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.
WWE Monday Night Raw
Charlotte Flair vs Peyton Royce
This match was punctuated by the arrival of Lacey Evans, who was accompanied by Ric Flair. Wearing one of Flair's robes was a tasteless action, and one that actually took away from the quality of this match. Charlotte Flair worked hard, but Peyton Royce offered little to the contest. Flair won by submission after locking in her patented Figure Eight, keeping it locked in after the match to send a message to Evans. This match was ok, but I would have preferred a more competitive outing.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 2/5
Mandy Rose vs Shayna Baszler
This match was all about Shayna Baszler beating the piss out of Mandy Rose, which is exactly how The Queen of Spades should be booked. A Kirifuda Clutch secured the submission victory, providing even more momentum as we head towards the Royal Rumble.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 2/5
Asuka vs Alexa Bliss
As an athletic contest, this was not a fantastic match. However, it fully deserved it's main event slot for featuring the debut of Alexa Bliss' in ring evil counterpart. Similar to how Bray Wyatt can tap into the powers of The Fiend, Bliss can now seemingly transform mid-match into a darker version of herself. A Sister Abigail secured the pinfall victory, however the future looks bright for Bliss. The only negative here was the apparant lack of respect for Asuka, who looked weak by being intimidated by Bliss.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
Rating: 2.5/5
Impact Wrestling
Kimber Lee & Susan vs Jordynne Grace & Jazz
Despite not being an exciting match, the seeds of a heel turn from Jordynne Grace were well and truly sown this week. Susan stole the victory for her team with a rollup, pinning Jazz after Deonna Purrazzo had hit her with the Knockout's Championship. Jazz taking the pinfall is sure to enrage Grace, leading to a split that will hopefully provide us with some exciting encounters.
Winner: Kimber Lee & Susan
Rating: 2/5
AEW Dark
Marti Daniels vs Shanna
The finish to this match was a mess, as Shanna attempted to pin Marti Daniels after a Tiger Suplex, but her shoulders weren't actually down. The spot was repeated, but it didn't look great.
Winner: Shanna
Rating: 1.5/5
Big Swole vs Alex Gracia
Both women looked great here, with Big Swole winning the match after punching Alex Gracia in the face. It is fantastic to see Gracia featured on AEW Dark each and every week as I feel there is some real potential for her to be a star for the company.
Winner: Big Swole
Rating: 2/5
Ivelisse & Diamante vs Tesha Price & Katalina Perez
This was the standard Ivelisse and Diamante tag team match, however that is not to say it is a bad thing. They controlled the match, picking up the victory after Ivelisse kicked Katalina Perez in the face.
Winner: Ivelisse & Diamante
Rating: 2/5
AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite
Penelope Ford vs Leyla Hirsch
Penelope Ford relied on interference from her fiance to win this match, with Kip Sabian holding on to Leyla Hirsch's boot to allow Ford to pin her. This match was yet another example of the fine heel work from Ford and Sabian, whilst also showcasing the clear talent that Hirsch has.
Winner: Penelope Ford
Rating: 2/5
WWE NXT
Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter vs Mercedes Martinez & Toni Storm
This was the first match from the quarter finals of the women's Dusty Rhodes Classic, with both teams determined to put on a strong contest. Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm were the slight favourites for this match, but the more experienced team of Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter managed to upset the applecart.
Catanzaro was able to capitalise on some communication issues between Storm and Martinez, hitting a Corkscrew Splash for the pinfall victory. This was a fine match to kick off the women's Dusty Rhodes Classic, and all four women should be proud of their efforts.
Winner: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT UK
Kay Lee Ray vs Jinny
Kay Lee Ray's NXT UK Women's Championship was on the line here, with Jinny hoping to end the rather dull reign of the Champion. Unfortunately, this match was rather uninspired and mediocre, with Ray taking advantage over confusion with the title to hit a Gory Bomb for the pinfall. The mediocre reign of the Scottish star continues, I'm afraid.
Winner: Kay Lee Ray
Rating: 2/5
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Charlotte Flair & Asuka vs The Riott Squad
Once again, this match seemed designed to simply allow Billie Kay to cost The Riott Squad the match. In a (not so) surprise development, The Riott Squad appeared to have the win secured, only for Kay to inadvertently distract the referee. This led to the Women's Tag Team Champions picking up the victory. Whilst not a bad match, this could have been so much better.
Winner: Charlotte Flair & Asuka
Rating: 2/5
WWE 205 Live
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs Gigi Dolan & Cora Jade
This was unfortunately a very simple and predictable match, with Gigi Dolan and Cora Jade failing to really make an impression. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell progressing was the right choice, but there is no way that they can be considered favourites on this performance alone.
Winner: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell
Rating: 2/5
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Asuka vs Alexa Bliss
It wasn't a great week for women's wrestling, however this match was the best of a bland bunch. In terms of athleticism and in ring quality, this wasn't mind blowing. But as a spectacle, it was the most enjoyable bout of the week.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss' current character may not appeal to everyone, but it cannot be denied that she puts her heart and soul into her performances. Fully embracing the dark side of her character during her match with Asuka was a stroke of genius, and I cannot wait to see if she has a huge impact on the women's Royal Rumble this weekend.
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!
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