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.

It's the last Women's Wrestling of the year, and I'd like to thank everyone who has read this column in what has turned out to be a very active and vibrant year for women's wrestling. I know that sometimes I can sound cynical, but we always critique things we love. The good news is this: women in and out of mainstream wrestling are killing the game. WWE might just be catching up, but progress is progress. Here's to a 2019 where we keep moving forward.



Bayley, Sasha Banks & Ember Moon vs. Alicia Fox, Mickie James & Dana Brooke

Well, well, well, we're actually getting women's tag team titles! Finally, Bayley and Sasha have a direction, something to fight for! Can I get a hell yeah?

This was a pretty cut and dry match for the Boss'N'Hug Connection and Ember Moon; Bayley claimed the victory for the team with a Bayley-to-Belly on Mickie James. After, however, the victorious babyfaces were ambushed by the Riott Squad, who threw them out of the ring over the top rope.

You know, just in case any of us forgot how Royal Rumbles work.

Winners: Bayley, Sasha Banks & Ember Moon
Rating: 3/5

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

Ronda Rousey has had to fend off wrestlers of all different types. In Nia Jax and Nikki Bella, she had to work around power-based offenses. In Charlotte, she faced an all-around striker. Now, with her submission victory over good friend Natalya, she has defeated a technical specialist.

Rousey continues to trend up as WWE reaches its craziest few months of the year. This was a very good match for her, and she continues to impress with each title defense. Natalya always felt like a transitional challenger, but they still managed to work some drama into this otherwise predictable match.

Winner: Ronda Rousey
Rating: 3.5/5



No women's matches, but oh boy, I must say that I cringe at some of the racial undertones in the Naomi/Mandy Rose feud. That being said, I was very satisfied seeing Naomi demolish Rose backstage after she hit on her husband.



Bianca Belair vs. Io Shirai vs. Lacey Evans vs. Mia Yim (NXT Women's Championship No. 1 Contender's match)

I have long praised NXT for booking its female characters so strongly. They are all vibrant, unique performers who are given the chance to truly establish themselves and give people reasons to invest in them. Look at Bianca Belair, for example. She's good, and she knows just how good she is. Better yet, she's not afraid to tell people how good she is.

This match was an absolute blast. NXT smartly booked four women with very different styles and attitudes to create a dynamic, fun clash of the women of this brand's future. Belair got an amazing victory here, whipping out (literally) her amazing braid and the EST to plant Lacey Evans and secure herself a matchup against Shayna Baszler.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 3.5/5



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

STARDOM

Match: Mary Apache vs. Hazuki (High Speed Title match)
Winner: Hazuki

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Match: Hinano, Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki vs. Nodoka Tenma, Raku & Yuki Kamifuku
Winner: Hinano, Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki

AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined

Match: Kylie Rae vs. Kimber Lee (AAW Pro Women's Title match)
Winner: Kylie Rae


What can I say? This match was physical, well-paced, and just really damn fun to watch. NXT showcased both its homegrown talent and two independent veterans in a showstopper, showing that yes, WWE, it really is THAT easy to make multiple women look strong at the same time.


You don't need me telling you how good Bianca is. Just ask her.

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!

Happy New Year!