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.



Bianca Belair vs Zelina Vega

The feud between these two has actually been interesting so far, mainly due to the fact it isn't a cookie cutter secondary women's feud. It feeds into the feud of their respective tag teams, which helps give the storyline depth.

I was mightily impressed by Zelina Vega during this match, as she is not an out and out wrestler. Bianca Belair looked dominant as ever, but she had to work for the win. A destructive KOD later and it was the EST of WWE that picked up the pinfall victory.

This was a good match to feature on Raw, with Belair continuing her ascent up the card.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2/5


Liv Morgan vs Peyton Royce

This was a nothing match which was used to cause tension between the fledgling revival of The Riott Squad.

Ruby Riott caused an innocuous distraction which allowed Peyton Royce to hit the Deja Vu Suplex for a pinfall victory on a surprised Liv Morgan.

The match action was poor, but at least the storyline attached to this is interesting.

Winner: Peyton Royce
Rating: 2/5


Asuka vs Bayley

This match would determine if Asuka would face off against Sasha Banks at SummerSlam for the Raw Women's Championship.

As ever, Bayley and Asuka competed well against each other. They always seem to have a chemistry that is missing in most main roster feuds, but they kept fans gripped throughout the match. After a few near falls where it seemed like Asuka would lose, she was able to lock in the Asuka Lock, resulting in Bayley tapping out.

This was a great match between the pair. It wasn't their best encounter, but it was definitely up there.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 3/5



Peyton Royce vs Billie Kay vs Tegan Nox vs Shotzi Blackheart vs Lacey Evans vs Naomi vs Liv Morgan vs Nikki Cross vs Ruby Riott vs Tamina vs Dana Brooke vs Bianca Belair vs Shayna Baszler vs Asuka

This was a pretty straight forward Battle Royal, with the winner granted a match with Bayley at SummerSlam for the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Shayna Baszler and Tegan Nox stood out in particular, as they lasted long into the match. However, it was the surprise entrant in Asuka that won the match, all whilst making Sasha Banks and Bayley look foolish.

The match quality was good, as I have definitely seen worse women's Battle Royals.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 3/5



Mia Yim vs Indi Hartwell

Indi Hartwell has struggled to make an impact in NXT so far, and this week she once again put in an underwhelming performance.

Mia Yim was distracted by her boyfriend Keith Lee being burned earlier in the night, however she was still strong enough to prevail over Hartwell. Yim locked in a new submission move to secure the victory, underlining her strength.

As underwhelming as this match was, it at least continued to put Yim in a positive light.

Winner: Mia Yim
Rating: 2/5


Mercedes Martinez & Aliyah vs Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter

This match was all about showcasing Mercedes Martinez, who looked extremely strong and dominant. Aliyah appears to have found her niche as Martinez's sidekick, and that was on full show here.

Despite a spirited performance by Kacy Catanzaro, Martinez was not to be stopped. She took out Catanzaro with an Air Raid to secure the pinfall victory for her team.

Kayden Carter didn't look good here, but the other three women definitely did. This was a good match on a solid episode of NXT.

Winner: Mercedes Martinez & Aliyah
Rating: 2.5/5



Hikaru Shida vs Heather Monroe

Hikaru Shida once again swept aside a lower card opponent, with Shida winning by submission after locking in a Stretch Muffler. Post match, Shida explained she is ready for whoever her opponent is at All Out. This was quick, and made Shida look even stronger. Bring on All Out!

Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 2/5



Jordynne Grace vs Kimber Lee

Jordynne Grace and Kimber Lee both put on a solid performance this week, with Grace continuing to look like a real star.

Lee tried hard to overcome the former Knockouts Champion, however Grace was able to lock in a Sleeper Hold which left Lee with no choice but to tap out. This was a good match which continued to underline how talented Grace is.

Winner: Jordynne Grace
Rating: 2.5/5


Havok & Neveah vs Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan

This was a disappointing match, but that was to be expected from such an underwhelming team such as Havok and Neveah.

The bout itself featured some bright spots, but overall it didn't click. Kiera Hogan was able to secure the victory following a Face the Music, and hopefully that signals the end of the feud.

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


Susie vs Alisha

This match was a part of Wrestle House, and boy did it suck. No amount of comedy could have made this watchable, however Susie was able to steal the victory following a roll up. Please avoid this match.

Winner: Susie
Rating: 1/5



Ruby Riott vs Billie Kay

Despite the intriguing storyline currently in progress on Raw, this match stunk up the joint.

Ruby Riott was unable to drag a great match out of Billie Kay, who clearly performs better in tag team matches as part of The IIconics.

After a fairly even and forgettable match, Riott was able to secure the pinfall victory following a Riott Kick. It was bad, but but not the absolute worst.

Winner: Ruby Riott
Rating: 1.5/5


This was yet another fine example of how talented both women are. Asuka won the contest to set herself up well for SummerSlam.


Asuka set herself up for two Women's Championship matches at SummerSlam in a single week. That is impressive work from The Empress of Tomorrow.

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!