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.



Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke & Asuka vs Zelina Vega, Natalya & Lana

Unfortunately, this was not the best match to open Raw. The purpose of mixing seasoned veterans like Asuka with green wrestlers like Mandy Rose and Zelina Vega is to teach them how to be better wrestlers. To Asuka's credit, she has worked hard, but even she cannot make chicken salad out of chicken shit.

Asuka carried the match, although all six wrestlers did try to put on a strong performance. Rose ended the match with a Running Knee, which was a surprise as the burden of victory did not fall on Asuka's shoulders.

Yes, the match as a whole could have been so much better, but it honestly was not a bad effort. The issue is that Raw deserved a better match to start the show.

Winner: Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke and Asuka
Rating: 2/5


Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs The Riott Squad

Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler finally defended their Women's Tag Team Championship against The Riott Squad, a match that was originally booked for Clash of Champions.

This was a fairly entertaining contest, with Jax and Baszler once again teaming up well. The Riott Squad matched the champions for intensity, but were unable to claim the titles for themselves. Baszler locked the Kirifuda Clutch on Ruby Riott, securing the submission victory.

The result was never really in doubt, however the match was a fun contest that served all four women well.

Winner: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler
Rating: 3/5



Bayley vs Sasha Banks

In terms of match quality, this was a disappointment. In terms of storytelling, however, it was a fabulous way to organically set the feud up for a Hell in a Cell match at the upcoming titular event.

Bayley drew the DQ with the use of a steel chair, but it was Sasha Banks who used it to almost decimate the SmackDown Women's Champion. I cannot wait for their upcoming battle, but this match was understandably disappointing.

Winner: Sasha Banks (via DQ)
Rating: 2/5



Shotzi Blackheart vs Xia Li

Top Rope Senton. Pinfall victory.

That's all that can be said of this match, with Xia Li once again failing to impress. Shotzi Blackheart continues to look strong, which is a good thing for NXT's women's division.

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart
Rating: 2/5


Ember Moon & Rhea Ripley vs Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez

Simply put, this was a fabulous way to close out this week's episode of NXT. Ember Moon's return at NXT TakeOver: 31 set tongues wagging, and this week she backed up the promise of her return.

All four women put on a solid match, with everyone getting an opportunity to shine. Moon secured the victory for her team following an Eclipse to Dakota Kai, but by no means did Kai and Raquel Gonzalez lose any momentum.

Rhea Ripley may be on the move to the main roster soon, but she showed she is still a force to be reckoned with in NXT. Moon looked like the star she used to be, thus this week was the perfect way to restore her credibility.

Winner: Ember Moon & Rhea Ripley
Rating: 3.5/5



Xia Brookside & Dani Luna vs Nina Samuels & Amale

This just seemed to exist. Rather than set anyone involved in the match up for an interesting storyline, the contest only served to get four female wrestlers on the card. The action was admittedly dull, but at least Xia Brookside hitting an Iconoclasm for the victory was fun. In short, there wasn't much to enjoy here.

Winner: Xia Brookside & Dani Luna
Rating: 2/5



Big Swole vs Serena Deeb

Big Swole set herself up well for a shot at Hikaru Shida by pinning a resilient Serena Deeb following a Spinning Right Hand.

The thing is, Swole made herself look better in this contest than any other match she has had in AEW. Deeb is honestly a talented wrestler who can make others look better, which was the case here. I thoroughly enjoyed this contest, and I hope Deeb is given an opportunity soon enough.

Winner: Big Swole
Rating: 3/5



Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie vs Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz

Instead of the usual tag team fare from the Knockout's division, this was an entertaining and fast paced match. All four women looked better than they have recently, with Taya Valkyrie looking like a star.

A Sit Out Slam was all that was required for Rosemary and Valkyrie to win. If Impact Wrestling can copy the format of this match in the future, the Knockout's tag team matches would be far more effective.

Winner: Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie
Rating: 2.5/5



Peyton Royce vs Billie Kay

It seems odd that we are seeing this match take place on Main Event, as it would be more deserving of the main roster spotlight.

As has been the case since the split of The IIconics, Peyton Royce was booked stronger than Billie Kay, hitting a Deja Vu for the pinfall.

Royce is now 2-0 against Kay, and one suspects that she will make it 3-0 the next time they face off. This was a fine match, although it was wasted on Main Event.

Winner: Peyton Royce
Rating: 2.5/5


This was a pulsating contest, with all four women shining throughout. Ember Moon looked strong, but it was the dynamic between herself and Rhea Ripley that was fascinating to watch.


Ember Moon made her return to NXT this week, delivering a strong promo and a solid performance in the ring. It is clear NXT has big plans for her, and it is no less than she deserves.

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!