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.



Asuka vs Mickie James

This match was for Asuka's Raw Women's Championship, however the contest was not as exciting as it perhaps should have been.

Despite some competent battling which ensured Asuka did not have complete control, Mickie James was unable to create the impression she could win. Asuka had her trapped in an Asuka Lock, which prompted the referee to awkwardly award Asuka the victory. It is believed he thought James was genuinely injured, but that is not good enough.

The finish came off poorly, making both Asuka and James look like chumps. Hopefully we don't get a rematch, as I'm sure Zelina Vega will bounce around the ring for Asuka in their upcoming feud.

Winner: Asuka
Rating: 2.5/5


The Riott Squad vs Natalya & Lana

This match existed. Really, there is not much to say here. Lana and Natalya put in little effort here, with The Riott Squad easily squashing them.

Serving more as a vehicle for Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax to destroy Lana and Natalya to send a message to The Riott Squad, this was just a clear disappointment.

Winner: The Riott Squad
Rating: 1.5/5



Nikki Cross vs Lacey Evans

Unfortunately for both Lacey Evans and Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss overshadowed this contest. Lacey Evans was rightly attacked by Cross before the match to prove the Scottish star had a mean streak. Bliss provided commentary, whilst Cross won with a Neckbreaker.

The biggest issue is how Cross' victory was overshadowed by yet another Bliss trance, as she hit Evans with a Sister Abigail post match. The fight itself was ok, but the match quality was affected by the post match shenanigans.

Winner: Nikki Cross
Rating: 2.5/5



Io Shirai vs Shotzi Blackheart

This was a beautiful match, with Shotzi Blackheart putting on her best performance yet inside an NXT ring.

Io Shirai was as devastating as ever, but it was Blackheart who looked truly fired up. She matched the NXT Women's Champion in terms of intensity and ability, creating a number of near falls to underline her threat. Shirai was able to secure the pinfall victory with a Moonsault, but in no way was Blackheart second best.

Blackheart can use this match as her true coming out party, and I cannot wait to see how she builds upon this.

Winner: Io Shirai
Rating: 4/5


Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter vs Xia Li & Jessi Kamea

The level of interest in this match was seriously low, and despite the best efforts of Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter, this was not a memorable encounter.

Xia Li and Jessi Kamea put up little resistance, with the makeshift team falling to a solid offense and pinning combination from Catanzaro and Carter.

The positive from this match is how confident Catanzaro and Carter look as a team. I would not be opposed to seeing them challenge for the Women's Tag Team Championship on a future episode of NXT.

Winner: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter
Rating: 2/5



Aoife Valkyrie vs Isla Dawn

This week marked the glorious return of NXT UK to television, with the women's division offering up this decent match for fans to ingratiate themselves with the unique British style of wrestling.

Aoife Valkyrie and Isla Dawn were solid performers before NXT UK was put on an indefinite hiatus, and this proved to be a solid match. After a fairly even contest, Valkyrie hit a Flying Scissors Kick for the pinfall victory.

The match action was good enough to leave fans satisfied, whilst hinting at how much talent there is in NXT UK's women's division.

Winner: Aoife Valkyrie
Rating: 2.5/5



Thunder Rosa vs Ivelisse

To the surprise of many, this match was actually for Thunder Rosa's NWA Women's Championship. It was admittedly strange to see an AEW show feature an NWA Championship match, but it was entertaining nonetheless.

This was a very stiff bout, with Rosa believed to have been genuinely annoyed by Ivelisse's recklessness in the ring. Despite this, the action was enjoyable, with Rosa retaining her title after hitting a Tombstone Piledriver.

Whilst not as enjoyable as Io Shirai vs Shotzi Blackheart, this was still a fantastic match to watch.

Winner: Thunder Rosa
Rating: 3.5/5



Deonna Purrazzo & Kimber Lee vs Kylie Rae & Susie

This was unfortunately a by the numbers tag match. As Deonna Purrazzo is the current Knockouts Champion, it was clear she would not take the fall, which is exactly how this match transpired.

Susie and Kylie Rae teamed up well, hitting an Arachnarana and a Panic Switch on Kimber Lee to secure the pinfall victory.

This was ok, but very by the numbers.

Winner: Kylie Rae & Susie
Rating: 2.5/5


Kiera Hogan vs Taya Valkyrie

Yet another by the numbers match. This was not entertaining at all.

Kiera Hogan and Taya Valkyrie were not afforded much time to put on a competitive bout, but it was not flat out bad. Hogan picked up the surprise victory with a Spinning Fisherman's Buster, but the victory certainly will not propel her to Knockouts Championship contention.

Winner: Kiera Hogan
Rating: 2/5



Bianca Belair vs Billie Kay

Another episode of Main Event, another victory for Bianca Belair.

It is a real shame to see the EST of WWE relegated once more to Main Event, but she at least keeps her winning run intact. Billie Kay offered no resistance, with a simple KOD ending the match in no time at all.

Whilst not great, it was at least positive to see Belair continuing to look strong. It is a shame to see Kay struggle, but that was to be expected following the split from Peyton Royce.

Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2/5


This was a fantastic match, serving as Shotzi Blackheart's coming out party. Io Shirai once again showed why she is the best female wrestler on NXT.


As aforementioned, this week was Shotzi Blackheart's coming out party. She has well and truly been accepted by NXT fans as a credible threat, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for her.

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!