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
Rhea Ripley vs Nikki Cross
I honestly found this to be an inoffensive use of the Raw Women's Champion. I'm a sucker for arrogance in the ring, therefore Rhea Ripley failing to defeat Nikki Cross in under two minutes was fun. At least it seems for one week only that WWE have a direction for Cross.
Winner: Nikki Cross
Rating: 2/5
Asuka vs Charlotte Flair
These two women can simply do no wrong. This may have been the typical match between The Empress and The Queen, but that is high praise. Charlotte was able to counter an Asuka Lock into a successful pinfall, underlining just why she is facing Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship at Hell in a Cell.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 4/5
Natalya & Tamina vs Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler
This was a piss poor match that led to a terrible angle to end the show. Just get rid of Reginald from the equation!
Winner: Natalya & Tamina
Rating: 1/5
AEW Dark: Elevation
Abadon vs Leila Grey
Such a fun squash. As much as I long for more lengthy Abadon matches, I cannot deny her such dominant performances.
Winner: Abadon
Rating: 2.5/5
Thunder Rosa vs Ashley D’Amboise
Squash City!
Winner: Thunder Rosa
Rating: 2/5
Nyla Rose vs Robyn Renegade
Squash City!
Winner: Nyla Rose
Rating: 2/5
Tay Conti vs Queen Aminata
Squash City!
Winner: Tay Conti
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT
Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon vs Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
I'm conflicted with the result for this match, as Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez shouldn't really be losing matches at the moment. Thankfully, it was a strong match, with all four women working hard to show why they are four of the best in NXT.
Winner: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon
Rating: 3/5
Mercedes Martinez vs Zayda Ramier
Zayda Ramier worked hard to evidence that she is on Mercedes Martinez's level, and for the most part, she succeeded. However, the contest was just a little bland for my tastes.
Winner: Mercedes Martinez
Rating: 2/5
Franky Monet vs Cora Jade
A perfect squash to set up Franky Monet well for her sojourn in NXT.
Winner: Franky Monet
Rating: 2.5/5
AEW Dark
Leyla Hirsch vs Vertvixen
Squash City!
Winner: Leyla Hirsch
Rating: 2.5/5
Diamante vs Reka Tehaka
Squash City!
Winner: Diamante
Rating: 2/5
Julia Hart vs Tesha Price
Considering this was Julia Hart's first AEW victory, I was suitably impressed how well the match came across. Here's hoping this is just the springboard she needs to become a success.
Winner: Julia Hart
Rating: 3/5
AEW Friday Night Dynamite
Jade Cargill vs Kilynn King
Squash City!
Winner: Jade Cargill
Rating: 2/5
Impact Wrestling
Fire 'N’ Flava, Deonna Purrazzo, Susan, & Kimber Lee vs Rosemary, Havok. Rachael Ellering, Tenille Dashwood, & Jordynne Grace
Chaos. But genuinely exciting chaos. It was great to finally see a multi Knockout's tag match that didn't drag on. Good effort all round.
Winner: Rosemary, Havok. Rachael Ellering, Tenille Dashwood, & Jordynne Grace
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT UK
There were no women's matches on NXT UK this week.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Natalya & Tamina vs The Riott Squad
Inconsequential. Which is a crying shame for The Riott Squad.
Winner: Natalya & Tamina
Rating: 1.5/5
Bianca Belair vs Carmella
I was pleasantly surprised by how fun this match was. Carmella played up to her heel character well, whilst Bianca Belair was impressive once again. The only issue was the presence of Bayley, who feels like a huge detriment to the show at the moment.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5
AEW Double or Nothing 2021
Hikaru Shida vs Britt Baker
It is a real shame that the majority of Hikaru Shida's reign has been spent without starring in front of a huge crowd, but she at least showed why she has been so strong as AEW Women's Champion in a losing effort to Britt Baker. The DMD of AEW was not to be denied, finally fullfilling her quest to win the big one. The action was high octane, leaving fans in awe at the battle they were witnessing.
Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 4/5
Serena Deeb vs Riho
As the buy in match for Double or Nothing, I feel both women put on a stellar effort to show how strong the show would be. Serena Deeb once again proved why she is a strong NWA Women's Champion.
Winner: Serena Deeb
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Asuka vs Charlotte Flair
These two can seemingly do no wrong when competing against each other.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Hikaru Shida
Spanish commentary controversy aside, Hikaru Shida had a strong week. Bringing out the best in Britt Baker was a great way to end her AEW Women's Championship reign.
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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