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.



Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke

The Women's Tag Team Championship was on the line in this match, however Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler never looked like losing their hard earned titles once.

It is not churlish to suggest that Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke should be nowhere near the belts, but the sad state of affairs within the women's tag team division means they are actually some of the most viable challengers. Jax and Baszler put them away with ease as Baszler made Brooke tap to the Kirifuda Clutch.

This was an average match, but the overwhelming feeling I had was of sadness. Baszler deserves much better than this.

Winner: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler
Rating: 2.5/5


Nia Jax vs Lana

I can honestly say this match was enjoyable, but only due to the beating Lana took. It was strangely satisfying to witness Jax destroy her, but I would not subscribe to this every week. Here's hoping WWE choose to move away from this awful Lana storyline soon.

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 2.5/5



Sasha Banks vs Bayley

This was a fabulous SmackDown Women's Championship match, with the spectre of Sasha Banks and her previous failed defences hanging over the match.

Both Banks and Bayley put on a solid match, with Bayley coming close to victory after a very tight near fall following a Bayley to Belly. Banks was not to be denied though, securing the victory with a Banks Statement.
Whilst understandably a step below their Hell in a Cell match, this was thoroughly enjoyable. Banks can now rest easy knowing she remains Champion, although it appears a reinvigorated Carmella will be her next opponent.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 4/5


Natalya vs Ruby Riott vs Zelina Vega

The winner of this match would qualify for the women's SmackDown Survivor Series team. All three women put in a strong effort, with a fresh haircut proving to be the perfect tonic for Ruby Riott.

The double submission finish by Riott and Natalya on Zelina Vega was creative, and I'm glad to see Riott win to qualify. Overall, this was a fair and entertaining match.

Winner: Ruby Riott
Rating: 2.5/5



Dakota Kai vs Ember Moon

I absolutely loved this match. Ember Moon has been on a roll since she returned to NXT, but Dakota Kai is one of the stars of the women's division, therefore the anticipation for this match was palpable.

Both women put on a great match, dominating periods of the contest. Moon looked to have finally rid herself of any lingering ring rust, whilst Kai was as smooth as ever. A Raquel Gonzalez distraction allowed Kai to hit the Go to Kick for the pinfall victory.

This was definitely another slice of heaven from NXT's women's division. Most matches currently hit the spot perfectly, and either Moon or Kai could comfortably face Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship. This was a fantastic match, and I hope we get a rematch soon.

Winner: Dakota Kai
Rating: 3.5/5


Toni Storm vs Shotzi Blackheart

This was a fast and exciting match that allowed Toni Storm to gain some real momentum. Once again, Shotzi Blackheart was able to demonstrate how talented she is, therefore even in defeat, she looks a step ahead of most of the women's division.

Candice LeRae distracted Blackheart to allow Storm to capitalise, pinning her to secure victory. I'm happy that LeRae vs Blackheart will continue, although I'm anxious that Blackheart needs to come out on top. This was a solid match, with the distraction finish working well.

Winner: Toni Storm
Rating: 3/5



Jinny vs Aleah James

This was Aleah James' debut in WWE, but unfortunately it was not a debut that resonated well with me. Jinny won easily, securing the pinfall victory with a Ripcord Koppo Kick. Jinny looked ok, but James didn't really make much of an impression.

Winner: Jinny
Rating: 2/5


Nyla Rose vs Red Velvet

This was a squash, plain and simple. Nyla Rose needed some momentum going into Full Gear, which was certainly achieved here as she won swiftly with a Beast Bomb.

The issue I have is how insipid and turgid the post match ruckus was with Hikaru Shida. It was simply embarrassing and hard to watch, and it made my excitement for their encounter dissipate.

Winner: Nyla Rose
Rating: 2/5



Su Yung vs Deonna Purrazzo

This was Deonna Purrazzo's rematch for the Knockout's Championship, however it was insulting that both women were only given four minutes to work with. If that wasn't bad enough, the disqualification finish was just insulting. This was certainly one of the more boneheaded decisions that Impact Wrestling could have done without.

Winner: Deonna Purrazzo (via DQ)
Rating: 1/5



Serena Deeb vs Allysin Kay

Serena Deeb's newly won NWA Women's Championship was on the line in the kick off match for Full Gear, with Allysin Kay competing in her biggest match to date.

Both women had opportunities to showcase their skills, with Deeb undoubtedly looking the stronger of the two. She eventually defeated Kay with a Serenity Lock for the submission victory.

It was a fine match, but it didn't really excite me, therefore people who were on the fence about buying Full Gear may have been unconvinced.

Winner: Serena Deeb
Rating: 2.5/5

Hikaru Shida vs Nyla Rose

The build to this match had been extremely lacklustre, and this sentiment threatened to bleed into the match itself.

Thankfully, both women put on a fantastic contest. Nyla Rose regained the aura of dominance that she lost when she was relieved of the AEW Women's Championship, whilst Hikaru Shida put in her best performance for quite a while. Rose helped to put over Shida as a dominant star, suffering numerous stiff Running Knees to give Shida the pinfall victory.

This was a fantastic match, and hopefully AEW continue to put on more matches like this to truly establish the women's division as a viable option to NXT's offering.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 3.5/5


This match was proof that Sasha Banks and Bayley are capable of magic. The storyline surrounding the match was perfect, with the in ring action matching it in fabulous fashion.


Sasha Banks finally got rid of the monkey on her back by finally defending a title. Not only did she win, but she looked magnificent in doing so.

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!