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.



Ruby Riott vs Peyton Royce

Ruby Riott is at a crossroads in her WWE career as she performs well on Main Event, but as she is not given much to do on Raw she is in a creative limbo. This continued this week, with Riott interacting with The IIconics in a manner which goes against her previously established character.

Peyton Royce was Riott’s opponent, and she put in a great singles performance for the first time in quite a long time. Thanks to the efforts of her sidekick Billie Kay, Royce was able to hit a High Kick and a Brainbuster to secure a pinfall victory.

This was a perfectly serviceable match, however it did nothing for Riott. Hopefully there is more to this story, but only if Riott is able to move herself up the card.

Winner: Peyton Royce
Rating: 2/5



Alexa Bliss vs Bayley

Bayley and Sasha Banks once again highlighted their own self importance which led to Alexa Bliss demanding a match against Bayley.

This was an extremely fun match as Banks and Nikki Cross got involved as much as they could, however this ultimately resulted in Alexa Bliss getting disqualified as Cross hit Bayley in front of the referee.

This was a good way to further their feud, with Bliss losing nothing in defeat.

Winner: Bayley (via DQ)
Rating: 2.5/5



There were no new women's matches this week.


Tegan Nox vs Dakota Kai vs Mia Yim vs Candice LeRae

The winner of this match would become the number one contender to Io Shirai’s NXT Women’s Championship, and it was one of the most hotly anticipated matches of the night.

Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai were the standout performers, which meant it was appropriate they were the final competitors standing in the match. Just when it appeared that Kai was going to win the match, Nox hit a Shiniest Wizard to steal the pinfall victory.

This was a solid match which highlighted the strengths of NXT’s women’s division. Nox is now on a journey to face Shirai in what promises to be a great match.

Winner: Tegan Nox
Rating: 3.5/5


Io Shirai vs Sasha Banks

Io Shirai vs Sasha Banks is a true dream match, and despite the pressure placed upon them to put on a great performance, they were able to put on the best match from night one of The Great American Bash.

Shirai and Banks both had periods of dominance, but it was Shirai that managed to overcome interference from Bayley to hit a Moonsault on Banks for the momentous pinfall victory.

Even Asuka’s interference on behalf of Shirai couldn’t take away from the quality of the match. Shirai looks like a true star whilst Banks looks strong for the manner of her defeat.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5



Hikaru Shida vs Penelope Ford

Penelope Ford entered this match as the heavy underdog, especially when compared to Hikaru Shida. Shida has been an absolute star in AEW, therefore she seemed destined to retain her title with ease.

Despite the concerns over how one sided this match would be, Ford managed to completely take the fight to Shida. This included coming close to victory on a number of occasions, however the overwhelming strength of Shida paid dividends as she hit a Falcon Arrow and Knee Strike on Ford to guarantee the pinfall.

This was quite simply one of the best women’s matches in the short history of AEW. Shida continues to look impressive whilst Ford is now a made woman.

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 3.5/5



Kiera Hogan vs Havok

Knockouts matches have been hit or miss recently, and unfortunately Havok has a habit of bringing down the quality of matches she is involved in.

Kiera Hogan put in a sterling effort, managing to overcome Havok and her partner Neveah to secure the victory. Tasha Steelz passed Havok’s mask to Hogan who used it as a weapon, before hitting a series of kicks to put Havok away.

This was an average match, but it could have been much worse.

Winner: Kiera Hogan
Rating: 2/5



Bianca Belair vs Billie Kay

Bianca Belair continued her residency on Main Event with a fine performance against Billie Kay. Although she is not currently trusted on Raw, she is undoubtedly the shining star on Main Event.

Belair dominated this match, with Kay only able to get a few shots in. Following a distraction from Peyton Royce which led to a near fall, Belair hit a KOD to pin Kay clean in the ring.

Although not at the level of recent Belair matches, this was still a strong effort from both women.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5


This was arguably one of the best main events to an episode of NXT. Not only did this dream match live up to expectations, it surpassed them mightily.


Tegan Nox is now the number one contender to the NXT Women’s Championship, gaining a level of credibility that she was sorely missing. Defeating her arch nemesis Dakota Kai also helped make this one of the best weeks of her career.

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!