Sasha Banks makes history with first women's match in the United Arab Emirates

Sasha Banks has spoken of her pride at being part of the first women's wrestling match to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

WWE staged a one-off event in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night en route to their tour of India, with seven matches taking place at the Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium.

The main event saw The Shield defeat the team of Samoa Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro, but the most significant match was the history-making women's title defence by Alexa Bliss against Banks - during which fans in the arena chanted "this is hope".

Bliss retained the title by using the ropes for leverage but far more important than the result was the staging of the contest itself, the first time such a match has been held in the Gulf state.

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"It feels so crazy," said a visibly emotional Banks after the match. "Before I went out I just started crying because I know how huge this is. It's bigger than me. It was insane, the moment the announcer said it would be a women's match you could hear the crowd.

"The moment I stood out there and saw the little girls in the crowd, it made everything worth it. I feel like this is what I was put on this earth to do.

"I want to make a change in this world, I want to empower women and I want them to know that their dreams are endless, that they can do anything they want.

"Last year, this wasn't allowed and this year we're doing it - it's incredible. I couldn't contain my emotions in the ring. This is a beautiful day."