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.



Nikki Cross vs Lacey Evans vs Peyton Royce vs Lana

The final spot on Raw's women's Survivor Series team was up for grabs, and despite being the weakest wrestler in the match, Lana was able to steal the victory. It made no sense from an in ring perspective to have Lana win, but at least it was entertaining to see her once again slammed through the announce table.

Winner: Lana
Rating: 1/5



Bianca Belair vs Billie Kay vs Natalya

This match determined who would qualify for the SmackDown women's Survivor Series team, therefore Bianca Belair had to be considered the favourite.

All three women put on a solid match, with Belair standing head and shoulders above Natalya and Billie Kay. Natalya looked reasonably strong, whilst Kay didn't look as ineffective as I assumed she would do. Belair was able to hit a strong KOD on Kay, securing the pinfall victory.

This was fun, and although it didn't break new ground, Belair continues to look like a genuine threat within SmackDown's women's division.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5



Rhea Ripley vs Raquel Gonzalez

Raquel Gonzalez has been threatening to break out into a genuine star for NXT, which means this week's fabulous performance serves as her true coming out party. She dominated large stretches of this match, whilst also showing how developed her skills are becoming.

Rhea Ripley was not to be outclassed, however, managing to topple Gonzalez with a Riptide to secure the pinfall victory. This was a solid and enjoyable match, one which also benefitted from a strong storyline. Overall, this was a huge success for NXT.

Winner: Rhea Ripley
Rating: 4/5


Io Shirai vs Candice LeRae

In this NXT Women's Championship match, Io Shirai and Candie LeRae would battle within the confines of Tables, Ladders and Scares. Despite the campy name, this was a stunning contest in which Shirai and LeRae once again showed how developed their battles are against each other.

LeRae came ever so close to finally capturing the NXT Women's Championship, but Shirai was not to be denied. Shirai managed to send LeRae through a ladder on the outside in an absolutely brutal spot, allowing her to pull down her title. I cannot explain just how good this match was, especially considering how well the Tables, Ladders and Scares stipulation was used. This was truly a deserved main event to NXT Halloween Havoc.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5



Aoife Valkyrie vs Dani Luna

Once again, it was a disappointing women's match this week on NXT UK. Neither Aoife Valkyrie and Dani Luna pose much of a threat within NXT UK's women's division, and this feeling manifested into a match that felt largely ineffective and bland.

Both women tried hard to control the match, but it was Valkyrie who managed to come out on top, hitting a Flying Scissors Kick for the pinfall victory. The match wasn't too bad, but it could have been so much better.

Winner: Aoife Valkyrie
Rating: 2/5



Serena Deeb vs Leyla Hirsch

Serena Deeb defended her NWA Women's Championship against Leyla Hirsch, with Hirsch showing just how talented she is as a wrestler. Deeb is undoubtedly one of the stars of AEW's women's division, but it is also clear that Hirsch has some potential to be a star in her own right.

Deeb and Hirsch shared control of the match, but a missed Moonsault by the challenger allowed Deeb to lock in the arms of Hirsch to secure a submission victory. Certainly a better performance than recent AEW women's matches, this was a fun match to have on the show. It is also pertinent to note that this match replaced the Tay Conti vs Abadon match, in which Abadon sustained a reported neck injury.

Winner: Serena Deeb
Rating: 3/5



Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan vs Jordynne Grace & Alisha

This was a very by the numbers match, with both teams looking good, but not exactly looking great. The storyline emphasis on the lack of experience between Jordynne Grace and Alisha was interesting, but it could have been developed further. Tasha Steelz stole the victory with a roll up, but I am not clamouring for a rematch anytime soon.

Winner: Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan
Rating: 2/5



This was a solid and exciting match to further highlight how talented both women are. Io Shirai continues to be the best performer in WWE, whilst Candice LeRae further enhanced her own growing reputation.


This week marked Raquel Gonzalez's true coming out party. She dominated Rhea Ripley, whilst also displaying how much she has improved in the ring. I cannot praise her enough for her performance this week, and hopefully it will lead to a match against Io Shairai in the coming months.

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!