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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.



Ruby Riott & Bianca Belair vs The IIconics

After weeks of abuse and defeats at the hands of The IIconics, Ruby Riott managed to even the odds with the return of Bianca Belair. This didn't make complete sense, but it was a welcome change to see Belair on Raw rather than Main Event.

As expected, Belair was the x-factor which Riott sorely needed. Riott took Peyton Royce out with an Enziguri whilst Belair hit a powerful KOD on Billie Kay to secure the pinfall victory. This match was entertaining, if only for Belair's return and Riott gaining some level of revenge.

Winner: Ruby Riott & Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5


Sasha Banks & Bayley vs The Kabuki Warriors

This match was for the Women's Tag Team Championship, with Bayley and Sasha Banks keen to underline just why they are the highlight of WWE's women's division. The Kabuki Warriors had momentum though, which made for an extremely intriguing matchup.

Both teams had periods of dominance, however the length of the match detracted from the entertainment value. Despite this, it was still fun to watch, with the finishing stretch coming off really well. Kairi Sane took out Bayley before hitting an Alabama Slam on Banks, only for Banks to slyly lock in a Banks Statement and tap out Sane for the submission victory.

This was a great way to end the show, but the match could have been even better if 5 minutes were chopped off the runtime. Regardless, this was the best match on a rather dull episode of Raw.

Winner: Sasha Banks & Bayley
Rating: 3.5/5



Asuka & Nikki Cross vs Bayley & Sasha Banks

This was a slight twist on the same match we have seen over the past few weeks, with Nikki Cross and Asuka working well together. The issue for Asuka and Cross was the irrepressible might of Bayley and Sasha Banks, who are quite frankly the most cohesive team in WWE today.

Cross looked likely to take the victory for her team, only for Bayley to steal a pinfall victory by using the ropes for leverage, which is slowly becoming a signature of the SmackDown Women's Champion. This was a good match to build to Extreme Rules, with everyone looking strong.

Winner: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5


Naomi vs Lacey Evans

Why did we need this match this week? The only purpose to it was to solidify Lacey Evans' heel turn, as she used Naomi's hair against her without being reprimanded by the referee. One Women's Right later and she secured a pinfall victory. Underwhelming and not entertaining at all.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2/5



There were no new women's matches this week.


Shotzi Blackheart vs Indi Hartwell

This was a short match which played to the strengths of both women, with Indi Hartwell putting on a strong performance. Despite Shotzi Blackheart being the more seasoned performer in NXT, Hartwell was able to match Blackheart for every move in the ring.

Blackheart ultimately paid for her indiscretions last week with Robert Stone, as he came out to the ring at the climax of the match to cause a distraction which led to Aliyah taking out Blackheart. One Big Boot from Hartwell was enough to secure the pinfall victory, setting up Hartwell as a viable contender in NXT's women's division. This was a good match which served it's purpose well.

Winner: Indi Hartwell
Rating: 2.5/5


Io Shirai vs Tegan Nox

Io Shirai put her NXT Women's Championship on the line against Tegan Nox in the main event of this week's episode of NXT, with Nox aiming to take the fight to the champion.

Both wrestlers put on a great performance, with the match afforded time to become a near classic. Shirai was her usual impressive self in the ring, whilst Nox elevated her own performance to match Shirai. Nox came close to stealing the victory, but Shirai was not to be denied. Nox attempted a Shiniest Wizard to end the match, however Shirai was able to counter it with a Shotei, following that up with a Moonsault for the pinfall victory.

This was one of the best women's matches in NXT television history, with Nox performing better than I had anticipated. Dakota Kai took out Shirai post match to underline that she hadn't forgotten her threat from a few weeks ago to take out Shirai. As a complete package, this match was fabulous.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5



The Nightmare Sisters vs Kenzie Paige & MJ Jenkins

This was a very brief match which seemed to be used as a way to prepare fans for the main event. Although essentially a throwaway match, it was interesting to see The Nightmare Sisters make an impact on AEW's women's division.

The Nightmare Sisters never really looked like losing, but it was clear that Brandi Rhodes still has some improvements to make in the ring. MJ Jenkins attempted to Body Slam Allie, only to be struck with an Elbow, which led to Allie securing the pinfall victory. This wasn't outright bad, but it could have been so much better.

Winner: The Nightmare Sisters
Rating: 2/5



Kylie Rae, Susie, Alisha Edwards, Havok & Nevaeh vs Taya Valkyrie, Rosemary, Kimber Lee, Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz

Considering the clear changes that needed to be made to this week's show, it was refreshing to see such an entertaining match featuring the majority of Impact Wrestling's Knockouts division. The action was frenetic and never really slowed down, with Kylie Rae coming across really well as the face in peril.

The finish of the match was your typical crazy end to a tag team match, with both teams desperate to secure the killing blow. Susie was able to hit a Panic Switch on Kimber Lee to secure the pinfall victory for her team. Despite being a largely inconsequential match, this was a fun bout to watch.

Winner: Kylie Rae, Susie, Alisha Edwards, Havok & Nevaeh
Rating: 2.5/5



Shayna Baszler vs Jessi Kamea

An extended squash. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 2/5


Bayley vs Nikki Cross

Bayley felt like the overwhelming favourite here, but Nikki Cross was determined to prove she had a realistic shot of capturing the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Cross put on a strong performance, with Bayley also putting on a great performance of her own. The only issue was that the contest didn't feel as exciting as it should have, and this may be attributed to how Cross didn't look like viable challenger, despite working hard to prove she was. Bayley managed to hit a devastating Rose Plant to secure the pinfall victory and retain her title.

This match was a good way to extend Bayley's reign, with Cross gaining more credibility through her performance.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 3/5


Asuka vs Sasha Banks

This was arguably the most anticipated match at Extreme Rules, however the finish to the contest left fans absolutely dumbstruck.

The match action itself was great, with Asuka and Sasha Banks once again underlining just why they are two of the most talented wrestlers on the entire WWE roster. Bayley interfered in the match and knocked Asuka out with a shot from a title belt, before donning the referee's shirt to count a pinfall victory for Banks.

Banks and Bayley acted as though the match result was official, with the outcome still disputed as we went off air a short while later. This match did not need such a bullshit finish, and I hope the status of the title is addressed on Raw as soon as possible. This match could have been a classic, but it ended as a damp squib.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5



Jordynne Grace vs Deonna Purrazzo

Jordynne Grace has been a strong Knockouts Champion, therefore it was a shame to see her drop the belt to Deonna Purrazzo, a wrestler who hasn't been in Impact Wrestling for long. What makes this decision even more egregious is the fact that Purrazzo is believed to be on a per appearance deal.

Purrazzo worked Grace's arm throughout the match, which played into the match finish. Purrazzo locked in a painful looking submission move on Grace's arms, with Grace left with no other option but to verbally give up. The action was good, with both women looking strong. It was just a shame to see Purrazzo be pushed so heavily without establishing a character in Impact Wrestling.

Winner: Donna Purrazzo
Rating: 3/5

Alisha Edwards vs Havok vs Keira Hogan vs Kimber Lee vs Neveah vs Madison Rayne vs Rosemary vs Susie vs Tasha Steelz vs Taya Valkyrie

This was just a hot mess. Despite the promise going into the match, none of the competitors looked strong or stood out. Kylie Rae won the match by finally disposing of Taya Valkyrie with a Superkick, but Rae vs Deonna Purrazzo isn't the exciting match that Impact Wrestling believes it is. Avoid this match.

Winner: Kylie Rae
Rating: 1.5/5


Both women put on an incredible performance, with Io Shirai proving her strength whilst Tegan Nox proved herself within NXT's women's division. The match was incredible, with the post match angle coming off well.


Quite simply the two best performers in WWE today. A strong week means they stand out above everyone else with ease.

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!