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.



Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Lana (SmackDown Women's Championship No. 1 Contender's match)

The general consensus of Battleground was that it was awful and quite possibly the worst pay-per-view of 2017 so far. And as much as I dislike being overly negative, I'm inclined to agree. The women put on a perfectly acceptable match that accomplished what it needed, but not much else. And that isn't a criticism of the women, so to speak.

Natalya emerged victorious, but unfortunately, her victory was far from the most interesting wrinkle in the story of SmackDown's women's division. Tamina took a fall because of protecting Lana, who did not last much longer than she did in the match. Charlotte and Becky both looked fantastic. And Natalya was...there. Now, Natalya is a fantastic wrestler. She's crisp and her strikes are great, and she grasps how to put together a good match. But her story, her character, has been virtually nonexistent. And it really hurts her. She has no character other than being a Hart, and because of that her promos are the same thing week in and week out. She is better than that.

Despite my misgivings, Natalya is probably the only choice other than Lana or Tamina who could be booed against Naomi at SummerSlam. Even if Charlotte turned heel, she would be cheered. I'll let the story develop before I pass any more judgment on it.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2.5/5



Nia Jax vs. Emma

Emma's social media crusade to get some airtime on Raw resulted in her being thrown to the beast herself, Nia Jax. She attacked, showing her signature aggression, but Jax was, well, Jax, and had her pinned in no time.

I've said it so many times, but I much prefer multiple singles matches to a single tag match. It puts talent like Emma on television (more of her, please) and establishes Jax more solidly than a limited performance in a tag match not about her.

Winner: Nia Jax

Rating: 1.5/5

Bayley vs. Sasha Banks (Raw Women's Championship No. 1 Contender's match)

Sasha Banks and Bayley are a match made in wrestling heaven. Their in-ring chemistry shines through when they wrestle each other more than any time they tag together. Banks' fearless physicality and Bayley's heart and grit work magic, and Monday's match was no exception. While it wasn't on the level of any of their title matches by any means, both women brought their game in a match that was a highlight of Raw.

Bayley took the victory with a lateral press, which was a surprise to many fans, who expected Banks' rivalry with Alexa Bliss to continue to SummerSlam. However, I think Bayley is a wise choice, if she either wins the belt or looks ready to win it but is foiled by Nia Jax or Sasha Banks. WWE must begin repairing the damage they did to Bayley's character and credibility both, and a title program might be just what the doctor ordered.

Winner: Bayley

Rating: 3.5/5



Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch vs. Lana & Tamina

It seems that even Tamina has her limits.

She and Lana faced Lynch and Flair in a match that did a surprising amount to highlight Tamina's ferocity and strength. It was Lana who ate the pin, falling to a mere big boot from Charlotte.

Tamina was infuriated with Lana for allowing herself to be pinned, and it was the most interested I've been in Tamina in a very, very long time. She looked like a monster unhinged, a rabid dog finally let off a leash, and she didn't even attack Lana! It was fascinating and an interesting storyline to follow.

Winner: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch
Rating: 3.5/5



Sienna vs. Rosemary (Last KO Standing title match)

When Impact is bad, it's awful.

But when it's good, it can usually be attributed to giving its women the opportunity to showcase their physicality and skill at character work.

Rosemary has taken her dedication to a truly odd character and turned herself into one of the most fully realized, unique characters on GFW's entire roster. Her physicality and rawness were perfectly suited to both Sienna's brawling style and a Last Knockout Standing match. She and Sienna put on a truly enjoyable battle, full of thrilling spots that did wonders for both women. Sienna, though she only won with help from KM, looked like a complete badass, surviving a wicked Red Wedding to a chair and delivering an equally stunning AK47 to the ground.

Sienna and Rosemary are the kind of characters a division thrives on. I look forward to seeing where both women go next.

Winner: Sienna
Rating: 4/5



Ember Moon vs. Lei'D Tapa

The Eclipse and a few kicks downed the former Knockout, and Ember Moon followed her swift victory with a deliciously hungry promo declaring herself the competition Asuka so desired.

Ember Moon has wisely strayed from being just a mysterious, mystical character, and embraced the wolfish aspect of her character. Her ferocity and eagerness to fight are what makes her exciting. Clearly written characters get over, mysteries are a nuisance more often than not.

The promo was enthralling, and Moon's intensity was electric. She's destined to be Asuka's next challenger in Brooklyn, and that thrilling match cannot come soon enough.

Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 2/5



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

OVW

Match: Jessie Belle vs. Jaylee
Winner: Jessie Belle

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Match: Yuka Sakazaki & Yuu vs. Nodoka-Oneesan & Shoko Nakajima
Winner: Yuka Sakazaki & Yuu

STARDOM

Match: Mayu Iwatani vs. Viper
Winner: Mayu Iwatani


What else can be said? This match had blood and guts and intensity, and made both women look like absolute beasts. There's no other match that can beat this match this week on television.


Though she won by shady means, Sienna looked dominant and as on top of the game as she's ever looked, and her grasp on her title remains firm as ever.

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!