Women in Wrestling Weekly Roundup – December 3 to 9, 2023

This week in women’s wrestling, we have big matches advertised for all three companies with NXT and Impact presenting special shows. WWE is starting the build for the Rumble, AEW is down the road from Final Battle, and Impact is counting down to returning to TNA.

Let’s see what the big three had for the women this week!

Monday – WWE Monday Night Raw

Stories heading into Raw: Rhea Ripley has held the women’s title since WrestleMania, dominating the division without taking a pinfall. After defeating Zoey Stark at Survivor Series, she’s ready for another challenger while also mingling with the men as the leader of Judgment Day. Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax and Zoey all claim stake as the next contender. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven continue their mostly-Raw reign as the company’s Women’s Tag Team Champions, most recently vanquishing Natalya and Tegan Nox. Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile have become friends, while Nikki Cross is somewhere staring into space.

Tonight’s Card:

Of its six matches, two of Raw’s matches included women for a total of approximately 17 minutes. Six women had matches compared to twelve men.

Nia Jax defeated Shayna Baszler in 12:09. A competitive match and Shayna looked good as always, but they can’t just seem to give her a run. Nia is showing improvement in her return.

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Natalya & Tegan Nox in 4:49. A defining performance for Kayden and Katana, having several things go “viral” and getting a reaction. They’ve been a great team for a while, so hopefully this leads to sustained appearances on Raw instead of their usual grind of singles matches on Main Event. With Chelsea and Piper on commentary for the match, this definitely sets up at least a match.

Other Developments:

A backstage segment sets up Becky Lynch looking for her next opponent, which Nia Jax answers. Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae get some face time backstage with their buddies DIY. Chelsea and Piper make fun of Nattie and Tegan backstage. Maxxine Dupri squats Akira Tozawa because why not.

Final Score:

Rhea’s absence is felt as she’s become that much of a presence, but the division continues to spin without her. We have Becky action, interest in Rhea’s belt and the tag titles all spinning while also honing in on personalities for others. I give it a B.

Tuesday – WWE NXT

Stories heading into NXT: Lyra Valkyria continues her reign as NXT Women’s Champion after knocking off Xia Li. The women of NXT have been qualifying for the Iron Survivor match at Deadline, with Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Blair Davenport and Kelani Jordan qualified. Lola Vice, winner of the Breakout Tournament, has a title shot when she chooses. Meta-Four and Alpha Academy continue crossing paths, with Otis infatuated with Lash Legend. Roxanne Perez has issues with Kiana James.

Tonight’s Card:

Three of the five matches tonight involved women for approximately 25 minutes combined. Eight women saw action compared to ten men.

Fallon Henley defeated Kiana James, Roxanne Perez and Thea Hail in a Iron Survivor qualifying last chance fatal 4-way match in 10:09. What a match title. This centered around the lingering bad blood between Perez and James, including an announce table-breaking spot. A good win for Henley and not a loss that will particularly hurt any of the others.

Lola Vice defeated Tatum Paxley in 4:04. This was mostly a showcase for Lola (with Elektra Lopez) and that’s not a bad thing.

Maxxine Dupri, Chad Gable & Otis defeated Lash Legend, Noam Dar & Oro Mensah in 11:06. The longest match of the night, this was also the most talked about due to Lash. Lash bodyslammed Otis with a slam more impressive than Hogan-Andre, a slam that Twitter talked about for the rest of the night. I am glad to see Lash finally getting the talk she’s deserving. All eight members of these two teams (with Tozawa in Alpha Academy and Jakara Jackson in Meta-Four) have shined with this coupling.

Other Developments:

The big development is the summit between the Iron Survivor participants, something that breaks back out and causes a men’s match to go to a no contest with a ringside brawl. Really good segments to help further introduce the women. During the brawl, Nikkita Lyons appears to attack Blair. Lola Vice threatens to cash in her shot on Lyra. Roxanne and Kiana brawl, leading to Ava announcing that they will have a cage match at Deadline. Oh, Ava is an authority figure now for reasons unspoken. Thea Hail and Jacy Jayne continue to battle the woes of Chase U as we find out Andre Chase gambled away Chase U money.

Final Score:

Last week I complained that NXT hadn’t had the same feel with the women it had during the summer of Becky, and this week burnt those feelings to the ground. The women dominated the show throughout and so many women have stories going on leading into Deadline and numerous others are set up for beyond. I said on Twitter while watching this one gets an A and it certainly does. Not one complaint.

Wednesday – AEW Dynamite

Stories going into AEW programming: Timeless Toni Storm continues her reign as Women’s Champion. Mariah May, up and coming talent, is fangirling over her while Skye Blue most recently shows the need for a title shot. Julia Hart is TBS Champion and successfully defending her title in House Rules matches, with Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale still showing interest in her belt. Ruby Soho has an admirer.

Tonight’s Card:

Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defeated Skye Blue in 9:19. Toni and Skye have been the two most featured talents this year, so getting time was nice. Toni was introduced by TCM’s Ben Makiewicz which was an incredible inside reference to a select group (me). Several wacky Luther-involved moments for Toni which fit her character well. Riho appears after the match to interrupt Toni’s celebration.

Other Developments:

Mariah May announces she’s about ready for her first opponent but not ready to announce them. Nick Wayne’s Mom hits Adam Copeland with a belt.

Final Score:

I’m going a little easier on Dynamite this week than usual. Feature title bout with Toni getting a corporate-involved introduction and a returning former champion appearing. All good. While I’d love for some others to get the recurring spotlight Skye is getting as well, it felt like some effort tonight. Let’s give it a B-.

Thursday – Impact Wrestling (Ultra Clash)

Stories going into Impact: We’ve been treading water lately with highlight shows and camp one-off shows lately as we transition back to TNA. Knockouts Champion Trinity is facing an upcoming challenge by Jordynne Grace but not before a match at Final Resolution as partners. Knockout Tag Champs MK-Ultra are still dominating their side of things. We go into tonight’s special themed Ultra Clash, airing from Mexico and including AAA talent.

Tonight’s Card:

Two of six matches tonight included women for approximately 19:50 of in-ring action. Six women saw in-ring action compared to nineteen men.

Trinity & Chris Sabin defeated Chik Tormenta & Dinamico. Chik is a former AAA Mixed Tag Champion. I enjoyed this as the boys and girls got to mix together and do moves against each other. Trinity seems to be having a blast in Impact and I love that for her.

Jordynne Grace & Sexy Star defeated Deonna Purrazzo & Maravilla in 11:37. Star and Maravilla both representing AAA. This sets up Jordynne and Deonna on opposite sides of the upcoming Final Resolution match. Again, a fun match and the atmosphere helps.

Other Developments:

None.

Final Score:

The unique atmosphere helped a lot, but at the same time we’ve gotta get back at some point. Both matches were entertaining and I can’t complain too much, but there isn’t that much story-wise happening outside of the impending tag match. A B-, up a little due to atmosphere and unique talent.

Thursday – ROH on HonorClub

Stories going into ROH: Women’s Champion Athena has been dominant all year. Billie Starkz has been at her side until last week, when she finally became tired of Athena’s abuse and attacked her, issuing a challenge for the belt at Final Resolution. Maria has shown interest in managing the duo of Rachael Ellering and Leyla Hirsch.

Tonight’s Card:

Three of the ten matches presented included women for approximately 9:30 combined. Eight women saw action in comparison to twenty men.

Billie Starkz defeated Dani Mo in 1:11. Total squash, but the story is the post-match brawl between Billie and Athena that has to be broken up several times. This easily feels like the most important story they’ve told in New ROH and it’s fitting they’re getting the main event of Final Battle.

Rachael Ellering defeated Nikki Victory in 3:11. Mostly just for the story of Maria Kanellis, who is there with Rachael, approving. I think.

Trish Adora and Lady Frost defeated The Renegades in 5:07. Trish and Frost should get the spotlight more, so there’s this I guess. The Renegades rarely win so this was never in doubt, like most women’s stories in ROH.

Other Developments:

Lexy Nair is given the role of guest ring announcer for Athena/Billie, while there is dissension in the ranks of the possible Maria team.

Final Score:

As usual, ROH on HonorClub could use an editor to slim things down and make the show feel important. They are doing a phenomenal job with the Athena/Billie story and I want to give ALL the props for that, but the time for other women has drastically gone down in the last few months and they’re all spinning in circles with nothing really happening. I’m giving it a C because the main story definitely feels important even if nothing else does.

Thursday – WWE Main Event

Tonight’s Card:

One of two matches tonight involved women for a total of five minutes. Two women and two men competed.

Gigi Dolin defeated Elektra Lopez in 5:00. I’m not against Main Event becoming a NXT talent spotlight show. As with most Main Event matches, this was a good enough sampler match for the little time it got.

Final Score:

Not knocking the 50/50. It’s a B for me.

Friday – AEW Rampage

Tonight’s Card:

One of four matches involved women for a total of 3:31, with two compared to eight men.

Abadon defeated Trish Adora in 3:31. I’m fine with an Abadon spotlight match – love them!! – but man, imagine showing the magic of Trish Adora that has held World Titles on the independent circle. This set up a visit from Julia Hart, giving us a possible spooky versus spooky match.

Other Developments:

We get a video package for Willow Nightingale and Mercedes Martinez for Collision, which is nice.

Final Score:

With the Continental Classic, the women are getting an even shorter time and it hurts. I’m glad for the Abadon development but under four minutes is rough. It’s a D.

Friday – NXT Level Up

Tonight’s Card:

One of three matches included women for a total of 4:01. Two women competed compared to six men.

Gigi Dolin defeated Jaida Parker in 4:01. It’s Gigi week on the C-shows! In-ring time never hurt anybody, and this is much like every other Level Up match.

Final Score:

Its Level Up as usual. B-.

Friday – WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Stories leading into SmackDown: champion Iyo Sky and the rest of Damage Ctrl are throwing hurdles at Bianca Belair on her way to a title shot. At the same time, Bayley feels like she is on the outside of Damage Ctrl as recent members Kairi Sane and Asuka take charge. Damage Ctrl took out the entire women’s roster to hinder help for Bianca’s side.

Tonight’s Card:

For tonight’s Tribute to the Troops, one of four matches included women. Two women competed in comparison to eight men.

Asuka defeated Charlotte Flair in 6:42. Bayley volunteered to stay in the back, while Shotzi, Michin and Zelina Vega took out the rest of Damage Ctrl. A good chunk of this match was lost to the commercial break. The story is Bayley coming out to help interfere, but Charlotte is injured in the match which took a little of that spotlight away. A fine match, as you’d think from the two.

Other Developments:

None really outside of the backstage segment of Bayley apologizing and staying in the back. We do see Scarlett tonight as they dust off Karrion Kross for the U.S. Title tournament.

Final Score:

A little less for the ladies tonight, but I get it behind CM Punk, the title tournament and Tribute to the Troops in general. Still a C though.

Saturday – AEW Collision

Tonight’s Card:

One of six matches involved women for a total of 9:49. Two women competed in comparison to twelve men.

Willow Nightingale defeated Mercedes Martinez in 9:49. I really appreciated this but they are two of my favorites. At the same time, there was little doubt that Willow would lose as we haven’t had a Mercedes match on AEW since the WrestleDream Zero Hour. A hard-hitting match worth your time. Diamente helps attack after, with Kris Statlander saving Willow and setting up future tag action.

Other Developments:

CJ Perry and Miro still have a weird dynamic and Julia Hart has a few backstage words for Abadon.

Final Score:

I’m glad they got ten minutes and had time to work and tell a good story, but it’s still a two hour show and I’m always going to complain about that. C.

Saturday – Impact Wrestling Final Resolution

Tonight’s Card:

Two of nine main show matches involved women for approximately 19 minutes combined. An additional three men’s matches happened on the kickoff show. Six women had matches compared to eighteen men (add six more if you include the kickoff).

Jody Threat defeated Alisha Edwards in 7:44. An unadvertised match but not a bad one at all! This was brought on by the proceeding ABC versus Myers & Edwards match and I’m not mad at it.

Trinity & Jordynne Grace defeated Gisele Shaw & Deonna Purrazzo in 11:01. Can they coexist?? They could, as we set the table for Trinity vs Jordynne to kick off 2024. Gisele turns on Deonna however so there’s that. Pre-show, we learned on Twitter that this was the last match on Deonna’s current contract and she was exploring free agency.

Final Score:

Not bad for an Impact+ show, but it still feels like the “oomph” that the women’s division had earlier in the year has been let out. B for time and building to the next show.

Saturday – NXT Deadline

Tonight’s Card:

Two of six matches on the main show involved women for approximately 36:30. One additional men’s match occurred on the kickoff. Seven women had matches in comparison to eleven men (thirteen if you include the kickoff).

Blair Davenport defeated Kelani Jordan, Lash Legend, Tiffany Stratton and Fallon Henley in an Iron Survivor match in 25:00. A match that started slow but became very, very strong and put a good spotlight on all five women. I definitely recommend this one. Blair calls out champion Lyra Valkyria post-match, who is attacked by the returning Cora Jade.

Kiana James defeated Roxanne Perez in a Steel Cage Match in 11:30. Kiana gets a big TakeOver-style entrance. A decent cage match that ends with Izzy Dame attacking Roxanne to help Kiana win.

Other Developments:

Cora says she’ll see us Tuesday, while Fallon Henley and her guys get into it with Meta-Four.

Final Score:

The women continue to be important to NXT with a big cage match and a bigger Iron Survivor match. It’s an A.

The Overall Tallies:

Including NXT, WWE presented approximately 12.5 hours of television this week. Of that, approximately 95 minutes of in-ring women’s action occurred. Not counting kickoff shows, 10 of the 26 matches included women with a total of 23 different women seeing action. Roxanne Perez, Kiana James, Fallon Henley, Gigi Dolin and Lash Legend all had two matches this week.

Including ROH, AEW presented approximately 7 hours of television this week. Of that, approximately 34 minutes of in-ring action occurred. 6 of the 25 matches aired included women with a total of 13 different women seeing action. Trish Adora had two matches this week.

Impact presented approximately 5 hours of television this week. Of that, approximately 39 minutes of in-ring action occurred. Not counting kickoff shows, 4 of the 15 matches aired included women with a total of nine different women seeing action. Trinity, Deonna Purrazzo and Jordynne Grace each had two matches this week.

Overall, 36 different women saw in-ring action for the big three’s television last week.