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.



Nikki & Brie Bella vs. Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan

The Bellas are back in action, and they are....about the same. Solid performers, if a little unspectacular, but more than capable of working a crowd through sheer charisma. There was only one moment of noticeable ring rust from Brie, what looked like a suicide dive aborted halfway through, but other than that, the Bellas performed well.

After a fairly even match, Nikki hit Liv with a Rack Attack 2.0 for the pinfall victory.

It's been so long since the Bellas have been a regular fixture on Raw that I felt a little surreal while watching them. Hopefully, their presence can incentivize WWE to invest more time and stakes into their non-titleholders in the leadup to Evolution.

Winners: Nikki & Brie Bella
Rating: 3/5

Alexa Bliss vs. Natalya

Alexa Bliss roasted her home city, which was lovely to see, before taking on WWE's resident cat woman Natalya.

Following interference from Alicia Fox and Mickie James, Alexa Bliss hit Nattie with a DDT before locking in a cross armbar, all while staring down Nattie's good friend Ronda Rousey. Nattie tapped, and Bliss tried to blindside Rousey while she checked on her friend. Rousey then ran her off.

Winner: Alexa Bliss
Rating: 3/5



Naomi vs. Peyton Royce

It didn't take long for the former champ to assert her will over one half of the IIconic Duo, pinning Royce with a slingshot sunset flip.

After the match, the Duo tried to beat Naomi down, but Asuka emerged to make the save.

Elsewhere, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch argued via Skype, essentially, and Becky still somehow managed to make the segment awesome.

Winner: Naomi
Rating: 2/5



Tessa Blanchard vs. Su Yung (Knockouts Championship match)

Su Yung emerged alone: no bridesmaids, no coffin. She and Blanchard wrestled a very exciting match, featuringa stunning second rope DDT from Blanchard and an impressive run from Yung, who nearly hit her finisher before Blanchard hit her Buzzsaw DDT for the pinfall, retaining her title.

After, Yung's bridesmaids emerged, and she hit a Panic Switch on Blanchard, draping the title over her before Impact very stupidly cut to break. I'm very unsure of what exactly went down after this. So...good.

Winner: Tessa Blanchard
Rating: 3.5/5



Catrina vs. Melissa Santos

This wasn't a match so much as a well-lit brawl in a warehouse, but man, I loved this nonsense. Catrina dumped Mil Muertes, but then Santos walked right up to her, and they fought. Once their fight made it to a roof, Catrina began choking Santos with a necklace, but then Mil Muertes emerged, and promptly PUSHED HER OFF OF THE ROOF.

WHAT.

Catrina fell to her death, and we see a clip showing her taking Fenix's life force. As she died, he woke, and though it will be a while before he is himself again...

HE LIVES! Melissa Santos has her man back!

Winner: Love. And Melissa Santos.
Rating: 4/5



Tegan Nox vs. Zatara

Tegan Nox has a bright future, injuries be damned. Though I spent this entire match slightly angsty because I know she's injured in the next round, I loved watching her work. She's so easy to love, and had great chemistry with Zatara from the go. She picked up the pinfall victory with, and I love saying her finisher, the SHINEST Wizard.

God, I love her.

Winner: Tegan Nox
Rating: 3/5

MJ Jenkins vs. Rhea Ripley

All of the enthusiasm in the world couldn't give Jenkins enough of an advantage over the new and improved Rhea Ripley, who has adopted a vicious heel personality complete with leather and a new haircut. I love it. This new attitude fits perfectly, with her bruising, strength-based style.

Winner: Rhea Ripley
Rating: 3/5

Vanessa Kraven vs. Lacey Lane

Lane survived a whirlwind of offense from Kraven, including her wonderfully-executed Black Hole Slam, hitting her crucifix driver for the pinfall victory.

The smaller Lane was an obvious underdog, but she performed spectacularly. She was fun to watch and has a very memorable look. I'm excited to see how far she goes.

Winner: Lacey Lane
Rating: 2.5/5

Meiko Satomura vs. Killer Kelly

Seeing Meiko Satomura in a WWE ring is absolutely surreal. This Japanese legend more than lived up to the hype, facing off against Portuguese brawler Killer Kelly. It's a shame one of them had to be eliminated so early, but man, what a fun match. Satomura's athleticism remains to die for, and her charisma is undeniable.

Satomura pinned Kelly with a Death Valley Driver, ending one of the best matches of the night by far.

Winner: Meiko Satomura
Rating: 4/5



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

SHINE

Match: Mercedes Martinez vs. Allysin Kay (SHINE Championship match)
Winner: Allysin Kay

STARDOM

Match: Kagetsu vs. Jungle Kyona
Winner: DRAW

Pro-Wrestling: EVE

Match: Kris Wolf vs. Bea Priestley
Winner: Kris Wolf


This was a close tie with Lucha Underground's deadly warehouse brawl, but this match was spectacular without any clever editing, so I gave it the edge. What a thrilling bout between two legends on the independent circuit.


No injury will keep Tegan Nox down forever. She's too determined, too good and the world knows it. Keep your head up. I can't wait for her to be back and tearing it up once more.

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!