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 & Lana vs Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler

This was yet another example of WWE's inconsistent booking of Lana, as she was presented once again as a threat to Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax, albeit it in a flukey manner.

Lana stole the victory with a quick pinfall, but there was absolutely no redeeming aspect to this match. By association with Lana, Asuka's stock is dropping. And dropping fast.

Winner: Asuka & Lana
Rating: 2/5


Dana Brooke vs RECKONING

Ignoring the fact that RECKONING's mask came off early into the match, this was a decent encounter. Dana Brooke looked revitalised, whilst RECKONING didn't come off as goofy as I assumed she would.

Brooke winning with a rollup protected RECKONING, but it was a shame to see the former Mia Yim look so ineffective on television. At least Brooke is seemingly being pushed well.

Winner: Dana Brooke
Rating: 2.5/5



Natalya vs Bayley

Natalya surprisingly defeated the former SmackDown Women's Champion to give her B.O.A.T. character some serious validity.

Bayley was distracted by the mere presence of Bianca Belair on commentary, with Natalya capitalising and submitting her with a Sharpshooter.

Bayley looked out of sorts, but thankfully it is setting up a feud with the EST of WWE.

Winner: Natalya
Rating: 2/5



Shotzi Blackheart vs Raquel Gonzalez

The winner of this match would secure the advantage at WarGames for their team. Raquel Gonzalez was an irrepressible force throughout the contest, with Shotzi Blackheart playing the perfect face in peril.

Both women worked their asses off, however it was Blackheart who came out on top. This match was just as good as the men's equivalent, which is proof of the talent located within NXT's women's division.

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart
Rating: 3.5/5



Aoife Valkyrie vs Aleah James

Another week of NXT UK, another disappointing women's match. Aoife Valkyrie vs Aleah James was too short, too insipid, and most damningly, indicative of the poor quality of women's wrestling on the brand.

Winner: Aoife Valkyrie
Rating: 2/5



Britt Baker vs Leyla Hirsch

Britt Baker faced a strong Leyla Hirsch, however she never really looked like losing. Despite a spirited effort from her opponent, Baker was able to submit Hirsch with a Lockjaw.

The match was ok, but it was the post match action that mattered the most. Thunder Rosa attacked Baker, setting up their feud in earnest. I cannot wait to see these two stars collide!

Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 2.5/5



Jordynne Grace & Jazz vs Renee Michelle & Killer Kelly

This match was all about Jazz and Jordynne Grace, who progressed in the Knockout's Tag Team Championship tournament with ease. Jazz looked revitalised here, whilst Grace continued to underline just how talented she is.

Whilst better than other tournament matches, this was ultimately disappointing due to a clear lack of drama.

Winner: Jordynne Grace & Jazz
Rating: 2.5/5



Peyton Royce vs Nikki Cross

Unfortunately for both Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross, they languished on Main Event this week in a match that benefitted neither of them.

The action was average, but this was due to the time constraints they had to work with. Royce won with a Deja Vu, but it was just not an exciting contest.

Winner: Peyton Royce
Rating: 2/5


Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair vs Bayley & Natalya

Positive and harmless fun. Exactly what a Tribute to the Troops match should be.

Winner: Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5



Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez & Toni Storm vs Shotzi Blackheart, Rhea Ripley, Ember Moon & Io Shirai

I was eagerly anticipating this match, with all eight women capable of putting on a masterclass. If anything, I actually rated this match higher than the men's offering.

All eight women busted their asses off, however it was Raquel Gonzalez who stood head and shoulders above the rest. NXT's women's division is unrivalled in wrestling, with no promotion offering anything close to the quality NXT does on a weekly basis.

Gonzalez sent Io Shirai though a ladder to pick up the victory, underlining how she should be considered a contender to Shirai's NXT Women's Championship. Team Candice vs Team Blackheart worked the overarching storylines well, but worked even harder in the ring. Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Winner: Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez & Toni Storm
Rating: 5/5



There could be no other option. This match was just simply perfect.


Winning WarGames for her team whilst pinning the NXT Women's Champion is the perfect way for Raquel Gonzalez to announce herself as a force to be reckoned with.

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!