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, ROH's Women of Honor, and even a glimpse at the women on the independent circuit.



Charlotte & Natalya vs The Kabuki Warriors

This was the only all female match on Raw this week, however it was also one of the best matches of the night. The Kabuki Warriors have been outstanding since they became Women’s Tag Team Champions, and this week was no different as they put in a great performance.

Charlotte and Natalya may not be a pairing that makes sense on paper, but they gelled together in a performance that made them appear a genuine threat to The Kabuki Warriors. After a contest in which The Kabuki Warriors dominated, Charlotte was able to neutralise the threat of Kairi Sane whilst Natalya made Asuka tap in the ring to her patented Sharpshooter.

This match was of real quality, highlighting the genuine strength in depth of the Raw women’s division. The Kabuki Warriors losing should set Charlotte and Natalya up for a rematch for the Women’s Tag Team Championship soon.

Winner: Charlotte & Natalya
Rating: 3/5



Nikki Cross vs Sasha Banks

This was Sasha Banks’ return to in ring competition, against a competitor she has been able to screw over recently. Nikki Cross was hampered by Banks last week in her quest to become SmackDown Women’s Champion, so this week presented an opportunity for revenge.

Both wrestlers were able to put their own stamp on this match, however Banks was always one step ahead of Cross. This led to Banks countering Cross’ Purge into a Backstabber, which was followed up by a Banks Statement. With nowhere to go, Cross submitted to give Banks the victory.

This was a good match that also allowed Banks to regain momentum following her loss to Becky Lynch at Hell in a Cell. Cross did her fair share to put on a good match too, although Banks takes the spotlight with the victory.

Winner: Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5


Carmella & Dana Brooke vs Fire & Desire

This match featured 4 of the worst female wrestlers on SmackDown, and unfortunately the contest was as bad as their collective talent is.

Both teams were fairly even with their offense, however a lot of the moves looked poorly executed. Thankfully, the match ended quickly with Dana Brooke hitting a Swanton Bomb on Sonya Deville for the pinfall.

As a result of winning the match, both Carmella and Brooke joined Sasha Banks on the SmackDown Survivor Series team. Hopefully they will both put in a better performance than this.

Winner: Carmella & Dana Brooke
Rating: 1.5/5



Isla Dawn vs Killer Kelly

The NXT UK women’s division always provides great matches, however this contest was rather lacklustre and uninspiring. Isla Dawn and Killer Kelly both put effort into the match, but it came off as very lethargic.

Following what was a rather even contest, Dawn was able to counter Kelly’s offense into a Bridging German Suplex for the pinfall victory.

It is a shame these 2 women only received about 5 minutes, as I feel with a longer match, they would have been able to put in a better performance. A bigger issue for Dawn though, is how her character is not interesting. In order to progress, it is likely she will need a character overhaul, as her wrestling moves are actually well executed.

Winner: Isla Dawn
Rating: 2/5


Santana Garrett vs Taynara Conti

Taynara Conti is a bit of an enigma, as she clearly has potential in the ring, but thus far on NXT she has been unable to realise such potential. That changed this week, with a good performance against Santana Garrett.

Conti dominated most of the match, but unfortunately for both Conti and Garrett, some of the moves were executed in a poor manner. This did not detract from the finish of the match however, as Conti capitalised on Garrett’s missed Handspring Moonsault to hit the POK for the pinfall victory.

This match was a clear example of both sides of Conti. She has undoubted potential, however she needs more time in the ring to iron out her performances. This was an ok match, but Conti showed clear glimpses of quality.

Winner: Taynara Conti
Rating: 2/5


Dakota Kai vs Shayna Baszler

This was a matchup that seemed destined to be one of the best matches of the night, and this is exactly what happened. Both Shayna Baszler and Dakota Kai brought their A game this week on NXT, showing just how strong the NXT women’s division is.

Unlike most Baszler matches, she was unable to exert her suffocating control over the contest, with Kai giving Baszler a difficult time. Kai nearly ended the match with a series of Kawada Kicks, however Shayna was able to lock on a Clutch. Despite Kai escaping, she was unable to prevent Baszler locking on another Clutch, and was left with no other option but to submit.

This was a great match, with Kai looking great as a valiant face, whilst Baszler continued to look absolutely dominant. It will take a gargantuan effort to dethrone The Queen of Spades.

Winner: Shayna Baszler
Rating: 3.5/5



Jamie Hayter & Emi Sakura vs Riho & Shanna

This was a preview to Riho vs Emi Sakura at Full Gear, in addition to allowing Shanna and Jamie Hayter to show what they are capable of. AEW’s women’s tag matches have so far been intriguing, especially as they usually feature more than one storyline narrative.

This match was fairly even, yet remained exciting and compelling throughout. All 4 wrestlers were given an opportunity to shine, however Sakura was able to secure the victory over Riho as they traded Cradles. Sakura was finally able to lock her Cradle in for the full 3 count.

Sakura pinning Riho provided a sense of intrigue for their Full Gear match, whilst also displaying the talent on offer in the AEW women’s division. This was a great contest that contributed to a great episode of AEW Dynamite.

Winner: Jamie Hayter & Emi Sakura
Rating: 2.5/5



Britt Baker vs Bea Priestley

Britt Baker revealed on Twitter after Full Gear that she competed whilst suffering from the ill effects of Flu, which makes her performance in this match look even more impressive.

This match featured as the pre-show match to Full Gear, but both Baker and Priestley competed as if they were on the main card, which was great to see. Following a fairly even back and forth contest, Baker was able to escape a Cradle attempt by Priestley to connect with a Superkick and Lockjaw for the submission victory.

This victory leaves Baker as a prominent part of AEW’s women’s division, however Priestley is struggling to firmly establish herself as a dominant force in AEW. Hopefully Priestley will be able to bounce back with a few wins over the next few weeks, as there is clear potential in having her become AEW Women’s Champion.

Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 2.5/5

Riho & Shanna vs Emi Sakura

This match was for the AEW Women’s Championship, which followed Emi Sakura pinning Riho on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

The storyline narrative going into this match was one of teacher vs student, with Riho fully playing up to this concept. Riho was in control for the majority of the match, with Sakura showing enough fighting spirit to make fans believe she had a chance of becoming champion. The finish of the match had Sakura attempt to win yet another contest against Riho with a Cradle, however this was countered with Knee Strikes, and Riho ended the match by submission with a Japanese Clutch.

This was a great match which deserved its high position on the Full Gear card. Riho continues to look strong, whilst Sakura enhanced her own burgeoning reputation.

Winner: Riho
Rating: 3.5/5


This was a hard hitting match, with both wrestlers playing up to their respective roles well. Dakota Kai played the face in peril well, whilst Shayna Baszler continues to be the most legitimate badass in NXT. This was a great match, with a wonderful narrative to go with it.


Shayna Baszler continues to be the strongest woman in NXT. She works harder than most wrestlers in NXT, and she brings a level of legitimacy to the NXT women's division. Her performance against Dakota Kai was fabulous, and her appearances on the main roster to further her feud with Becky Lynch have also been amazing this week. Keep it up Baszler, you are a credit to NXT and WWE as a whole.

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!