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.



Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs The IIconics

This match was quite simply disappointing. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are the rightful owners of the Women’s Tag Team Championship, and despite The IIconics being former champions, they have no credibility in the ring. This is why it was disappointing to see The IIconics demand a match and win with little resistance.

Thankfully, the match was short. The IIconics both used ineffective offense during the contest, only to isolate Bliss and hit an awful tag team finisher to secure a pinfall victory.

This was a bad match, however the blame for this lies solely with The IIconics.

Winner: The IIconics
Rating: 2/5


Natalya vs Shayna Baszler

There is no clear explanation for why this match was the main event on Raw, but shamefully, neither wrestler put on a performance befitting of the main event label.

Shayna Baszler was unable to impose herself on the match in the same dominant fashion we have become accustomed to, which says more about The Queen of Spades than Natalya. Baszler was eventually able to counter Natalya’s Sharpshooter, hitting a Knee Strike for the pinfall victory.

This match was lifeless and uninteresting, which is not surprising considering Baszler was unable to be the badass we know she is.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 2/5



Dana Brooke vs Naomi

This match existed.

Dana Brooke is in the midst of a mini push, and after defeating Naomi en route to qualifying for the Money in the Bank match, she was determined to prove that win was no fluke. Naomi started with purpose, however Brooke was able to counter a High Cross into a Cradle for the pinfall victory.

Yes, Brooke looked good for winning, but it looked like a complete fluke. Naomi lost credibility by losing easily, therefore it is hard to say the match was any good.

Winner: Dana Brooke
Rating: 1.5/5



There were no new women's matches this week.


Tegan Nox vs Indi Hartwell

This match was a great opportunity for Tegan Nox to underline her potential in NXT, which is exactly what she was able to achieve.

Indi Hartwell was a great opponent for Nox to showcase her skills against, with Nox able to remain in control for the majority of the match. Nox managed to follow up a High Cross with a solid Shiniest Wizard for a swift pinfall victory.

This was a fun little match, which allowed Nox to reaffirm just how good she is. Nox is entertaining to watch in her feud with Dakota Kai, but she is also able to put on quality performances on her own merit.

Winner: Tegan Nox
Rating: 2.5/5


Kayden Carter vs Aliyah

Kayden Carter is a good wrestler who hasn’t had the opportunity to shine in NXT, whilst Aliyah has never looked convincing in the ring. Therefore, my expectations were low for this match.

The action was extremely uninspiring, with neither Carter or Aliyah looking particularly strong. Carter was able to cut off Aliyah and hit a Superkick, following this up with a Deathlock for the submission victory.

This was a bland match which did nothing for either wrestler. Aliyah continues to tread water in NXT, which means it may make sense for her to join forces with Robert Stone to save her WWE career.

Winner: Kayden Carter
Rating: 1.5/5



Britt Baker vs Hikaru Shida vs Kris Statlander vs Penelope Ford

This was a fatal four way match to become the number one contender to Nyla Rose’s AEW Women’s Championship, with the winner booking a match with Rose at Double or Nothing.

Hikaru Shida made her presence known during the match, as she controlled a large portion of the contest. Britt Baker tried hard to impose herself on the match, but Kris Statlander was determined to block Baker’s attempts to win.

The action was frenetic and exciting, which led to a very entertaining match finish. Baker secured a Lockjaw on Statlander outside the ring, which allowed Shida to hit a Running Knee Strike on Penelope Ford to secure the pinfall victory.

This was a solid match, with Shida continuing to look unbeatable. Baker looked dangerous, if not a little a foolish for allowing Shida to win.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 3/5



Kylie Rae vs Tasha Steelz

Kylie Rae put in another impressive performance this week, securing a pinfall victory over Tasha Steelz, who has just signed a contract with Impact Wrestling.

The action was fairly even, with Steelz getting in enough offense to suggest she could be a threat further down the line. Rae locked in the STF for the submission victory, underlining how talented she is. This was a good match, with both women benefitting from an energetic contest.

Winner: Kylie Rae
Rating: 2.5/5


Kimber Lee vs Havok

This wasn’t a bad match for Havok, which is surprising as she often struggles to perform well in non gimmick matches. Kimber Lee looked fired up, which resulted in a rather competitive and interesting contest.

Nevaeh came out to watch the action, which led to Lee capitalising on distraction to Havok, hitting her with brass knuckles to secure a pinfall victory.

This was an ok match, but the presence of Nevaeh was an interesting storyline narrative.

Winner: Kimber Lee
Rating: 2.5/5



Bianca Belair vs Ruby Riott

The run of solid Main Event women’s matches continued this week as Bianca Belair took on Ruby Riott in an extremely fun and entertaining contest.

Both Belair and Riott had periods of control, with Riott looking reinvigorated. Belair was not to be outdone though, cutting off Riott whilst she was on the turnbuckles and hitting a KOD for the pinfall victory.

This was a solid and entertaining match, with both women looking stronger as a result. Belair looked dominant and full of potential, whilst Riott proved how talented she is in the ring. It was a shame to see Riott lose, but at least she looked good in defeat.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 3.5/5


This was an extremely fun match to watch, with both women looking strong in the process. Not only did Bianca Belair look suitably dominant, but Ruby Riott was able to overturn her disappointing Raw matches to prove to the WWE universe just how good she is.


Simply put, Becky Lynch has been the cornerstone of WWE’s women’s division over the past few years. From myself and the rest of the Smark Out Moment Team, we congratulate her and Seth Rollins on the news and wish them the best.

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!