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.
WWE Monday Night Raw
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs Naomi & Lana
Each and every week on Raw, fans are subjected to some of the worst wrestling possible, courtesy of Nia Jax. No matter who she is in the ring with, she struggles to get out of first gear.
This week was no different, although it was Shayna Baszler that stumbled into the finish by being double teamed by Naomi and Lana for the pinfall victory. This should mean something, but it really doesn’t.
Winner: Naomi & Lana
Rating: 1/5
Asuka vs Charlotte Flair
Rhea Ripley’s interference in this match played into the finish, causing Charlotte Flair to be pinned despite clearly having her shoulder up. This was a poor end to a night of mediocrity for Flair, who failed to shine with her promo earlier in the show.
Despite some solid action, this match just did not work. It only really served to set up the post match referee attack, causing Flair to be indefinitely suspended. Once again, this was something that was meant to mean something, but it came off quite poorly.
Winner: Asuka
Rating: 1.5/5
AEW Dark: Elevation
Britt Baker vs Tesha Price
Squash City. But at least Britt Baker is entertaining in this role, especially as her victories are propelling her to the top of AEW's women's rankings.
Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 2.5/5
Abadon vs Skye Blue
This was a standard Abadon squash. Unfortunately, there is not much more to her matches at the moment, which is a crying shame.
Winner: Abadon
Rating: 2/5
Thunder Rosa vs Shawna Reed
Another squash, but I was left wanting so much more from Thunder Rosa.
Winner: Thunder Rosa
Rating: 2/5
Ryo Mizunami & Leyla Hirsch vs Nyla Rose & Madi Wrenkowski
Certainly not the worst match to showcase the talents of all four women, this was a solid and engaging match.
Winner: Ryo Mizunami & Leyla Hirsch
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT
Zoey Stark vs Sarray
This was the kickass debut that Sarray desperately needed as she arrived in NXT. Zoey Stark is a genuinely talented wrestler, therefore it was no surprise to see these two put on quite the contest. A Modified Saito Suplex was enough for the pinfall victory, but both women underlined how talented they are. Plus, Sarray's J-Pop inspired song absolutely rocks!
Winner: Sarray
Rating: 3.5/5
AEW Dark
Big Swole & Kilynn King vs Ashley & Steff MK
Squash City: Tag Team Edition. Overall, this was rather entertaining as Big Swole and Kilynn King continue to build momentum.
Winner: Big Swole & Kilynn King
Rating: 2.5/5
Diamante vs Queen Aminata
Squash City. But not as entertaining as trips to other Squash Cities in AEW, I'm afraid. Diamante still comes across as one dimensional, therefore she needs to use both Dark and Elevation to season her abilities.
Winner: Diamante
Rating: 2/5
AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite
Hikaru Shida vs Tay Conti
I loved how Hikaru Shida acted considerably more heelish in this match, underlining just how important defending the AEW Women's Championship is to her. Thankfully, Tay Conti continued her rich vein of form by taking the fight to Shida, almost capturing the title with a TayKO.
Conti took everything that Shida had to offer, only falling to a Kitana for the pinfall victory. Britt Baker came out after the match to declare herself as the number one ranked wrestler in the women's division, hinting that she may be the one to finally put Shida away. Overall, this was an instant classic, and was the match that AEW's women's division has been crying out for.
Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 4.5/5
Impact Wrestling
Susan vs Tenille Dashwood
This match was used as a prelude to Tenille Dashwood's Knockout's Championship match with Deonna Purrazzo at Rebellion 2021. Whilst not bad, this could have been so much better.
Winner: Tenille Dashwood
Rating: 2/5
Kiera Hogan vs Jordynne Grace
This was an average match, but understandably, the focus was on setting up the Knockout's Tag Team Championship match at Rebellion 2021. Therefore, this served it's purpose well by featuring a disqualification finish that actually made sense.
Winner: Jordynne Grace (via DQ)
Rating: 2/5
WWE NXT UK
Jinny vs Dani Luna
Bland. Unappealing. Flat out boring. Yes, I'm afraid I have to note that this match was just not enjoyable at all, and I blame the stilted NXT UK women's division for creating an environment where women are seemingly discouraged from creating compelling matches. A Ripcord Koppo Kick followed by a roll up was enough to give Jinny the win, but in all honesty, nobody cares.
Winner: Jinny
Rating: 1.5/5
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Nia Jax vs Tamina
I feel so bad for how low Shayna Baszler’s stock has fallen in WWE. A defeat to Tamina may as well be a death sentence to her credibility.
There was absolutely no redeeming feature to this at all. But hey, Reginald is back *sound of crickets chirping*.
Winner: Tamina
Rating: 1/5
Impact Wrestling: Rebellion 2021
Fire 'N' Flava vs Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering
I expected more than we got from this match, purely because I don't think the match was given enough time to fully invest in the Knockout's Tag Team Championship changing hands. Jazz's appearance was appreciated, as was the manner in which Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering won the match. Ellering hit a huge Sit Out Powerbomb to secure the pinfall victory, but I wish there was more fanfare available for this title change.
Winner: Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering
Rating: 2.5/5
Deonna Purrazzo vs Tenille Dashwood
Easily the best match that Deonna Purrazzo has been in for quite some time, she worked hard with Tenille Dashwood to create a compelling narrative. Granted, I never once believed that Dashwood was going to win the Knockout's Championship, but at least the match action was great to watch. Purrazzo was able to successfully retain her title following a Queen's Gambit, re-affirming her place at the top of the Knockout's division.
Winner: Deonna Purrazzo
Rating: 3/5
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Hikaru Shida vs Tay Conti
This was easily the best match of the week, with Tay Conti more than holding her own against Hikaru Shida. I even thought at one point that Conti was about to capture the AEW Women's Championship. Simply stunning!
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Hikaru Shida
Hikaru Shida reminded fans just how talented she is this week, creating an instant classic with Tay Conti.
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!
Subscribe to Smark Out Moment on YouTube, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
0 comments: