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



Asuka vs. Nia Jax

Hey, remember that time Asuka defeated Nia Jax at NXT TakeOver: The End? How about that time she beat her for the NXT Women's Championship in Japan? No? That's fine, here's a video:


Here's another:


Catch my drift? Commentary hyped this match like no one has ever seen it before. Which is fair for casual fans, but is it too much to ask that WWE acknowledge, even for casual fans,t he fact that NXT exists? Fans aren't stupid. We can handle there being backstory or past precedent.

The match itself featured displays of strength and resiliency from both women, but Asuka was clearly having to exert herself more than usual, which was fine, considering how strong Nia Jax has been built against anyone not named Sasha Banks. Asuka's winning streak continued when Nia Jax's knee was busted on steps and she could no longer continue. By any means necessary, I suppose.

One more week before the Royal Rumble! And Raw 25 this Monday! There's a lot to look forward to!

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 3/5

Sasha Banks vs. Sonya Deville

Banks immediately went for the Banks Statement, but Deville had her scouted out and layeth the smacketh down on the self-proclaimed boss, so to speak. Banks staged a fiery comeback, but in the end Deville came away with the victory after landing a vicious kick to Banks' ribs.

Still no word from WWE on Paige's condition.

Winner: Sonya Deville
Rating: 2/5



Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, & Naomi vs. Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, & Sarah Logan

I feel like at this point, WWE just presses a randomizer button and decides which of these six will be wrestling this week. And for this episode of SmackDown, we got everyone! Dilly dilly!

I've covered this match so many times that I truly have no idea what I could possibly say about it that I haven't said already. The babyfaces showed grit! The Riott Squad works well together! Charlotte is a goddess and we should all bask in her glory (sorry Keith Lee)! But good lord, some story other than this faction-ish warfare would just be....great.

Liv Morgan won for the Riott Squad with an inverted codebreaker, which looks fantastic, by the way. You do you Liv.

Winners: Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, & Sarah Logan
Rating: 3/5



Lacey Evans vs. Aliyah

Evans handily defeated Aliyah before quickly proclaiming that NXT needed to be cleaned up by a lady like her, but backed away the second Shayna Baszler arrived. Baszler locked her rear naked choke on Aliyah before Ember Moon arrived to chase her off. An infuriated Moon challenges Shayna to fight her then and there, but Baszler refuses, instead suggesting they battle for Moon's title in Philadelphia.

Shayna's push has been a blast so far, and she is a wonderful opponent for Ember Moon to face. She's red-hot right now, and a rivalry between the former Shimmer stars is absolutely fantastic for business.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 2/5

GFW Impact Wrestling

Rosemary vs. KC Spinelli

When is the last time anyone saw KC Spinelli win a match? Anyone know? No? Just me? Hm, yikes.

After Rosemary decimated Spinelli, she told the crowd that her eyes were on the Knockouts Championship, recently vacated (?) her title once leaving Impact. Afterwards, however, she was ambushed by the debuting Hania in a wonderfully brutal attack. Don't get too used to her, however. She left the company this week.

Winner: Rosemary

Rating: 2/5

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

PROGRESS

Match: Charli Evans & Millie McKenzie vs. Bea Priestley & Nina Samuels
Winner:Charli Evans & Millie McKenzie

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Match: Miyu Yamashita & Shoko Nakajima vs. Nonoko & Yuna Manase
Winner:Miyu Yamashita & Shoko Nakajima

STARDOM

Match: Mayu Iwatani vs. Rachael Ellering
Winner: Mayu Iwatani


I'll be honest; there wasn't much to talk about this week, but in terms of overall coolness, I must go with Asuka vs. Nia Jax round three. It's still strange seeing Asuka looking desperate in the slightest, but hey, I'll roll with it. She and Jax have fun chemistry and they'll both have a LOT to do int he Rumble.


It's finally happened. The intergender wrestling hero, the "cute" in the World's Cutest Tag Team, the hero we all don't deserve but are getting anyways is finally fulfilling her dream as a WWE Superstar. Welcome to WWE, Candice! We're lucky to have you!

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!