Women's Wrestling Wrap-Up Dakota Kai
Photo Credit: WWE

Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up: Dakota Kai Sets Her Sights On Gold, ROH Women’s Tournament Underway, ECWA Crowns Super 8 Winner

By Ella Jay

Women’s wrestling is absolutely exploding in the month of August: Dakota Kai sets her sights on the NXT Women’s Championship, the ROH Women’s Championship Tournament is officially underway, ECWA crowns a Super 8 Tournament winner, and much more! Let’s break it down in this week’s Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!

Dakota Kai Turns On Raquel Gonzalez, Sets Her Sights On Championship Gold

Dakota Kai has had enough.

Ever since February of 2020, Kai has been aligned with current NXT Women’s Champion, Raquel Gonzalez, becoming the first ever NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions and winning the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Gonzalez emerged as Kai’s bodyguard during NXT Takeover: Portland last year, where she interfered in a street fight match between Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox, slamming Nox through a table and thus, allowing Kai to win the match. Months following, Kai racked up victories over Nox, Kacy Catanzaro, Kayden Carter, Rhea Ripley, Jessi Kamea, and vied for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Takeover: XXX against Io Shirai. Following her loss to Shirai, the attention dramatically shifted to her “bodyguard”, Gonzalez–who would then assume feuds with Rhea Ripley and eventually, Io Shirai. Gonzalez slowly but surely began building her resume, pinning the then NXT Women’s Champion, Io Shirai at Wargames, and defeating Ripley in a Last Woman Standing match, cementing herself as the forefront in the duo of herself and Kai.

Kai and Gonzalez were the first-ever NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions earlier this year, but this reign lasted less than an hour. Perhaps this reign was to serve a greater purpose in further pushing Gonzalez’s championship agenda. The weeks following, Gonzalez set her sights on the NXT Women’s Champion, Io Shirai, where the two eventually met at NXT Takeover: Stand & Deliver on April 7th. There, Raquel Gonzalez ended the 300+ day reign of Shirai, becoming the new NXT Women’s Champion and beginning the next level of her career with Dakota Kai in her corner.

In a reversal of roles, the “bodyguard” stepped out of the shadows, while Kai was stuffed in lockers, took kicks to the face, and faded to the background.

But last week on NXT, Dakota Kai stood her ground.

NXT Women’s Champion, Raquel Gonzalez emerged with Dakota Kai to discuss her dominance and her successful reign so far, where Kai listed off Gonzalez’s impressive accomplishments. Kai then declared that Gonzalez as long as she had her back there’s no one that can take the championship from her. Surely enough, as Gonzalez turned her back to pose with the championship, Kai delivered a huge kick to her face, sending Gonzalez to the mat.

To further clarify her message to her now former ally, Kai grabbed the title and intensely stared down at the fallen Gonzalez, signifying her new quest for championship gold.

This marks the official betrayal and end to the alliance of Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, but many look forward to the new and invigorating matchup between the two. Will Dakota Kai finally be able to capture the NXT Women’s Championship? I certainly hope so.

RELATED: Dakota Kai Betrays Raquel Gonzalez, Sets Her Sights On The NXT Women’s Title

ROH Women’s Championship Tournament Officially Begins, Quinn McKay Claims Final Slot

The Ring of Honor Women’s Championship Tournament has officially begun!

Last week, Quinn McKay claimed the final spot in the tournament through a fan poll on ROH’s “The Experience” Facebook page. McKay had previously lost two opportunities to win her ticket to gold due to outside interference from the Allure. Back in May, she lost to Angelina Love due to distraction from Mandy Leon; a few weeks ago, McKay lost to Leon, due to brass knuckles that were passed to her by Angelina Love. Due to these interferences, ROH Board of Directors member Maria Kanellis-Bennett set up the poll which prompted fans to decide whether McKay should be in the tournament or not. With a decisive 95 percent of the vote, Quinn is in! McKay will now compete in the first round of the tournament against Mandy Leon, with the match airing on the weekend of August 7th on ROH television. Moreover, Angelina Love and Mandy Leon have been banned from ringside for each other’s matches, according to Maria-Kanellis Bennet. Angelina Love also has a first-round bye in the tournament and automatically advances to the second round.

The full announcement can be viewed here.

RELATED: Quinn McKay Wins Fan Poll, Gets Final Spot In ROH Women’s Title Tournament

With all the competitors confirmed for the tournament, Ring of Honor has also officially named two alternates for the Women’s Championship Tournament: Brandi Lauren & Laynie Luck.

Lauren has formerly competed in NXT, EVOLVE, and IMPACT Wrestling in her five years of experience. Luck made her ROH debut in April and she is a former Zelo Pro Women’s Champion.

Ring of Honor then officially began their first-round match series over the weekend with three incredible matchups airing. First, Miranda Alize defeated Alex Gracia in a back-and-forth sequence of strikes, with Alize winning on a drive-by kick. Nicole Savoy also defeated Mazzerati with a half-Dragon suplex to clinch the win. With this victory, Savoy will go on to face Miranda Alize in the second round. In the final of three matches that aired this week, “The Prodigy” Rok-C defeated the veteran, Sumie Sakai with a rollup.

READ MORE: ROH Wrestling Results (8/2/21): Women’s Title Tournament Begins

The schedule for the remainder of first round, courtesy of ROH’s official website, is as follows:

WOMEN’S DIVISION WEDNESDAY (8/4/21)

Allysin Kay vs. Willow

ROH TV EPISODE 516 (8/7/21)

Mandy Leon vs. Quinn McKay

Trish Adora vs. Marti Belle

ROH TV EPISODE 517 (8/14/21)

Holidead vs. Max the Impaler

Sasha Banks Returns To Smackdown

Last week on Friday Night SmackDown, the Smackdown Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair appeared out to the ring for an interview about her first 100 days as champion, before she was interrupted by Carmella and Zelina Vega. Both competitors demanded a championship opportunity from Belair, which Belair eventually accepted. However, Carmella and Vega weren’t done just yet, as they laid out the Smackdown Women’s Champion in a brutal attack, until….Sasha Banks’ music hit and she made the save.

Later, Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce announced a tag team match with Banks and Belair teaming up against Carmella and Zelina Vega. Banks would capture the victory for her team after forcing Carmella to tap out of the Bank Statement in the night’s main event. During the midst of their post-match celebration, Banks dazed Belair with a Backstabber and a subsequent Bank Statement, which left her lying in the ring and seemingly reigniting their WrestleMania rivalry.

Banks’ intentions for championship gold became clear when she then declared that she was “The Boss”, and she posed with the Smackdown Women’s Championship before putting Belair in the Bank Statement again. This marked first time since WrestleMania 37 that Sasha Banks had been featured on WWE programming, following her loss to Belair there.

RELATED: Sasha Banks Returns To WWE SmackDown, Attacks Bianca Belair

Zoe Lucas Crowned RevPro’s Queen Of The Ring

The UK’s Revolution Pro Wrestling held a fantastic Queen of the Ring tournament over the weekend, featuring eight of its most elite athletes. It is important to note that the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship was not on the line in this tournament, but the action still proved incredible.

Here is a break-down of the tournament results:

Quarter-Finals:

  • Clementine defeated Chakara
  • Zoe Lucas defeats Amira Blair
  • Gisele Shaw defeated Skye Smitson
  • Hyan defeated Mariah May

After the first round, Clementine, Zoe Lucas, Gisele Shaw, and Hyan then advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament, where the action really heated up.

Semi-Finals:

  • Zoe Lucas (w/Mariah May) defeated Clementine
  • Hyan defeated Gisele Shaw

Through two rounds, “The Renaissance Woman”, Hyan and “The Beauty Wrestler”, Zoe Lucas outlasted all of their competitors to make it down to the finals, where the winner would be crowned RevPro’s official Queen of the Ring.

Ultimately, it was “The Beauty Wrestler” who claimed the crown.

Finals:

  • Zoe Lucas defeated Hyan

All hail the 2021 RevPro Queen of the Ring: Zoe Lucas!

The following night at RevPro’s Live at the Cockpit 52, Lucas held her official coronation as Queen.

Similarly, WWE is reportedly set to hold their own Queen of the Ring Tournament this fall.

READ MORE: Report: WWE Queen Of The Ring Tournament Set To Begin On 10/8 WWE SmackDown (Updated)

ecwa super 8
Photo Credit: ECWA

ECWA Crowns Super 8 Tournament Winner

Last weekend, East Coast Wrestling Association held their Super 8 tournament from the Monster Factory in New Jersey, featuring eight of the best independent talent. Kaia McKenna was scheduled to appear in the tournament, but was unable to compete due to a shoulder injury. Megan Bayne was named as her replacement.

Here is a break-down of the tournament results:

Quarter Finals

  • Megan Bayne defeated Damaris Dawkins
  • Gabby Ortiz defeated Vicious Vicki 
  • Ashley D’Amboise defeats Adena Steele
  • Tina San Antonio defeats Erica Leigh 

After the first round, Bayne, Ortiz, D’Amboise, and San Antonio advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Semi-Finals

  • Megan Bayne defeated Gabby Ortiz
  • Ashley D’Amboise defeated Tina San Antonio

That lead us to the finals of this Super 8 tournament between Megan Bayne and Ashley D’Amboise. Bayne pinned Ashley D’Amboise after hitting a swinging uranage slam to take home the Super 8 trophy.

From a last minute fill-in to ECWA Women’s Super 8 Tournament 2021 winner, Megan Bayne has certainly made a statement by taking home the gold. In addition, it was revealed that Bayne would also get a shot at the IWTV Title.

Kylie Rae Set To Defend Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship Against Thunder Rosa

The month of August has finally come, which means pro wrestling fans are in for a treat later this month with Kylie Rae set to defend her Warrior Wrestling Women’s Champion against AEW’s newest female signee, Thunder Rosa on August 21st at their Stadium Series.

This championship matchup is sure to be an epic bout, with two of today’s greatest performers squaring off in this highly anticipated battle. Fans can watch along on Saturday, August 21st on FiteTV.

kylie rae thunder rosa
Photo Credit: Warrior Wrestling

INTERVIEWS

Ring of Honor star Mazzerati recently spoke with Spencer Love of Love Wrestling to discuss about her participation in the ROH Women’s Championship Tournament, Maria Kanellis, the FSW Women’s Championship, her first-round opponent Nicole Savoy, and more!

RAW Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. recently appeared on Ring the Belle, talking about winning the RAW Women’s championship, her “Almost Super Hero” gimmick, her dream superhero stable with Mighty Molly and Super Stacy, memories wrestling on SHIMMER before joining WWE, and more.

Elev8 Pro talent Amaris Blair chatted with O-Face Wrestling on her experience training, wrestling for Elev8 Pro Wrestling, the inspiration to her character, and much more.

Hurricane Pro Women’s Champion Lady Frost recently appeared on Bell to Belles to discuss NWA Empowerrr, MLW, waterparks, Lego matches, and much more!

New Texas Pro Women’s Champion, Rok-C spoke with MuscleManMalcolm about joining Ring of Honor, how the locker-room reacted to new women’s stars, how AJ Lee & Paige inspired her wrestling career, and more.

Smackdown Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair recently chatted with Complex about the crowd at Money in the Bank, her experience at the Rolling Loud Festival, working with Carmella, and more.

Smackdown correspondent, Kayla Braxton appeared on NotSam Wrestling to talk about her journey to WWE, getting help from NXT fans, Paul Heyman, the WrestleMania rain delay, horror movies, and more.

IMPACT Knockouts Champion, Deonna Purrazzo chatted with Those Wrestling Girls about her mystery opponent at Slammiversary, accepting herself, her thoughts on the current landscape of women’s wrestling, and more.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING RESULTS

TNT Extreme Wrestling, July 30th: Total Carnage

First Round

  • Lego Death: Session Moth Martina defeated Kira Chimera
  • Drawing Pins Death: Kasey defeated Alexxis Falcon
  • Carpet Strips Death: Emersyn Jayne defeated Raven Creed
  • Kendo Sticks Death: Molly Spartan defeated Gia Adams

Semi-Finals

  • Light Tubes and Tables Death: Kasey defeated Emersyn Jayne
  • Barbed Wire Chairs Death: Session Moth Martina defeated Molly Spartan

Finals 

  • Ultimate Death: Session Moth Martina defeated Kasey

TNT Extreme Wrestling, July 31st: Sirens Fury

  • Emersyn Jayne defeated Angel Hayze
  • Raven Creed defeated Aurora Teves
  • Lana Austin defeated Molly Spartan (w/Kasey)
  • Session Moth Martina defeated Heidi Katrina
  • Pretty Little Killers (Ivy & Ruby Radley) defeated Gia Adams & Taonga
  • TNT Women’s Championship, Falls Count Anywhere: Lizzy Evo (c) defeated Alexxis Falcon

Mission Pro Wrestling, July 31st: Play Hard, Hustle Harder

  • Robert Bayne (w/Kaitlyn Alexis) defeats JP Harlow by referee’s decision
  • Dani Mo defeats Kenzie Paige
  • Dulce Tormenta & Madi Wrenkowski vs. The Renegade Twins (Charlette Renegade & Robyn Renegade) – Double Count Out
  • Skye Blue defeats Zoey Skye
  • Gigi Rey defeats Lady Bird Monroe
  • Thunder Rosa defeats Janai Kai
  • MPW Championship #1 Contendership Three-Way: Jazmin Allure (w/Ava Wilde) defeats Jennacide and Vertvixen
  • MPW Championship Match: La Rosa Negra (c) defeats Holidead

PROGRESS Wrestling, July 31st: Chapter 116

  • Mercedez Blaze & Taonga defeated Alexxis Falcon & Roxxy Hellz Belle
  • Laura Di Matteo defeated Gisele Shaw 

Stardom, July 31st: 5STAR GRAND PRIX 2021 Opening Round #1

  • Pre-Show Eight Man Tag Team: Oedo Tai (Konami, Rina, Ruaka & Saki Kashima) defeat AZM, Hanan, Hina & Lady C 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Mina Shirakawa [2] defeats Fukigen Death [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Koguma [2] defeated Natsupoi [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Giulia [2] defeated Starlight Kid [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Unagi Sayaka [2] defeatedTam Nakano [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Syuri [2] defeated Saya Kamitani [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Momo Watanabe [2] defeated Mayu Iwatani [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Maika [2] defeated Utami Hayashishita 

Stardom, August 1st: 5STAR GRAND PRIX 2021 Opening Round #2

  • Pre-Show Three Way Tag Team: Oedo Tai (Rina & Ruaka) defeat Lady C & Mina Shirakawa and STARS (Hanan & Koguma) 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Unagi Sayaka [4] defeated AZM [0]
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Starlight Kid [2] defeated Saki Kashima [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Natsupoi [2] defeatdd Momo Watanabe [2]
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Tam Nakano [2] defeated Konami [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Utami Hayashishita [2] defeated Saya Kamitani [0] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block A: Syuri [4] defeated Maika [2] 
  • 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Block B: Mayu Iwatani [2] defeated Giulia [2] 

Wrestle Carnival, August 1st: Curtain Call

  • CATCH Women’s Championship, Fatal-Four-Way: Lizzy Evo (c) defeats Chantal Jordan and Ivy and Skye Smitson
  • Gisele Shaw defeated Heidi Katrina

WWE, August 2nd: Monday Night RAW

  • No Holds Barred Match: Nikki A.S.H. defeated Charlotte Flair
  • Tamina defeats Doudrop (w/Eva Marie)
  • Rhea Ripley defeats Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Capital Championship Wrestling, August 7th

Ella Jay
Ella Jay

Ella Jay is a writer, podcaster, interviewer, and host in the wrestling space.
Her love for professional wrestling sparked at the age of 11, finding Friday Night SmackDown while scrolling through channels. Ella watched and attended numerous wrestling events growing up, captivated by the likes of Jeff Hardy, Mickie James, and Shawn Michaels. 

Ella currently resides in Buffalo, NY and has a Bachelor's in Psychology and minored in Creative Writing at Canisius College. She also highly enjoys reality television and crime shows, specifically: Survivor, Big Brother, Law & Order: SVU, and NCIS.
Follow Ella on Twitter: @itsellajay

EMAIL: ellajayofficial@gmail.com

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