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 GFW's Knockouts, Lucha Underground's luchadoras, and even a glimpse at the women on the independent circuit.



Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax

The former besties faced off in what was essentially an extended, more violent version of cat-and-mouse. Jax was on the offensive from the start, charging Bliss, who would instantly retreat in terror. Her running game was cut off by Sasha Banks, who all but delivered her to Jax's doorstep. Jax took the victory with a Samoan Drop.

After the match, Banks went in for the jump on Jax, but was quickly overpowered until Bayley came running out. She, Bliss and Banks teamed up on Jax and forced her out of the ring. Bayley and Banks celebrated together, and Bliss tried getting in on the love but Bayley planted her with a Bayley-to-Belly.

Bringing Bayley back is honestly a pay-per-view thing, but I get it. San Jose is her hometown, so it's probably the only place she wasn't going to get booed. Here's what I don't understand, though: Bayley got over as a babyface underdog in NXT. She scrapped and clawed her way to the top, and the emotional payoff was incredible. So why just stick her into the title match? Yes, she is technically owed a title shot, but really? A five-woman match? Just give us a singles feud!

Counting down the days till Asuka...

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 2.5/5



Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Naomi vs. Tamina

Charlotte returned earlier int he night to cut an emotional promo about never taking life for granted, which was then interrupted by Natalya, who basically proclaimed herself a representative for all women and the greatest ever. Charlotte then challenged her for her championship, and then every other woman on the roster proceeded to come out to lay claim to it as well. But because this isn't Raw, a match between Charlotte, Becky, Tamina and Naomi was made to determine a SINGLE challenger for Hell in a Cell! What a novel concept!

Tamina took control of the match early on, but the three babyfaces soon teamed up on her and took her out of the equation.Naomi and Charlotte faced off in a flurry of athletic strikes, but Lynch burst in with an armbar and almost stole the match then and there. Charlotte hit a moonsault on the two, and Tamina made a comeback, but it wasn't enough as Charlotte won a shot at more gold with a big boot to Tamina.

Just one word: FINALLY!

Winner: Charlotte Flair
Rating: 3.5/5



Bianca Belair vs. Lacey Evans

First things first, I like military green Lacey Evans far more than red, white and blue Lacey Evans. Now, onto the match. Belair looked every bit the dominant athlete that she is, keeping even the most energetic offensive comeback from Evans under control before hitting the loudest hair whip known to mankind and a reverse powerbomb.

This was a fairly short match, but its message was loud and clear: Bianca Belair isn't here to play games. She's here to hurt people.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2/5

Lucha Underground

Melissa Santos & Fenix vs. Mariposa & Marty the Moth

OOOooooooh my. Oh my. Oh MY. Melissa Santos and Fenix have some CHEMISTRY. Good Lord, that training session that kicked off this week's Lucha Underground was STEAMY. Anyways, Santos wanted to see Fenix without his mask but he refused, and then they kissed. It was quite dramatic.

Melissa Santos, after over a year of creepy harassment from Marty the Moth, finally took him on in her in-ring debut with her scrumptious Fenix by her side. Marty, of course, was accompanied by our queen and savior Mariposa. The match was a blast from start to finish, as most Lucha Underground matches are. Santos was impressive, and Fenix helped her through some very hard spots. She strikes well, and even when her emotions forced her to eat the pin, she looked like a hero.

Welcome to the ring, Ms. Santos! It suits you.

Winners: Mariposa & Marty the Moth

Rating: 3.5/5

Taya Valkyrie vs. Ava Storie

Taya Valkyrie destroyed Ava Storie, but that's not what we're really here to talk about. We're here to gush about Rosemary's incredible callout of Valkyrie demanding a title shot, their subsequent brawl, Sienna involving herself on Valkyrie's behalf, Allie coming to help Rosemary, Taryn coming to help Taya and Sienna and then Gail Kim ending it all with her arrival.

Backstage, the babyfaces all planned their next moves in a truly hilarious segment that showed just how diverse GFW's women are in terms of character. The heels, meanwhile, are most certainly not on the same page, but they did get Karen Jarrett to agree to a three-on-three match for next week's not-a-pay-per-view.

Winner: Taya Valkyrie
Rating: 1/5




This section includes recaps of matches from around the world in various lesser-known independent promotions throughout the week.

NOVA Pro Wrestling

Match: Allie Kat vs. Jordynne Gracr
Winner: Jordynne Grace

Southern Hemisphere Wrestling Alliance

Match: Roxy Ryot vs. Kyle
Winner: Roxy Ryot

Freelance Wrestling

Match: Su Yung vs. Kylie Rae vs. Akane Fujita (Fest Wrestling Championship match)
Winner: Su Yung



SmackDown's women have been killing the game, and this week, they were the rightful main event of SmackDown. Their match was quick-paced, physical, and a creative way to further along nearly every character in the women's division.


Who else could this possibly be? Our favorite ring announcer made the leap to the squared circle in truly glorious fashion and showed that not only can she go in the ring, she can tell a damn good story too.

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! Also, come back next week for a full breakdown of the Mae Young Classic's first round of episodes and matches.