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 Zelina Vega

This was a rematch of their Clash of Champions encounter, with Zelina Vega once again putting up a strong fight. Despite being the overwhelming underdog, she looked good as she took the fight to Asuka.

Vega actually looked capable of stealing the victory, that is until Asuka countered a Moonsault and locked in the Asuka Lock for the submission victory.

Asuka looked strong, however Vega really did make herself look like a viable contender. This was entertaining for a match on Raw.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5


Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke vs Natalya & Lana

Unfortunately for Mandy Rose fans, she was followed to Raw by Dana Brooke. As much as Rose is green, Brooke is even greener.

This match featured four women who cannot lead a match, which resulted in a botchy and ugly mess. Rose and Brooke won via a Running Knee from Rose, but there was no entertainment to be had here.

Winner: Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke
Rating: 1.5/5



There were no women's matches on SmackDown this week.


Shotzi Blackheart vs Dakota Kai

Shotzi Blackheart continues to grow on NXT, with this match perfectly encapsulating how much she has improved.

Dakota Kai is quite the formidable opponent, but Blackheart was determined to prove she should be considered a threat to the NXT Women's Championship. A back and forth match was great to watch, ending in a pinfall victory for Blackheart following a Schoolgirl Pin.

This was a great match to open NXT this week, with both women looking strong.

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart
Rating: 3/5


Kayden Carter vs Xia Li

This was too short to be truly entertaining, with Xia Li currently failing to inspire fans. Kayden Carter looked good by coming out on top of a pinning sequence, but the match as a whole fell flat.

Winner: Kayden Carter
Rating: 2/5



Jinny vs Xia Brookside

Jinny needed a strong showing following her apparent challenge to Kay Lee Ray last week. Unfortunately, that did not materialise this week as Xia Brookside put up a stern fight.

Whilst Jinny tried hard, she was unable to convincingly put Brookside away. She won following locking in a Modified STF, but as previously stated, she was far from convincing. Brookside looked good, but Jinny did not look like the star she needs to look like.

Winner: Jinny
Rating: 2.5/5



Britt Baker vs Red Velvet

Britt Baker made her long awaited return to Dynamite this week, easily defeating Red Velvet via pinfall. She looked strong, albeit it a tad rusty. It was noted on commentary that she was slightly bigger, although it is clear it will take no time at all for her to shake off her ring rust.

Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 2.5/5



Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary vs Havok & Nevaeh

This was your standard Knockout's tag team match, with neither team looking spectacular. Nevaeh and Havok didn't lose much momentum in defeat, with Taya Valkyrie and Rosemary coming out on top following a Road to Valhalla.

For what it was, this was inoffensive, but not overly entertaining.

Winner: Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary
Rating: 2/5


Tenille Dashwood vs Jordynne Grace

Jordynne Grace had an opportunity this week to avenge her recent loss to Tenille Dashwood, which is exactly what she did.

Both women put on a solid performance, with Grace reminding fans why she is one of the highlights of the Knockout's division. Grace imposed herself using her overwhelming power, winning the match by submission after locking in a Sleeper.

This was a solid match, with both women looking strong.

Winner: Jordynne Grace
Rating: 3/5



Tenille Dashwood vs Jordynne Grace

For the second time this week, Jordynne Grace and Tenille Dashwood fought for supremacy. This was better than their previous match, with Dashwood winning after hitting a Spotlight Kick.

These two work well together, and this match was yet another display of both women's strength and undoubted talent.

Winner: Tenille Dashwood
Rating: 3/5

Deonna Purrazzo vs Susie

Deonna Purrazzo defended the Knockout's Championship against Susie in a match which seemed destined to impress.

Both women put on a strong performance, with Susie in particular looking feisty. Susie looked likely to steal the title, only to be caught in a Venus Di Milo, leaving Susie with no choice but to tap out.

This match was well laid out, whilst Purrazzo continues to look strong as Champion.

Winner: Deonna Purrazzo
Rating: 3/5


Io Shirai vs Candice LeRae

Io Shirai once again underlined just how talented she is. It would not be an exaggeration to say she is the best wrestler in WWE at the moment, even surpassing most male wrestlers.

Candice LeRae put in a great effort, even employing the devious services of her husband. Despite the clear disadvantage, Shirai was able to retain her NXT Women's Championship by pinning LeRae following a Moonsault.

This rivalled the quality of their match at NXT TakeOver: Toronto. Both women are absolute stars, but it is Shirai that comes away as the undoubted star of NXT.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5



This match was simply fabulous, merging great wrestling with solid storytelling.


Io Shirai continues to prove why she is the number one star of NXT's women's division.

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!