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.



Nikki Cross vs Billie Kay

As serviceable as Billie Kay is in tag team matches, her flaws as a single wrestler were on show in this match against Nikki Cross. The action was fine, but never really got out of second gear. This was evident in the finish, with Kay connecting with a bad looking Spinebuster for the pinfall victory.

Cross looked crisp in her manoeuvres, however Kay looked a little lost without her partner in crime. This was a serviceable match, but it was lacking the drama of their tag team encounters.

Winner: Billie Kay
Rating: 2/5


Kairi Sane vs Nia Jax

The less said about this match, the better. Nia Jax once again proved how unsafe she is in the ring by cutting Kairi Sane open with yet another reckless move. Thankfully, the match was over quickly as Jax pinned Sane following a Leg Drop.

This match was intended to prove how much of a roadblock Jax will be to Asuka at Backlash. Unfortunately, the only backlash to Jax is the quality of her work.

Winner: Nia Jax
Rating: 1/5


Asuka vs Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair and Asuka have incredible compatibility with each other in the ring, and this was on full display this week as they competed in a champion vs champion match. They had a rather even match, with Asuka arguably the more likely to capitalise on an opening and secure the victory. That was until Nia Jax provided a distraction which led to Asuka being counted out.

This was a quality match with some interesting phases of offense from both women. It was a shame to have the interference from Jax, but it at least protected both wrestlers from an unnecessary pinfall loss.

Winner: Charlotte Flair (Via Countout)
Rating: 3/5



Lacey Evans vs Sonya Deville

Lacey Evans’ improved performances in the ring continued this week with a competent victory over Sonya Deville. The match was a lot longer than we are used to seeing with Evans, but she and Deville kept things interesting with varied offense. Mandy Rose appeared on the titantron at the end of the match to distract Deville, who walked straight into a stiff looking Women’s Right which gave Evans the pinfall victory.

This was a great match which highlighted just how talented both women are. Evans has improved so much over the past 6 months, whilst Deville is slowly finding her feet now she has split from Rose.

Winner: Lacey Evans
Rating: 3/5


Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs Bayley & Sasha Banks

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross have been the perfect Women’s Tag Team Champions as they have benefitted from holding the belts, in addition to increasing the prestige of the titles. Bayley and Sasha Banks were the inaugural Champions, therefore they were not to be underestimated in this title match.

The action was frenetic and exciting, with both teams having periods of control. Unfortunately for Bliss and Cross, the former Champions were on their A game, with Banks able to reverse a pin attempt from Cross into one of her own, securing the win and the belts.

This was a fabulous television match, however the dissension shown between Bayley and Banks does not require the backdrop of the titles. They are on a collision course for a split, but it is a shame Bliss and Cross had to be collateral damage.

Winner: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Rating: 3/5



There were no new women's matches this week.


Santana Garrett vs Aliyah

This was a quick match, with Aliyah once again failing to make an impression. Santana Garrett had 2 minutes to make herself look strong, and thankfully she succeeded in reminding fans what she is capable of. Garrett’s athleticism was on show as she secured a pinfall victory following a Handspring Moonsault.

This was an ok match, with Garrett at least making the most of her opportunity. Aliyah on the other hand continues to flounder, and it is a question of how long will she remain on the NXT roster.

Winner: Santana Garrett
Rating: 2/5



Big Swole vs Nyla Rose

This was Nyla Rose’s opportunity to put AEW’s women’s division back on notice, and in Big Swole she had an opponent who could make her look good. Swole took the fight to Rose, but the former AEW Women’s Champion proved to be too much to handle. Swole attempted a Dirty Dancing, only to be caught with a vicious Spinebuster for a pinfall victory in favour of Rose.

This was a solid women’s match on Dynamite, with both women putting on a great performance. Rose is an absolute beast, whilst Swole has undoubted potential. Hopefully they will be able to continue performing well, as AEW would benefit from a strong women’s division.

Winner: Nyla Rose
Rating: 2.5/5



Kylie Rae & Susie vs Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan

This felt like a directionless match, although Kylie Rae was able to shine. Unfortunately, the majority of the match was a disjointed mess, with Susie and Tasha Steelz capable of putting on a better performance. Keira Hogan was able to secure the pinfall victory following a Fisherman’s Suplex, which followed a rather spirited period of action.

Impact Wrestling is capable of putting on better matches, but this was still a better offering compared to 2019’s dreadful matches.

Winner: Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan
Rating: 2/5


Mia Yim, Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox vs Candice LeRae, Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai

This match was unsurprisingly quite competitive considering the lack of build to it, with all 6 women standing up to put the rest of the women’s division on notice. Mia Yim and Candice LeRae focused on their hatred for each other, whilst Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox resumed hostilities in the best way. Yim and LeRae moved to the back as they couldn’t stop beating on each other, which led to Kai being isolated and pinned by Nox following a Shiniest Wizard.

This was a fun match, with everyone getting an opportunity to shine. Yim and LeRae clearly have more to quarrel over, whilst Kai will not rest following her loss. This was a great way to open NXT TakeOver: In Your House.

Winner: Mia Yim, Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox
Rating: 3/5


Charlotte Flair v Rhea Ripley vs Io Shirai

This match was a fabulous way to end the show, with all 3 women putting on a great performance. Io Shirai was arguably the highlight of this match, as she was bumping for fun and even jumped off the top of the In Your House set.

Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley both looked primed to steal the victory, with Flair looking especially dangerous when she introduced a kendo stick to the match. Shirai was not prepared to lose yet another NXT Women’s Championship match, hitting a rather sick looking Moonsault on Rhea Ripley to secure the pinfall and the title.

This was the perfect way to end Flair’s reign, with Shirai finally winning the big one. The confetti and streamers were a great visual to end the show and underline how big this moment was. Well done Io!

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5



This was an incredible match, with all 3 women rising to the challenge of putting on a match worthy of the In Your House moniker. There was frenetic and exciting action from the sound of the bell, with the match never slowing down once. This was a fabulous effort from all 3 women.


In winning the triple threat match, Io Shirai was able to underline just how valuable she is to NXT. It was always going to be a tall order to come out on top of what seemed like the most stacked NXT women’s match of all time, but Shirai never let up once.

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!