Hikaru Shida dethrones Saraya. The WWE NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament continues. Cassie Lee strikes championship gold in Australia. Alex Gracia chats with WrestleZone, and more! Let’s break it down in this week’s edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!
Hikaru Shida is a 3x champion
Hikaru Shida made AEW history during Tuesday night’s special episode of Dynamite. As Dynamite went head-to-head with WWE NXT last night, AEW hosted three title matches, including one for the AEW Women’s Championship.
For this occasion, Saraya defended against the former titleholder, Hikaru Shida, who had previously lost the championship during a four-way match at AEW All In on August 27. After defeating Ruby Soho to become the number one contender, Shida secured herself the title shot. Soho later attempted to spray Shida with a can of spray paint during Tuesday’s title match, but those efforts were thwarted by Shida herself, who sprayed Soho instead. As Soho began retreating, Toni Storm emerged, attacking Soho with her shoe.
Later in the match, Saraya sprayed Shida in the face, but unfortunately for Saraya, Hikaru Shida stayed resilient, which eventually paid off for her. At the end of the affair, Hikaru Shida was crowned as the new AEW Women’s Champion after she scored the pinfall on Saraya.
With this win, Shida becomes the first-ever three-time AEW Women’s World Champion. In response, Shida posted the following to Twitter:
“AaaahaahahAaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first 3 time AEW Women’s World Champion ever!!!!!!!!! (Why my face always green)” Shida tweeted alongside a photo of herself posing with the title.
RELATED: Saraya Claims The Referee Was Paid To Make Her Lose The AEW Women’s Championship
NXT Women’s Breakout Tourney continues
Last week, WWE began their second annual NXT Women’s Breakout tournament, featuring eight up-and-coming WWE NXT Superstars. This year’s tournament features a few familiar faces while introducing fans to some new ones as well.
In the midst of the action, Arianna Grace also makes history, becoming the first woman to compete in two NXT Women’s Breakout Tournaments. Last year, Grace suffered a loss to Nikkita Lyons in the first round. Later that fall, though, Grace sustained a torn ACL and meniscus in her knee, which kept her out of the ring until September 2023.
This year, Grace will wrestle Jakara Jackson in the opening round. The winner of that matchup will go on to face Kelani Jordan, who previously defeated Izzi Dame to advance to the semi-finals.
On the other side of the bracket, Karmen Petrovic will take on Jaida Parker, with the winner moving on to the semi-finals to battle Lola Vice. Vice defeated Dani Palmer in the opening round on last night’s episode of WWE NXT to advance.
READ MORE: WWE NXT Results – October 10, 2023
Cassie Lee Returns To The Ring, Strikes Gold
After 18 months away from action, Cassie Lee made her official return at World Series Wrestling’s “Full Throttle” tour. Despite her lengthy hiatus, Lee arrived with an aim for championship gold. As it turns out, Lee quickly received the opportunity to become the WSW Women’s Champion.
On the second day of the WSW tour, Cassie Lee competed in a five-woman gauntlet match in an effort to crown a new WSW Women’s Champion. This is the title that Steph De Lander vacated due to injury. In the end, it was Lee who emerged victorious. She outlasted the likes of Aysha, Harley Cameron, Jessica Troy, and Lena Kross to secure the WSW Women’s Championship. With this victory, Lee now begins her first title reign since she and Jessica McKay captured the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championships at Bound For Glory 2021.
Following her title win, Lee delivered a post-match promo, stating the following:
“I am Cassie Lee, one half of the IInspiration, and new World Series Wrestling Women’s Champion. And although I would have loved to beat Steph De Lander for this, what remains the point is that I get to take this baby home to my son. And as cliché as it sounds, I don’t care because I get to show him that with hard work and determination and blood, sweat, and tears and all of that lame stuff, literally, your dreams can come true. I’m going to remain the World Series Wrestling Women’s Champion for as long as possible. I can’t wait to see who steps up.”
Three days after winning the title, Cassie Lee successfully defended it against Lena Kross and real-life friend Harley Cameron.
RELATED: Cassie Lee: Harley Cameron Is Incredibly Talented, She Turns Everything To Gold
Interviews
“The Pink Dream” Alex Gracia spoke with WrestleZone’s own Ella Jay about her experience at Mickie James’ Masterclass, helping Traci Brooks prepare for IMPACT 1000, the Pink Dream Collection, her thoughts on the Barbie movie, and more.
AEW star Leila Grey spoke with The Pop Break to discuss the filming of Netflix’s Wrestlers docuseries, her recent engagement, Jade Cargill’s move to WWE, changing her hair color, and more.
WWE RAW ring announcer Samantha Irvin joined Chris Van Vliet to talk about growing up as a wrestling fan, how she met her fiancé Ricochet, meeting Lilian Garcia and getting feedback from her, her approach to her ring announcing style, and more.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus appeared on The Hall of Fame podcast to discuss her recent run in WWE, wrestling Becky Lynch in a steel cage, her ongoing Bad Girl Tour, her thoughts on Tiffany Stratton, and more.
