On this week’s AEW Dynamite there was a lot of movement in the Women’s World Championship Eliminator Tournament. Thunder Rosa clashed with “Legit” Leyla Hirsch in the opening match of the tournament and the Japanese matches were announced. Plus the second the U.S. match between Serena Deeb and the returning Riho takes place next week.
Leyla Hirsch vs Thunder Rosa officially got the women’s title tournament underway with a great match. But before the action, Rosa cut a promo stating that she was going to accomplish three things. Win the AEW women’s championship from Shida, get the NWA women’s title back from Deeb and break Britt Baker.
The match kicked off with a strong back-and-forth lockup as both competitors looked for the advantage. Hirsch and Rosa threw everything had at each other with a variety of mat-based offence and technical skills.
Hirsch caught Rosa with a swift and smooth hurricanrana followed by a big suicide dive. Back in the ring, Rosa attacked but Hirsch countered with a rolling armbar.
Rosa came out on top of an exchange of stiff blows. She continued the barrage of blows with several wince-inducing elbows, forearms and uppercuts.
Hirsch answered back with two stiff bicycle kicks to the side of Rosa’s head and went for moonsault, but Rosa recovered, and Hirsch ate the mat. Rosa took advantage and hit Hirsch with the Thunder Driver for the win and on to the U.S bracket semi-final round.
This was a great match with two of AEW’s most technical wrestlers putting on excellent performances. Hirsch is becoming a great addition to AEW’s women’s division and her unique aura and style make her standout. She has a bright future in AEW if they chose to sign her, which they should. Thunder Rosa is one of the favourites to win the tournament and looked every bit the “final boss” she has proven herself to be over the last year.
After the match, AEW announced that the first round of matches in the Japanese bracket will air on YouTube on February 15th. The matches are;
Yuka Sakazaki vs Mei Suruga, Veby vs Emi Sakura, Maki Itoh vs Ryo Mizunami and Aja Kong vs Rin Kadukora.
AEW also announced that their first-ever women’ champion, Riho will be making her long-awaited in-ring return next week. She will face Serena Deeb in a highly-anticipated match as the eliminator continues.
AEW’s Women’s World Championship Eliminator Tournament has started very well and provided many exciting and intriguing matchups. Next Monday and Wednesday can’t come fast enough.
What did you make of the show and who is your tournament winner? Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned to Diva Dirt for all of your AEW news, reviews and updates.
