Kairi Sane returns to WWE at Crown Jewel. Toni Storm is set to challenge for the AEW Women’s Championship at AEW Full Gear. Alexia Nicole chats with WrestleZone and more! Let’s break it down in this edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!
Kairi Sane Returns To WWE
While interference was Bayley was an expected element in her WWE Women’s Championship match, Bianca Belair was blindsided by another outside force at Crown Jewel as well — that being Kairi Sane.
During the November 4 WWE premium live event, Bianca Belair challenged IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship. Toward the conclusion of the match, SKY’s Damage CTRL stablemate Bayley arrived a ringside to pose a distraction to Belair. When Belair later set Bayley up for a KOD through the announce table, a mystery figure emerged out of nowhere, attacking Belair from behind. WWE fans quickly identified the assailant as former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Kairi Sane.
After receiving a knee drop from Kairi Sane, Belair reentered the ring, only to then be hit with an Over The Moonsault from IYO SKY. With Belair firmly grounded, SKY secured the pinfall to retain the WWE Women’s Championship. Post-match, Kairi Sane delivered an InSANE Elbow to Belair as Bayley looked on in surprise.
WWE Crown Jewel
A brief recap of the ending of the WWE Women’s Championship match can be read below, courtesy of our live coverage page:
Sky lands a moonsault outside the ring. Springboard dropkick by Sky. Belair kicks out. Sky avoids another superstar press. Belair hits the glam slam. Bayley hops on the apron and distracts the referee during Belair’s pin. Belair knocks Bayley off the apron. Belair lands a dive on Bayley. Sky tries to attack Belair, but she ducks. Sky clocks Bayley. Belair tries to get back in the ring. Bayley hooks her leg. Someone hops the barricade and attacks Belair from behind. It’s Kari Sane! Belair is almost counted out. As Belair rolls in the ring, Sky hits the Over the Moonsault for the win.
Winner and STILL Women’s World Champion, Iyo Sky!
Elsewhere on the card, Rhea Ripley successfully defended her WWE Women’s World Championship against Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, and Zoey Stark — the latter of which later earned herself another against Ripley at Survivor Series.
READ MORE: WWE Crown Jewel Results (11/4/23)
Toni Storm Set To Challenge Hikaru Shida
AEW Full Gear will take place on Saturday, November 18 from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Six matches have been announced for the event so far, including a Women’s World Championship match.
On the October 25 episode of AEW Dynamite, Hikaru Shida successfully defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Ruby Soho. Shida was then interrupted by Toni Storm, who appeared at the top of the entrance ramp. AEW subsequently confirmed that Storm has solidified herself a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. This title match will take place at AEW Full Gear.
The champion heading into the event, however, was still up in the air. At the time, Hikaru Shida had not one, but two other title defenses ahead of her.
After conquering Abadon on Rampage, Shida put her title on the line against Willow Nightingale on the November 1 episode of AEW Dynamite. There, Shida emerged victorious once again.
Barring any last-minute title changes, Shida seems primed to face Toni Storm at AEW Full Gear in what will be their singles match against each other. As it stands, Shida and Storm are tied with one victory a piece against one another heading into Full Gear.
RELATED: Tony Khan: Toni Storm Is Doing Some Of The Best Work In Wrestling Right Now
Interviews
“The Bionic Woman” Alexia Nicole spoke with WrestleZone’s own Ella Jay about bouncing back from multiple shoulder injuries, transforming herself into the “The Bionic Woman,” being a vet in the Canadian wrestling scene, preparing for a tour of the United Kingdom, and more.
Former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about being in the Fatal 5-Way for the Women’s World Championship at Crown Jewel, WWE going to Berlin, Otto Wanz’s CWA promotion, Ronda Rousey’s status and their current relationship and more.
All Elite Wrestling’s Marina Shafir appeared on Wilde On to discuss motherhood, her transition into WWE, Ronda Rousey’s life on the farm, and her MMA background, and mroe.
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Vallkyria chatted with Irish Mirror to discuss her journey into professional wrestling, defeating Becky Lynch to win the NXT Women’s Championship, and more.
PCW Ultra Women’s Champion Viva Van joined Steve Fall of WrestlingNewsCo to discuss her secret WWE tryout, traveling with multiple championships, training with Rikishi, her experience working with AEW and Ring of Honor, and more.
