Women of Wrestling Grades: Santana Garrett Is An Awesome Champion

Credit: WOWE.com

Santana Garrett (c) vs. Tessa Blanchard vs. Jungle Grrrl

Kristen: It’s like I tweeted prior to the match: Shhh, Tessa Blanchard is on.

Blanchard is what they call her on WOW, a “born legend”. She’s fantastic in the ring, pulling off moves only a legacy could pull off, and showcasing an attitude you can only find in the best of the promo work best. WOW knows she’s a star, because they “sell” her quite hard during every episode of the season. As they should.

Jungle Grrrl is a legend in her own right, with a history in wrestling so rich and talented, one would be hiding under a rock to not recognize her name. She did her part in this match, taking the hands of the younger talent, and showing them how it’s done.

What I didn’t expect, was the showing Santana Garrett gave the audience. The. Girl. Can. Wrestle. I knew Garrett was a superstar in the making, but I didn’t expect her to shine so brightly against the lights that Blanchard and Jungle Grrrl internally cast. She did, though. She stole the show and cemented herself as the WOW World Champion in everyone’s mind.

The match was for the Championship, and ended in an odd way: Jungle Grrrl and Garrett pinned Blanchard for the win, at the same time, making declaring a winner almost impossible. The episode ended before they could declare a winner, but my heart says Garrett will retain, if only to provide the much needed build for the finale with Tessa Blanchard. I’m pumped for the match, even if only hypothetical.

Joe: I’ve probably asked this rhetorical question a lot, but how freaking cool is Jungle Grrrl? She’s one of several unique, engaging characters on WOW, and I enjoyed watching her work in this match, even if the focus seemed to be on Tessa Blanchard and Santana Garrett.

And what more superlatives could you give to Blanchard and Garrett, who are literally two of the best wrestlers in the business? I was SO impressed with Garrett in this match. Her comeback sequence was unreal. I lost it when she irish-whipped Blanchard into Jungle Grrrl, which Tessa naturally sold perfectly, before hitting a handspring back elbow. And then she followed it up with a double-running bulldog that led to a beautiful dual-submission.

The finish to the match leaves some questions, because both Jungle Grrrl and Garrett pinned Tessa. I’m thinking we get either a rematch between them to see who the real champ is or another Triple Threat. Based on how well this match went, I’m down for another Triple Threat.

Honestly, I just cannot praise Garrett enough for her performance in this match. She’s truly one of the best babyfaces in wrestling right now, and she’s definitely one of wrestling’s best champions. So, yes, I’d be perfectly happy if she remained champion after the fallout from the controversial finish is squared away.

Grade: A+