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
Natalya & Tamina vs Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler
Dull. Medicore. Uninteresting. Poor. Words that seem to accompany every match featuring these two teams. I was very disappointed, but at this point, I should really expect less. The most egregious part of this match was the focus on Reginald. Please, for the love of God, can we keep Reginald away from the women's division?
Winner: Natalya & Tamina
Rating: 2/5
Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair
This wasn't a bad match at all, but it was also disappointing that Rhea Ripley was hamstrung by her apparant injury, as this gave the impression that she was not going to win. She did, albeit by disqualification, which not only cost her the Raw Women's Championship, but also ensured that she is firmly placed in the face camp on Raw. I'm not a fan of Ripley losing like this, but it could have been much worse.
Winner: Rhea Ripley (via DQ)
Rating: 2.5/5
Charlotte Flair vs Nikki A.S.H.
Not so much a match, but more a statement of intent for Nikki A.S.H.
Winner: Nikki A.S.H.
Rating: 2.5/5
AEW Dark: Elevation
Hikaru Shida vs Dulce Tormenta
Squash City!
Winner: Hikaru Shida
Rating: 2/5
Julia Hart vs Red Velvet
Squash City!
Winner: Red Velvet
Rating: 1.5/5
Tay Conti & Serena Deeb vs Vertvixen & Jazmine Allure
Squash City!
Winner: Tay Conti & Serena Deeb
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT
Franky Monet vs Jacy Jayne
Squash City!
Winner: Franky Monet
Rating: 2/5
Raquel Gonzalez vs Xia Li
Potential injury for Xia Li aside, this was not a bad defence of the NXT Women's Championship. Raquel Gonzalez looked strong, whilst Xia Li came across as a beliveable challenger. Gonzalez is still slightly green, but hey, that's what NXT is for. Right?
Winner: Raquel Gonzalez
Rating: 3/5
AEW Dark
Kilynn King vs Thunder Rosa
Squash City!
Winner: Thunder Rosa
Rating: 2.5/5
Abadon vs Promise Braxton
Squash City!
Winner: Abadon
Rating: 2/5
Big Swole vs The Bunny
I enjoyed that this contest was not a squash, as The Bunny is not a bad wrestler at all. She's not great, and it's clear that Big Swole is a much better wrestler, but she does offer something of note to AEW's women's division. Both women worked hard, but the overall strength and experience of Big Swole proved too much for The Bunny to overcome. I enjoyed this, and hope both women can continue to have decent outings on AEW Dark.
Winner: Big Swole
Rating: 2.5/5
AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite: Fyter Fest Night 2
Britt Baker vs Nyla Rose
This match was bowling shoe ugly at times, however, it wasn't all that bad. Britt Baker is not a terrible wrestler, despite the machinations of fans to portray her as one. Nyla Rose, on the otherhand, can tend to struggle outside of squash matches. This was not a squash match, but a contest that went pretty much 50/50, although the lack of a clearly established face made the dynamics feel off. A few botches aside, the fans were into this, with Baker deservedly retaining her AEW Women's Championship.
Winner: Britt Baker
Rating: 2.5/5
Impact Wrestling
Decay vs Fire 'N' Flava
I enjoy the Knockout's tag team division, with many teams finding a new lease of life. Decay have done such a thing, making them feel important for the first time in forever! Fire 'N' Flava continue to be stars of the division, but they were unable to wrest the Knockout's Tag Team Championship away from Decay. This was certainly a fine match, but both teams are capable of just a bit more.
Winner: Decay
Rating: 2.5/5
WWE NXT UK
Nina Samuels vs Laura di Matteo
Dull and mediocre, this match went on far too long. Nina Samuels would have benefitted more from a dominant win, but this was not be the case. NXT UK's women's division continues to take one step forward with Meiko Satomura, and two steps back with the large majority of the remaining women on the roster.
Winner: Nina Samuels
Rating: 2/5
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Bianca Belair vs Carmella
Despite being featured at Rolling Loud, this was a very by the numbers contest. Carmella never really looked like winning, whilst Bianca Belair would have at least endeared herself to people in attendance who were not fans of wrestling. Not bad overall, but I wanted more.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Rating: 2.5/5
Toni Storm vs Zelina Vega
Squash City! Toni Storm looked great here. Now let's keep her name intact. Toni or Storm are terrible one name options!
Winner: Toni Storm
Rating: 2.5/5
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Raquel Gonzalez vs Xia Li
This wasn't bad at all, with Xia Li looking beliveable as a challenger for the NXT Women's Championship.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK:
Toni Storm
Toni Storm made her presence felt on SmackDown. Yes, it was only Zelina Vega that she defeated, but it was certainly a statement of intent if I ever saw one.
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: