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 Flair vs Asuka

Charlotte Flair entered this match fresh off her victory in the women’s Royal Rumble match, whilst Asuka was gunning for blood following her defeat to Becky Lynch. This background ensured their contest would be fiery, with each wrestler determined to impress.

Asuka put on arguably the better performance as she seemed to have the better of Flair for the majority of the match, however she came undone to Flair’s patented Figure Eight. Thankfully for Asuka’s reputation, she didn’t submit as Kairi Sane interfered on her behalf, which drew the DQ in favour of Flair.

The Kabuki Warriors attacked Flair post match, but Flair was able to escape. The match itself was great, whilst the post match angle allowed Flair to look even stronger. As long as she is not pushed as an invincible force as we head into WrestleMania 36, Flair should be able to garner much interest in whichever Women’s Championship she chooses to challenge for.

Winner: Charlotte Flair (via DQ)
Rating: 3.5/5


Liv Morgan vs Lana

This match was quite simply the worst women’s match I have seen for many years, with the majority of the blame falling on Lana. In terms of in ring talent, Lana has none. No talent whatsoever to speak of, and whilst Liv Morgan is capable of a serviceable match, she is not the opponent Lana needs to look good.

Morgan dominated the match, hitting Lana with a Clothesline and Double Stomp before transitioning into a Flatliner, which allowed her to pick up the pinfall victory.

This contest is irrefutable proof that Lana needs to remain as far away from the ring as possible. There were no redeeming features, with many moves being botched or poorly sold. Lana is beyond saving, whilst Morgan’s new persona has been an unmitigated failure.

Winner: Liv Morgan
Rating: 0/5



Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs Fire & Desire

I feel as though this match has been played out far too many times as of late, which is a shame as this matchup feels like a vehicle to progress the Otis and Mandy Rose storyline, whilst hinting at dissension between Fire & Desire.

In a fairly even contest, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were able to isolate Rose, with Cross hitting a Purge before Bliss secured the pinfall victory with Twisted Bliss.

The action on offer was not bad by any means, but it definitely left me wanting more. Both teams are in a state of purgatory at the moment, which is only worsened by the fact the Women’s Tag Team Championship has not been defended on SmackDown.

Winner: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross
Rating: 2.5/5



Isla Dawn vs Nina Samuels

It was good to see women’s action again on NXT UK, with Isla Dawn and Nina Samuels both attempting to get 2020 off to a winning start.

Despite Samuels putting the pressure on early, it was actually Dawn that dominated the majority of the match. This was evident in the finishing stretch, as she followed up a stunning 619 with a Meteora, only to connect with a Half and Half for the pinfall victory.

This was an impressive victory for Dawn, although there was a noticeable lack of heat. This can be dismissed as early year apathy, but the victory definitely puts Dawn into contention for the NXT UK Women’s Championship.

Winner: Isla Dawn
Rating: 2.5/5


Tegan Nox vs Dakota Kai

In terms of women’s storylines in NXT, this is by far the most intense and compelling. Tegan Nox was determined to exact her revenge on Dakota Kai for her actions at NXT TakeOver: WarGames, with this match providing the first opportunity to achieve this.

Nox matched Kai for intensity within this match, however Kai ensured her heel character was dialled up to 11. Kai attempted to use a chair on Nox, only to be thwarted, with Candice LeRae coming down to the ring to support Nox. This distraction allowed Nox to hit Kai with the knee brace, before hitting a Shiniest Wizard for the pinfall victory.

I was not a fan of the finish, as neither woman should be securing a win at this stage. A no contest would have made much more sense, although the action we did see was of a high quality. It was announced after the show that Nox and Kai would compete at NXT TakeOver: Portland in a streetfight match, which promises to be a titanic collision.

Winner: Tegan Nox
Rating: 3.5/5


Shotzi Blackheart vs Deonna Purrazzo

Shotzi Blackheart entered this match in a mini tank, which was quite frankly an awesome visual. Unfortunately, the match itself with Deonna Purrazzo didn’t deliver the goods.

Blackheart dominated the match, keeping Purrazzo at bay whilst easily wearing her down. Purrazzo hit a Bicycle Kick, only for Blackheart to respond with a Lung Blower and a top rope Senton for the pinfall victory.

The match was ok, but it never felt as though Purrazzo posed any threat to Blackheart. In order for Blackheart to challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship, she needs to be dispatching of Candice LeRae, Io Shirai and Bianca Belair, all of whom are essentially the gatekeepers to the top of the women’s division.

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart
Rating: 2/5


Kayden Carter vs Chelsea Green

Despite being fairly limited in the ring, Chelsea Green has been pushed recently in NXT, with Robert Stone ably acting as her manager. This push however seems to have already been compromised, as Green was easily defeated by Kayden Carter.

Carter and Green both attempted to take control of the contest, but neither was able to maintain control for long. This made Green’s confidence at hitting a Big Boot look silly, which Carter took advantage of by pinning Green with a Small Package.

Green looked overconfident here, yet her performance in the ring was nothing to write home about. This was an extremely average match, with no truly redeeming features. Unless Green is being booked to lose as a result of her overconfidence, it may mean she has already lost the confidence of key NXT staff.

Winner: Kayden Carter
Rating: 1.5/5



Nyla Rose vs Big Swole

Nyla Rose is enjoying a small push at the moment in AEW, which was further reinforced this week. Rose can suitably portray the monster kind of role that thrives within a women’s division, and this trait was on show in her match against Big Swole.

Swole managed to get a few brief moments of offense in, however Rose’s dominance prevailed. After swatting away Swole, Rose hit a Spear and a Beast Bomb to secure the dominant pinfall victory.

This was a good match to watch, however some of Rose’s offence was rough looking. She is definitely improving however, which should ensure her performances come across stronger as she continues her journey towards the AEW Women’s Championship.

Winner: Nyla Rose
Rating: 2.5/5



Jordynne Grace vs Kiera Hogan vs Madison Rayne

It was great to see a number 1 contenders match for the Knockout’s Championship this week, as it is clear there is an urgent need to freshen up the division.

Kiera Hogan, Jordynne Grace and Madison Rayne put on a surprisingly interesting match, with Grace looking really strong. This was in part due to the fact Grace was double teamed by Hogan and Rayne, only for her to power out and take control of the match. Grace was able to dump Rayne to the floor, and followed this up with a Grace Driver on Hogan for the pinfall victory.

This was a much better offering from Impact Wrestling, especially when considering how poor recent Knockout’s matches have been. Grace is clearly being lined up as the next champion, which should undoubtedly breath new life into the Knockout’s division.

Winner: Jordynne Grace
Rating: 2.5/5



Sarah Logan vs Deonna Purrazzo

This was quite literally the same match as last week, with Sarah Logan once again coming out on top. With Deonna Purrazzo splitting her time between NXT and Main Event, it is unclear which direction she is moving in.

After an even contest in which neither wrestler looked spectacular, Logan was able to stun Purrazzo off the ropes, and followed this up with a Running Knee Strike for the pinfall victory. It wasn't pretty, but at least Logan is racking up the wins.

Winner: Sarah Logan
Rating: 2/5


Charlotte Flair and Asuka never fail to put on a great match, and this week’s offering was no different. It was a shame we didn’t get a decisive finish, but the journey we were taken on was fun and interesting.


Tegan Nox managed to get some form of revenge over Dakota Kai. She looked strong, tough and unrelenting, whilst underlining that she will not forgive Kai for her despicable actions. Hopefully both wrestlers can use this storyline to improve their own stock within NXT in 2020.

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!