Women's Wrestling Wrap-Up Deonna Melina
Photo Credit: NWA

Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up: Title Matches Set For SummerSlam & NXT Takeover, NWA Unpacks Empowerrr Roster, Wrestle Queendom 4 Takes Shape

By Ella Jay

Women’s wrestling continues to set the bar high this month: Championship matchups have been announced for SummerSlam and NXT Takeover 36, NWA unloads talent acquisitions for Empowerrr, Wrestle Queendom 4 begins to take shape, ROH continues first round women’s tournament matchups and much more! Let’s break it down in this week’s Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!

Championship Matches Set For SummerSlam & NXT Takeover 36

August is heating up in time for WWE’s summer extravaganzas: SummerSlam and NXT Takeover.

SummerSlam and NXT Takeover will be taking place in Las Vegas this year, with some high stakes matchups set to culminate three ongoing women’s storylines.

Firstly, the RAW Women’s Championship will be defended at SummerSlam in a triple threat matchup between “The Queen” Charlotte Flair, “The Nightmare” Rhea Ripley, and the RAW Women’s Champion, Nikki A.S.H. Three weeks ago, Charlotte Flair walked into Monday Night RAW as the champion, after previously defeating Rhea Ripley the night before at Money In The Bank. The two competitors starred in a rematch, before Flair intentionally struck Ripley with the championship, and thus, got herself disqualified. A brief brawl then ensued on the outside before Ripley threw Flair back into the ring, allowing the prime opportunity for Money in the Bank winner, Nikki A.S.H. to cash in and become the new RAW Women’s Champion.

In the week following, Ripley and Flair declared their desires for a subsequent title shot. Charlotte Flair even pinned A.S.H. in the process, proclaiming that Nikki isn’t anywhere close to her league. Nonetheless, their wishes were granted.

Nikki A.S.H. is now slated to put her RAW Women’s Championship on the line at SummerSlam against two former champions. Can Nikki overcome the odds?

Last week on RAW, A.S.H. perhaps previewed that, defeating Flair in an incredible No Holds Barred Match, even after enduring an intense spear through the barricade and a powerbomb through the announce table.

A.S.H’s victory against Flair sets up a unique and enticing story going into SummerSlam with the odds stacked against her, especially in an environment where the champion doesn’t need to be pinned to lose their title. This exciting triple threat match is sure to deliver the shock value in time for SummerSlam, but the question is: Does Nikki A.S.H. hold the right cards to secure the victory in Vegas?

RELATED: Nikki A.S.H. Picks Up Upset Win In No Holds Barred Match Against Charlotte Flair

On the Smackdown side of WWE, another highly anticipated championship match has officially been announced for SummerSlam as well: “The Boss” Sasha Banks vs Smackdown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

After being blindsided by Sasha Banks upon her return, Bianca Belair wasn’t too thrilled with “The Boss”. Last Friday on Smackdown, Banks opened the show by explaining her actions the week prior, stating that Belair would be nothing without her. Banks further insinuated that her return was contingent on reclaiming what she believes is rightfully hers–the Smackdown Women’s Championship, that Belair now possesses.

Belair then emerged, declaring that Banks literally begged her to be her opponent at WrestleMania after she won the Royal Rumble. “The EST” proclaimed that she had been shining on the blue brand during Banks’ absence post-Mania. However, this spat was interrupted by  Zelina Vega, as she then requested that Belair give her the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match that she was promised last week. Belair agreed to face Vega later on in a non-title match, but also revealed that she will also see Banks at SummerSlam. Unfortunately, Vega was unable to defeat Belair later in the evening, thus voiding any future title opportunity.

In the midst of all of this though, the stage is officially set for “The EST” versus “The Boss” at SummerSlam, in an epic WrestleMania rematch with the Smackdown Women’s Championship on the line.

RELATED: Bianca Belair To Defend SmackDown Women’s Title Against Sasha Banks At WWE SummerSlam

Las Vegas is not only hosting SummerSlam on August 21st, but also NXT Takeover 36 on the following night, with a major women’s match recently announced.

Dakota Kai stunned he world by betraying her former ally Raquel Gonzalez two weeks ago on NXT with a kick heard ’round the world. So, the stage is now officially set for the two to meet in an high-stakes battle for the NXT Women’s Championship. Earlier this year, the duo held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships together after they won the inaugural Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but Kai is ready to cement her own legacy now, as she pursues the gold.

Will Dakota Kai break through the shadows and halt Gonzalez’s tear through the NXT women’s division or will the NXT Women’s Champion continue her impressive championship reign?

It all culminates at NXT Takeover 36 on August 22nd!

RELATED: Raquel Gonzalez To Defend NXT Women’s Championship Against Dakota Kai At NXT TakeOver 36, Updated Card

NWA EMPOWERRR Raises The Bar, Unpacks Roster

We are less than three weeks away from NWA’s first-ever all women’s pay-per-view, and the excitement is certainly building as NWA has unpacked a load of talent announcements for their EMPOWERRR event over the last week.

Here’s a rundown:

Last Tuesday, Mickie James, the executive producer of the event, announced via Instagram that former WWE superstar Chelsea Green will be a part of the pay-per-view card, as one of then ten competitors in the first-ever NWA Women’s Invitational. Moreover, James also revealed that the NWA Women’s Invitational will indeed be the main event at EMPOWERRR, with ten competitors vying for an NWA Women’s Championship opportunity, where the winner will go on to NWA73 the following night for a title match.

RELATED: Mickie James Announces That Chelsea Green Will Compete At NWA Empowerrr

NWA also officially announced three more competitors for the Women’s Invitational, the first being Hurricane Pro Women’s Champion, Lady Frost.

A few days later, NWA proudly revealed that Debbie Malenko will also be entering the NWA Women’s Invitational in a major career return. In addition, current Battle Arts Academy Women’s Champion and second generation star, Bianca Carelli will also be competing in the Women’s Invitational.

With these subsequent announcements, the field for the NWA Women’s Invitational is now more than halfway full with six of the ten entrants announced: Tootie Lynn, Jamie Senegal, Chelsea Green, Lady Frost, Debbie Malenko, and Bianca Carelli.

WrestleZone will keep you updated as more announcements roll out.

It will be interesting to see who else joins the fray, as NWA continues to unpack the participants in this main event match. NWA still has not revealed the involvement or match plans for a majority of their women’s roster, with Kylie Rae, Serena Deeb, Skye Blue, Taryn Terrell, and Jennacide’s fates still up in the air in relation to NWA Empowerrr.

However, the fates of former WWE Women’s Champion, Melina and current NWA Women’s Champion, Kamille, have been solidified.

Last Wednesday, Kamille made a surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite, looking on from the audience in the midst of a number-one-contender match between The Bunny and Leyla Hirsch, where the winner of the bout would go on to challenge Kamille at NWA Empowerrr on August 28th. Hirsh defeated The Bunny on the special “Homecoming” episode of Dynamite, and as a result, earned herself an NWA Women’s Championship opportunity at Empowerrr.

This matchup officially marks the crossover between NWA and AEW in terms of talent for Empowerrr. We have seen the two companies collaborate before in the past, but seeing the forbidden door break down even more for women’s wrestling is truly so special, and groundbreaking to see. NWA is already excelling in crossovers, with IMPACT, Ring of Honor, and now AEW representation at Empowerrr, but perhaps the crossovers don’t stop here. Keep in mind, all the spots are still open for the NWA Women’s Tag Team Tournament. So, who knows what else NWA possibly has in store for us?

Speaking of the forbidden door though, NWA continues to bust it down. IMPACT Knockouts Champion, Deonna Purrazzo previously agreed to appear at Empowerrr after weeks of tension with Mickie James, but was ultimately persuaded by Gail Kim and James that the all-women’s event would be a prime opportunity to cement her legacy. Last Thursday on IMPACT Wrestling, Purrazzo’s opponent for the show was finally revealed in the form of former WWE Women’s Champion, Melina. In addition, the Knockouts Championship will be on the line.

This appearance marks Melina’s debut in IMPACT Wrestling and sets the stage for a dream matchup.

RELATED: IMPACT Knockouts Championship Match Set For NWA Empowerrr

NWA Empowerrr is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th in St. Louis, and is airing on FITETV.

WrestleZone will keep you updated as more details on the event become available.

Pro Wrestling EVE Announces Championship Gauntlet Match For Wrestle Queendom 4

Months ago, Pro Wrestling Eve announced the return of their premier and largest all-women’s event: Wrestle Queendom 4. Emanating from London, Wrestle Queendom 4 is scheduled to take place Friday, August 27th.

Now, the card is beginning to take shape, with EVE revealing an epic championship match involving the EVE International Championship. The current champion, Kasey will defend her EVE International Title in a six-woman gauntlet match against Hyan, Emersyn Jayne, Nightshade, Madison Miles, and Debbie Keitel.

Also confirmed for the card so far is Alex Windsor, and EVE Champion, Rhia O’Reilly .

RELATED: Pro Wrestling Eve Announces Return of Wrestle Queendom

ROH Women’s Championship Tournament Continues First Round Matchups

The Ring of Honor Women’s Championship Tournament continued with three first round matchups over the past week. Firstly, Allysin Kay earned a victory over Willow Nightingale via submission on Women’s Division Wednesday.

Then on ROH Episode 516, Quinn McKay shocked Mandy Leon and countered an Astral Projection to roll up Leon for the win. Later on, Trish Adora faced Marti Belle in a back and forth matchup, before Adora locked in the Cattle Mutilation to force Belle to tap out. Adora will now go on to face Allysin Kay in the quarterfinals.

https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/1424876143778451456?s=20

The first round of the ROH Women’s Championship Tournament concludes next week with the following matchup:

ROH TV EPISODE 517 (8/14/21)
Holidead vs. Max the Impaler

RELATED: ROH Wrestling Results (8/9/21): Bandido And Rey Horus vs. Brody King And Chris Dickinson

Chelsea Green will also be making her Ring of Honor in-ring debut at this month’s Glory By Honor Night 2 pay-per-view on August 21st in a tag team matchup, teaming with Willow Nightingale to take on Miranda Alize and Rok-C.

Britt Baker Set To Defend AEW Women’s Championship At Rampage Against Red Velvet

Dr. Britt Baker, DMD is set to defend her AEW Women’s Championship this Friday in her hometown of Pittsburgh, on the debut episode of AEW Rampage against Red Velvet. Velvet’s record is 22-4 heading into this matchup against the popular champion, Britt Baker.

READ MORE: AEW Women’s Title Match Announced For Rampage Premiere On 8/13, Broadcast Team Revealed

INTERVIEWS

Former PWWA Champion, Shazza McKenzie recently joined Spencer Love of Love Wrestling to chat about Jericho vs. Gage, the Australian wrestling scene, Madison Eagles, Jessica McKay, and some independent wrestling superlatives!

Independent star, Bryn Thorne appeared on A Wrestling Gal to discuss roller derby, her work in photography, the evolution of her ring gear, personal training, her female inspirations, and much more!

Killa Kate recently spoke with O-Face Wrestling to talk about the inspiration to her character, the mental toll of being a professional wrestler, video games, and much more.

IMPACT Knockouts Champion, Deonna Purrazzo recently chatted with the Battleground Podcast about having fans back at IMPACT Wrestling shows, becoming Homecoming Queen, addresses Mickie James and her upcoming match at NWA Empowerrr, her dream match and much more!

ROH Board of Director member, Maria Kanellis-Bennett recently spoke with Florida Today about the ROH Women’s World Championship Tournament, Chelsea Green, balancing her work, motherhood, and more.

Heart of SHIMMER Champion, Hyan appeared on Bell To Belles to discuss her first stint in the UK, favorite matches, Gisele Shaw, championships she has her eyes set on, and more.

NWA interviewer, Mayra Dias Gomes joined A Wrestling Gal to discuss NWA EMPOWERRR, her wrestling training journey, her singing abilities, possibly turning her book into a film, music industry aspirations and more.

Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, Cassie Lee (fka Peyton Royce) spoke with Chris Van Vliet about what’s next for her after her WWE release, her husband AEW star Shawn Spears’s reaction to it, the motivational speaker gimmick that she pitched to Vince McMahon, her new podcast called “Off Her Chops” and more.

FSW Women’s Champion, Mazzerati appeared on The DeFalco Files and spoke on the Ring of Honor locker-room, making sacrifices for wrestling, her match with Zeda Zhang, the FSW Women’s Championship, and more.

Former Knockouts Tag Team Champion, Rachael Ellering chatted with Busted Open Radio to discuss working with Tommy Dreamer at IMPACT Homecoming, wrestling memorabilia, paying tribute to the Road Warriors and more.

Hybrid School of Wrestling star, Lilith recently spoke with Putting You Over about creative freedom, the Texas wrestling scene, discovering wrestling and more.

Quinn McKay spoke with WrestleZone’s Colin Tessier about her spot in the ROH Women’s Championship tournament, getting a fair shot at Mandy Leon, her in-ring future and ROH tenure and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Flawless Wrestling, August 20th

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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