey Evans vs Naomi

This match was for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship, however it never felt as though her reign was in any realistic danger.

Tamina and Naomi were eliminated first, with neither wrestler having any real impact on the match. It was Sasha Banks’ elimination at the hands of Lacey Evans which sealed the fate of the match, as Evans was swiftly pinned by Bayley following a Rose Plant.

This was a better match than it had any right to be, though the seeds for Bayley vs Banks have truly been sown.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2.5/5



This was a hard hitting and entertaining match, with both wrestlers bringing their strongest game to the biggest show of the year.


Nikki Cross put in a star making performance as she and Alexa Bliss recaptured the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Cross has continued to evolve over the past 12 months, and her performance at WrestleMania 36 was proof of just how far she has come.

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!