Women's Wrestling Weekly Recap & Review #211 | Smark Out Moment

Women's Wrestling Weekly Recap & Review #211

Posted by Gabby Velasquez Tuesday, December 18, 2018
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.

Sorry that this week's article is a bit late! I was forced to rely on hotel wifi this weekend as I was traveling, and it was no bueno. So, to make it up to you, I've included a review of this week's TLC action and my hopes for the road to the Royal Rumble! Now, onto the action!

logo for Divas Debrief Women Wrestlers weekly rundown

WWE Monday Night Raw

Bayley vs. Alicia Fox

Before this match, Natalya was once more antagonized over her father's death by the Riott Squad, and it's all pretty awkward.

Now, onto the match where half of it isn't even going to have a match at TLC! Just lovely! I can barely keep track of the partners in the Mixed Match Challenge. I'm not sure why Apollo Crews is replacing Finn Balor, but at this point I don't really care. This match involved a sufficient amount of shenanigans from Jinder Mahal and Apollo Crews and a Northern Lights Suplex before Bayley put it away with a Bayley-to-Belly.

Winner: Bayley
Rating: 2/5

Ember Moon vs. Tamina

Because WWE doesn't know how to harness strengths and cover weaknesses, we got a war of words from Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey, which was as uninspiringly bad as one might expect. If I hear the word "face" from her one more time, I might throw my television out a window.

Now, onto the match this all preceded. This was fairly decent as far as I'm concerned. Ember Moon has gotten pretty good at playing a babyface in peril right before making herself look like a total badass as soon as her strikes start to land. Ronda Rousey ran interference to keep Jax from interfering herself, which allowed Ember Moon to land the Eclipse for the victory.

First of all, thank goodness. As you all know, I have little patience for someone at Ember Moon's skill level being used as a pawn in another feud, but this was at least a dub for her. Here's hoping for a monster performance by Moon at the Rumble– she deserves it.

Winner: Ember Moon
Rating: 2.5/5


WWE SmackDown

Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

This match was great at Mania, and Tuesday night's rematch was exactly what it needed to be: a physical battle of wills and braun between two legitimate badasses. Asuka and Charlotte went hard the entire match, but the ending sequences really made it spectacular. Let me break it down for you:

Moonsault by Charlotte nearly reversed, so Charlotte lands on her feet like some sort of cat. She goes for a figure four, but Asuka locks in the Asuka Lock instead. Charlotte rolls out of the ring and slams Asuka with a kendo stick, disqualifying herself. But hey, I bet she felt good on the inside.

Becky Lynch joined in the brawl, but it was Asuka who came out victorious, standing on the announce table with her kendo stick in hand to close SmackDown.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 4/5


Impact Wrestling

Jordynne Grace vs. Ruby Raze

Tessa Blanchard and Taya Valkyrie exchanged some harsh words before their upcoming Homecoming match, and it was revealed none other than Gail Kim would be the guest referee. Tessa Blanchard stole this segment, countering Taya's accusation that she didn't know how to be a champion with a wild insult of her own that probably hurt Johnny Impact/Mundo/whatever just as badly. These two continue to electrify Impact with their chemistry, and I cannot wait to see what they do at Homecoming.

Now, onto the match! I like that they had Grace face someone who had a size and strength advantage over her, because it gave her the chance to really make an impact (I'm so sorry) by demonstrating her grit and athleticism. She managed to fend of Raze's offense and interference from Katarina to pick up her most impressive win yet. I'm not surprised, but I am excited to see how well she's performing.

Winner: Jordynne Grace
Rating: 3/5


WWE NXT

Mia Yim vs. Reina Gonzalez

Mia Yim may have been an underdog size-wise against Gonzalez, but her grit and technical prowess ensured that she earned a spot in the No. 1 Contender's Fatal Four Way (what a mouthful, eh?). The Seoul Food continues to look phenomenal, and I wouldn't count Yim out in that contender's match. She's an exciting prospect for NXT and is ready to be utilized.

Winner: Mia Yim
Rating: 2.5/5


WWE Tables, Ladders and Chairs

Carmella & R-Truth vs. Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal

Ah yes, this is clearly the most thrilling possible finals WWE could have concocted, right? Remember how Bayley, Ember Moon and Sasha Banks are just... not on this card? Fun stuff.

My bitterness aside, it was a fun match, and just as ridiculous as it needed to be. Carmella and Truth won, and I promise you that Truth will either enter the wrong Rumble, or not enter at 30, because he is who he is. Carmella, a former champion, is an interesting wild card for the Rumble. I hope WWE capitalizes on whatever amount of momentum she has to fill their midcard.

Winners: Carmella & R-Truth
Rating: 2.5/5

Natalya vs. Ruby Riott (Tables match)

I really wish I was more into this match than I was, but a part of me still felt woozy about involving Nattie's dad, even if she's okay with it. Just feels awkward. That said, this match was very good and the entire Riott Squad took some wild bumps. Kudos to them for a great showing. In the end, Natalya came out victorious, and looks to be on the road to larger things.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 3/5

Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax (Raw Women's Championship match)

I saw a lot of talk on Twitter arguing over who carried who in this match, but does it really matter? Itw as exactly what a clash between these two needed to be: short, dynamic and fun. Short matches hide Jax's weaknesses by letting her go full monster mode, and it also lets Rousey channel that chaotic attack energy she had as an MMA fighter. Fun match all-around, and it's right that Rousey retained with her armbar.

Winner: Ronda Rousey
Rating: 3.5/5

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka (SmackDown Women's Championship Tables, Ladders & Chairs match)

First off, Becky Lynch clocked Nia Jax backstage, so blessings abound.

So, I have no idea how to start off the review of this match without blurting out that this could very well be the match of the year for WWE, or at least be up there in the elite echelon. It was physical. It told stories. It advanced all three women's characters. And the ending was a phenomenal surprise.

Where do we even begin? Charlotte moonsaulted out of the ring to plant Asuka. Becky Lynch hit a leg drop off a ladder to slam Charlotte through an announce table. Charlotte speared Asuka so hard through a barricade that it LITERALLY broke! The match ended with Flair and Lynch both atop the ladder, desperately reaching for the title belt that hung atop it. But then Ronda Rousey emerged, knocking the two off the ladder in a magnificent act of sweet, sweet revenge! Asuka rose and ascended the ladder...

...AND FINALLY CLAIMED THE SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP! THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, ASUKA IS CHAMPION!

Winner: ASUKA!!!
Rating: 5/5


International Corner:

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

EVOLVE

Match: Priscilla Kelly vs. Shotzi Blackheart
Winner: Priscilla Kelly

STARDOM

Match: Momo Watanabe vs. Natsuko Tora (Wonder of STARDOM Title match)
Winner: Momo Watanabe

SHINE

Match: Allysin Kay vs. Su Yung (SHINE Title match)
Winner: Allysin Kay

Ring of Honor

Match: Kelly Klein vs. Karen Q vs. Madison Rayne vs. Sumie Sakai (Ring of Honor Women's Title match)
Winner: Kelly Klein

MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Becky Lynch vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

Screw the fact that this match was historic. Forget that it was a women's main event. This match was a clinic in brilliant storytelling and creative ingenuity, and I RARELY find myself saying such things in relation to WWE's booking. I don't have enough good things to say about this match or its ending. I'm just... I'm thrilled!

WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
ASUKA

CHAMP! After months of horrendous, disappointing booking, Asuka has risen from the ashes like a damn phoenix to claim the SmackDown Women's Championship in glorious fashion. She is, by far, the only woman I would be happy with dethroning Becky Lynch. Big things are ahead of this phenom. I can't wait to see what comes next!

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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