Ronda Rousey has shed light on WWE’s questionable decision to never run a second WWE Evolution all-women’s premium live event. The former WWE and UFC champion tells DS Shin of Ring The Belle that WWE had creative plans in place for her to face Becky Lynch at WWE Evolution 2.
[They said to her] “Ronda, if you stay after WrestleMania we’ll have another Evolution in six weeks, and have you and Becky as a singles.”
While the pitch was exciting, Rousey has been more focused on spending time with her family at this stage of her career.
“I was like, ‘no. I already asked too much of my family. I can’t ask anymore.’ I promised them this. I promised… I promised them I would only stay this long and I’m not going to keep moving the goalpost.”
Rousey is no longer with WWE, but has full confidence an Evolution 2 could be very successful. She’s hopeful WWE brings the event back and is happy with what she contributed to the first one. She doesn’t think she’s needed for a second installment, and hopes believes enough in their women’s roster to make it happen.
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley hopes the success of the ongoing Queen of the Ring tournament will lead to the second-ever Evolution PLE.
It’s been over five years since WWE hosted its first (and to date, only) all-female Premium Live Event. Since that October 2018 night, WWE has continued to highlight women’s wrestling with WrestleMania 35 in 2019 seeing the first (but not the last) time that a women’s match headlined a night of the Showcase of the Immortals.
Right now, the women of WWE are embarking in a tournament to crown the next Queen of the Ring. Taking to Twitter, Bayley suggested that the tournament proves that Evolution 2 would be viable.
While there may be a calling for Evolution 2, getting the event green-lit is proving easier said than done. After the initial event, it was reported that WWE Evolution had fallen below expectations in terms of ticket sales despite the considerable push it had received compared to other events of its size that year.
WWE Queen Of The Ring
The ongoing tournament is down to its final four Superstars. On the upcoming episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Lyra Valkyria will face IYO SKY for a place in the finals. On SmackDown, Nia Jax will face Bianca Belair. The winners of these two matches will face off for the crown at WWE King And Queen Of The Ring on May 25, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
WWE Evolution aired live from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Here are 7 takeaways from the show:
Trish Stratus & Lita Defeated Mickie James & Alicia Fox
Lita and Trish Stratus battled Alicia Fox and Mickie James to kick off the show. Lita started off the match in control and beat down Fox in the corner of the ring. Trish Stratus tagged in and the two Superstars locked up in the middle of the ring.
Stratus launched Alicia across the ring as the crowd chanted “you still got it!”. Stratus pointed at Mickie James and told Fox to tag her in. The crowd erupted as Mickie got into the ring and started trash talking with Stratus.
Trish and Mickie traded shots and then Stratus took Mickie down and unloaded several right hands. Mickie battled back and the two started trading shots once again on the top turnbuckle.
Stratus connected with a Hurricanrana off the top rope and went for the cover but Mickie kicked out at two. Lita tagged back in as Mickie rolled out of the ring to regroup. Bliss, Fox, and Mickie started making their way up the entrance ramp but Trish and Lita followed them.
Lita brought Mickie back inside the ring and made her way up to the top rope. Alexa Bliss interfered while the referee wasn’t paying attention and shoved Lita back to the canvas. Mickie applied a Headlock on Lita in the middle of the ring.
Lita broke free but Mickie booted her out of the ring. Lita got back in and planted Mickie with a Hurricanrana and followed it up with a Neckbreaker for a near fall. Fox got back in and booted Lita in the midsection.
Fox connected with a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count and then applied a Headlock. Lita battled free with elbows to the midsection and then hit Fox with a reverse DDT. Mickie and Trish tagged in and Stratus hit her with a couple right hands to the face.
Trish connected with a Spinebuster for another near fall. Trish hit Mickie with a flurry of chops that sent her to the corner of the ring. Mickie countered into a roll-up for another two count. Trish connected with Stratusfaction and went for the cover but Alicia broke it up. Lita hit Fox with the Twist of Fate and followed it up with a Moonsault onto both Mickie and Alicia. Trish then booted Mickie in the face for the pinfall victory.
Nia Jax Won The Battle Royal To Earn A Future Title Shot
Naomi, Michelle McCool, Sonya Deville, Alundra Blayze, Carmella, Zelina Vega, Kelly Kelly, Tamina, Ember Moon, Lana, Maria Kanellis, Mandy Rose, Molly Holly, Dana Brooke, Nia Jax, Ivory, Asuka, Torrie Wilson, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay competed in a Battle Royal tonight at WWE Evolution.
Peyton Royce and Billie Kay cut a promo insulting everyone before the match and they were immediately eliminated from the match. The current WWE Superstars then surrounded the past Superstars in the middle of the ring and a brawl broke out. Sonya Deville eliminated Molly Holly with a kick to the face.
Mandy Rose and Sonya teamed up and sent Kelly Kelly to the apron. Mandy then booted Kelly Kelly in the face to eliminate her from the match. Mandy Rose eliminated Torrie Wilson and then shoved Sonya Deville of the ring apron to eliminate her. Sonya couldn’t believe it and booted the barricade in frustration.
Nia Jax eliminated Alundra Blayze and then turned around into a DDT from Maria Kanellis. Nia battled back and connected with a headbutt to eliminate Maria Kanellis. Tamina connected with a Superkick to Vega and then planted Carmella with a Samoan drop.
Tamina and Nia Jax then had a staredown as the crowd applauded. They then turned and blasted Lana in the face and started kicking everyone’s ass. Nia and Tamina got in each other’s face again and Lana once again got in the middle of it. Lana slapped Tamina in the face and then tried to kick Jax.
Nia and Tamina headbutted Lana and then Tamina threw Lana over the top rope. Jax picked up Tamina with ease and planted her with a Body Slam. Asuka attacked Nia with some kicks and then teamed up with Naomi to attempted a Suplex. Everyone else joined the party and a giant Suplex went down in the middle of the ring.
Carmella was the only one standing and a brief dance break broke out with Ivory joining in as well. Mandy snuck up from behind and threw Ivory to the ring apron. Carmella then launched Mandy over the top rope to eliminate her.
Ember Moon eliminated Dana Brooke as Michelle McCool perched Carmella on the top rope. Michelle then booted Ember Moon in the face but Moon battled back and eliminated McCool. Tamina eliminated Naomi as Moon connected with a DDT to Jax.
Moon then eliminated Carmella and there were 5 Superstars remaining in the match. Tamina perched Ivory up on the top rope but Ivory hit her with a Crossbody. Asuka sent Ivory to the apron and hit her with the Hip Attack to eliminate her.
Ember Moon, Asuka, Tamina, and Nia Jax were the final four Superstars. Ember and Asuka traded shots as the crowd chanted “NXT!”. Moon launched Asuka over the top rope as the crowd erupted. Tamina went for a kick but Ember blocked it. Tamina then planted Moon with a Side Slam. Tamina blasted Nia with a Superkick as the crowd chanted “let’s go Ember!”.
Moon hit Tamina with a Splash and then made her way to the top rope. Ember connected with an Eclipse and then eliminated Tamina. It was now down to Nia Jax and Ember Moon in the Battle Royal. Nia launched Moon across the ring and then lifted her up by her hair.
Nia sent Ember to the ring apron but Moon battled back with a kick. Zelina Vega (not eliminated) sent Moon and Jax to the ring apron and celebrated as if she won the match. Vega turned around and Nia Jax was staring at her.
Nia lifted Vega above her head and eliminated her by throwing her onto Tamina outside the ring. Moon connected with a Dropkick but Jax dropped her with a Chokeslam. Nia then launched Ember over the top rope to win the Battle Royal. Nia Jax earned a future title shot by winning the match.
Toni Storm battled Io Shirai in the finals of the Mae Young Classic tonight at WWE Evolution. Toni and Io locked up to start off the match. Storm took Io down to the mat and applied a Headlock.
Io broke free but Storm connected with a Dropkick for a two count. Sharai flipped across the ring and decked Storm with a Dropkick of her own. Io then locked in a Full Nelson in the middle of the ring but Storm was able to get her foot on the bottom rope to break up the hold.
Toni connected with an awesome German Suplex and then made her way up to the top rope. Io got up and hit her with a springboard Dropkick that sent Storm to the floor. Io followed it up with a massive Moonsault off the top rope and onto Storm outside the ring.
Storm battled back with a headbutt and then a German Suplex to Sharai on the ring apron. Back in the ring, Toni and Io traded shots. Storm connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with the Storm Zero for a near fall.
Io battled back with a 619 and then a Sunset Flip for a two count. Io followed it up with Double Knees and then made her way to the top rope. Sharai went for the Moonsault but Toni got her knees up and planted her with the Storm Zero for the pinfall victory. Toni Storm won the Mae Young Classic.
Sasha Banks, Bayley & Natalya Defeated The Riott Squad
The Riott Squad faced Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Natalya tonight at WWE Evolution. Liv Morgan and Natalya started off the match. Liv beatdown Natalya in the corner and then slammed her to the canvas. Liv taunted Natalya and got a slap to her face for her troubles.
Banks tagged in and leveled Morgan with a Clothesline. Sarah Logan tagged in and hit Banks with a Dropkick. Sasha battled back with an Arm Drag and then a Dropkick of her own for a two count.
Bayley got in the match and hit Logan with a running knee in the corner of the ring. Bayley then knocked Logan out of the ring. Ruby Riott distracted Bayley and Sarah capitalized with a Dropkick that sent Bayley into the ring post.
Liv tagged in and booted Bayley in the ribs. Logan got back in and applied a Headlock on Bayley in the center of the ring. Logan followed it up with a forearm to the face for a near fall. Logan bounced Bayley’s face off the top turnbuckle and then stomped on her in the corner.
Bayley battled back and Ruby Riott tagged in. Bayley hit Ruby with a Clothesline and tried to tag out but Liv Morgan prevented it. Sasha Banks finally tagged in and cleaned house with a flurry of Dropkicks. Banks hit Riott with Double Knees off the top rope for a near fall.
Ruby battled back with a boot to the face and Bayley tagged back in. Bayley connected with a Bayley to Belly on Riott and went for the cover but Liv Morgan broke it up at the last second. Sarah Logan and Sasha tagged back into the match and Banks hit Sarah with Double Knees right away. Sasha botched a flip over the top rope and the Riott Squad caught her and launched her into the barricade.
Back inside the ring, Sarah Logan went for the cover but Banks kicked out at the last second. Logan lifted Sarah up on her shoulders and Liv hit her with a Clothesline off the top. Logan went for the cover but Natalya broke it up.
Ruby tagged in and made her way to the top rope. Bayley laid on top of Banks to protect her and Riott hit her with a Splash. Liv Morgan tagged in and went for a kick but Banks ducked out of the way. Logan and Natalya then tagged into the match.
Natalya hit Logan with a German Suplex and Ruby Riott tagged in. Morgan tagged in as Natalya stacked up Ruby Riott and Logan on top of each other. Natalya applied a double Sharpshooter on them both but Liv broke it up with a kick to the face for a two count.
Liv connected with a Double Stomp and then geared up in the corner of the ring. Bayley tagged in as Natalya hit Morgan with a Powerbomb. Bayley hit Morgan with an Elbow Drop and Banks tagged in. Banks hit Morgan with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.
Shayna Baszler Recaptured The NXT Women’s Championship
Kairi Sane defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler tonight at WWE Evolution. Sane and Baszler circled each other to start off the match. Baszler shoved Kairi to the canvas and then the two Superstars locked up. Shayna shoved Kairi to the corner and then booted her in the leg.
Kairi Sane tripped up Baszler and then taunted her. Baszler got up and quickly locked in a Sleeper Hold. Sane countered into a Neckbreaker to break the hold and followed it up with a sliding elbow to Baszler’s midsection.
Sane knocked Baszler to the floor outside the ring and bashed her with a right hand to the face. Baszler responded by slamming Sane into the steel steps and then rolled into the ring to break the referee’s count.
Back in the ring, Shayna connected with a slam for a near fall. Shayna brutally stomped on Sane’s elbow and hand and then stood over her. Baszler went for the cover but Kairi kicked out at one.
Sane rolled up Shayna for a two count and then Baszler went back to work on Sane’s arm. Kairi and Shayna then traded punches in the middle of the ring. Shayna connected with a running knee and went for another one but Sane stunned Baszler with a punch to the face and both Superstars fell to the mat.
The crowd chanted “NXT!” as Kairi applied a submission hold. Baszler bashed at Kairi’s injured arm and Sane released the hold. Sane threw Baszler to the corner and unloaded a flurry of jabs to her midsection. Sane followed it up with the Interceptor Spear and started marching around the ring.
Kairi followed it up with a Neckbreaker for another near fall. Sane made her way to the top rope but Shayna booted her in the face and then ripped at Sane’s arm. Baszler broke the hold before the ref counted to five and threw Sane to the floor outside the ring. Baszler then mocked Sane’s pirate pose before bringing Kairi back inside the ring.
Shayna went for a Suplex but Sane somehow countered into a DDT. Kairi climbed up to the top rope but Shayna rolled out of the ring to regroup. Sane leaped off the top and hit an awesome Crossbody onto Shayna on the outside. Sane then launched Baszler onto the NXT Superstars that were sitting in the front row. Jessamyn grabbed Sane by the hair but Sane fought her off with a punch to the face.
Marina Shafir hopped onto the ring apron to distract Sane and Baszler applied the Kirifuda Clutch. Sane countered into a roll up for a two count. Duke punched Sane in the face as the referee wasn’t paying attention and Baszler locked in the Kirifuda Clutch once again. Kairi Sane passed out and Shayna Baszler is once again NXT Women’s Champion.
Out of the ring… over the barricade… into the front row…
Becky Lynch Retained In An Incredible Match Against Charlotte
Becky Lynch defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Evolution. Flair got booed out of the building during the introductions as the crowd was heavily behind Becky Lynch.
Flair shoved Becky to the mat to start off the match and strutted across the ring. Lynch battled back with a Clothesline but Charlotte popped right back up and stared Lynch down. Becky hit a running forearm and followed it up with a Leg Drop.
Becky hit a couple of uppercuts but Flair battled back and made her way to the top rope. Lynch grabbed Charlotte by the hair and launched her to the mat. Lynch connected with an Exploder Suplex and then made her way to the second rope. Lynch went for a Crossbody but Flair got out of the way and hit Becky with a big boot.
Lynch threw Charlotte out of the ring and grabbed a kendo stick. Becky hit Charlotte several times with it and Flair screamed in pain against the barricade. Becky bounced Flair’s face off the canvas and grabbed a steel chair from under the ring.
Charlotte threw a chair into the ring and Becky did the same. They then threw a ton of chairs into the ring and Charlotte pulled out a table. Becky sprinted and leveled Charlotte with a forearm to the face. Flair battled back and planted Becky with a Suplex outside the ring.
Becky was the first up and started beating the hell out of Charlotte with a steel chair. Back in the ring, Charlotte hit a Belly to Back Suplex that sent Becky Lynch flying onto the pile of steel chairs. Lynch got up at the count of 9 as Flair once again brought out a table from under the ring.
Charlotte slid the table inside the ring and hopped up on the ring apron. Lynch booted Charlotte in the face and Charlotte fell back to the floor outside the ring. Charlotte got back into the ring as Becky was setting up the table. Becky grabbed Flair and slammed her onto the pile of chairs.
Charlotte got back up but Becky went right back on the attack and bounced Charlotte’s face off the table. Lynch set up Charlotte on the table and climbed to the top rope. Charlotte got up and punched Becky in the face. Charlotte stomped on Becky a few times and then set her up on the table.
Flair climbed to the top rope and botched a Moonsault and barely grazed Becky. The table didn’t break and Flair set it back up. Charlotte put Becky on the table and climbed back up to the top rope. Charlotte hit a Cannonball this time on Lynch and the table broke.
Both Superstars got up at the last second and the match continued. Charlotte brought a ladder into the ring but Becky greeted her with a shoulder tackle. Lynch slammed Charlotte onto the ladder as the crowd broke out in a “Becky!” chant. Lynch went for another slam but Charlotte escaped and tangled up Becky’s legs in the ladder.
Charlotte stomped on Becky’s knee several times and then locked in the Figure Four while Becky’s legs were still caught in the rungs of the ladder. Flair bridged into a Figure Eight and Becky grabbed a steel chair and hit Charlotte with it to break the hold.
Becky rolled out of the ring and Charlotte followed her. Lynch shoved Charlotte into the steel steps and then launched her into the ring post. Becky grabbed her title and started retreating through the crowd. Charlotte chased after her and hit her with a few chops.
Charlotte threw Becky back over the barricade as the action returned to the ringside area. Charlotte cleared off the German announce table and bashed Becky’s face into it several times. Charlotte set up a ladder next to the table as Becky made her way back to her feet.
Lynch hit Charlotte in the face with the title and then bounced Charlotte’s head off the table. Becky set up Flair on the table and then climbed up the ladder. Becky connected with a massive Leg Drop off the ladder and through the table as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”.
Charlotte was able to get up at the last second and shouted “is that all you’ve got?!” at Becky. Lynch exploded with rage and bashed Charlotte in the face several times. Becky then piled up a bunch of chairs on Charlotte and told the referee to start counting.
Flair once again got up 9 with a pissed off look on her face and Lynch couldn’t believe it. Charlotte started hitting Becky with a kendo stick and followed it up with a Spear outside the ring. Charlotte set up another table and set up Lynch on it.
Charlotte made her way to the top rope but Becky caught her and Powerbombed her through the table. Charlotte tried to get up but fell down and Becky Lynch retained the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
How can ANYONE get back to their feet after THAT?!
Ronda Rousey Tapped Out Nikki Bella To Retain The RAW Women’s Championship
Ronda Rousey defended her RAW Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella in the main event of WWE Evolution. Brie Bella accompanied Nikki to the ring for the match.
Rousey and Nikki locked up to start off the match. Ronda immediately launched Nikki across the ring and allowed her to get up. Rousey and Nikki locked up again and Ronda once again slammed her to the canvas.
Rousey let Nikki get up again and taunted her while doing so. Ronda continued to taunt Nikki and told her she could lock in the Arm Bar at any time. Nikki got up and kicked the bottom rope out of frustration.
Brie distracted Ronda outside the ring and Nikki capitalized by shoving Rousey into the ring post. Brie then shoved Ronda into the ring post while Nikki distracted the referee. Nikki applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring and shouted “where is your mom Ronda?” at Rousey.
Ronda broke free but Nikki immediately launched her out of the ring. Nikki threw Rousey into the barricade and then bounced her face off the ring apron a couple of times. Back in the ring, Nikki went for the cover but Rousey kicked out at one.
Brie once again hit Ronda with a cheap shot while the referee wasn’t paying attention. Nikki slammed Rousey’s face off the ring post again and went for the cover but Rousey kicked out at two. Nikki then locked in an Abdominal Stretch but Ronda quickly escaped. Nikki connected with a springboard Enziguri for another near fall.
Nikki perched Ronda up on the top rope and went for a Superplex but Rousey blocked it. Brie Bella once again distracted Ronda and Nikki tried to hit the Superplex again but Ronda blocked it. Rousey went for a Crossbody off the top rope but Nikki dove out of the way and Ronda crashed to the canvas.
Nikki went for a kick but Ronda caught her and lifted her up on her shoulders. Brie hopped on the ring apron and Ronda lifted both Bella twins onto her shoulders. Rousey slammed them both to the mat and Brie rolled out of the ring. Rousey beat the hell out of Nikki in the corner and then unloaded a flurry of right hands to her face in the middle of the ring.
Rousey slammed Nikki to the mat a couple of times and then taunted her by shouting “get up!”. Nikki begged for mercy but Ronda opted to slap her in the face instead. Ronda launched Nikki out of the ring and followed her out there.
Nikki tried to escape through the crowd but Ronda caught her and threw her back into the ring. Brie once again hit Ronda with a cheap shot but Ronda made her pay by launching her over the announce table.
Rousey got back inside the ring and Nikki greeted her with an Alabama Slam for a near fall. Nikki followed it up with the Rack Attack 2.0 for another two count and Nikki couldn’t believe that Ronda kicked out.
Nikki climbed up to the second rope but Ronda leaped up and took her down to the mat and locked in the Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Nikki Bella quickly tapped out and Ronda Rousey retained the RAW Women’s Championship.
WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view event, WWE Evolution, takes place tonight at NYCB Live in Uniondale, New York and one name not announced for the show is currently backstage: former Divas Champion Eve Torres.
Paige posted a video on Instagram Story of herself arriving at the arena with Torres and Kelly Kelly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfCbgjl98p/
As reported earlier, Vickie Guerrero will be at the show. Here she is this morning with Dana Warrior.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpewVAfhhV4/
Former Divas Champion Maryse and her husband, The Miz, are also in New York. Maryse revealed yesterday that she would be there.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpc89VyH-e3/
There’s no word yet on whether Torres, Maryse, and Guerrero will be appearing on the show itself.
According to PWInsider, Christian, Finn Balor, Shawn Michaels, and Mike Kanellis are also in New York for Evolution. Ric Flair is expected to be at the show as well.
– WWE has pulled Alicia Fox from tonight’s Historic Women’s Battle Royal Match at Evolution after announcing on Friday that she would be replacing Alexa Bliss in a tag team match due to injury.
The official WWE website updated its preview for the Historic Women’s Battle Royal Match and Fox is no longer advertised. This brings the number of scheduled competitors to 20. They are Asuka, Naomi, Carmella, Nia Jax, Ember Moon, Dana Brooke, Lana, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Tamina, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Alundra Blayze, Ivory, Molly Holly, Kelly Kelly, Maria Kanellis, and Zelina Vega. The winner earns a future Women’s Championship Match.
Fox will team up with Mickie James against Trish Stratus and Lita. Bliss will be present in Fox and James’ corner.
– Vanessa Kraven, who competed in Mae Young Classic 2018, suffered a severe injury to her left leg last night at an independent wrestling event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As a result, she has canceled all of her scheduled bookings for the remainder of the year.
Kraven wrote this morning on Facebook, “Let me start by saying that this year has been a pretty good year for me wrestling-wise. Last night, coming back to Ottawa for Acclaim pro wrestling for the 1st time after my MYC appearance, the wonderful reaction from the fans put me on a high right from my entrance!
“I’m not sure if any of you in attendance saw that something was wrong after I won my match, but there was, and I didn’t want to say anything until I got the official word.
“Unfortunately, my left leg suffered a severe torquing during a move while my foot stayed more or less planted on the canvas, resulting in both a fracture and break in my lower leg. I went to the hospital and currently have a fiberglass support “cast” on it and will be getting a full cast put on tomorrow. I won’t know how long the cast will have to be on until tomorrow but I’m unfortunately having to at least cancel my wrestling bookings for the rest of 2018… highly likely some of 2019 as well.”
Kraven wrestled one match in the Mae Young Classic, which resulted in a loss to Lacey Lane in the First Round.
– In the opening moments of Raw, Roman Reigns announced that he has been living with leukemia for 11 years and the disease’s return would force him to relinquish the Universal Championship and take a leave of absence from WWE. Reigns’ sabbatical from WWE apparently won’t prevent him from making appearances across the United States as ACE Comic Con announced today that he will appear at one of their events next year.
Reigns, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Lilian Garcia are among the celebrity guests scheduled to appear at ACE Comic Con Arizona on Friday, January 11, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona at Gila River Arena. Fans will have the opportunity to meet all four as they will be signing autographs and doing photo-ops. Garcia will also moderate Q&A panels with Reigns, Bliss, and Flair.
– You can add Vickie Guerrero to the list names who will be at WWE Evolution tomorrow night. The former WWE star revealed on Twitter that she will be there to work with the women who are performing on the show.
– WWE Evolution will see the wrestling return of Kelly Kelly as the one-time Divas Champion is scheduled to compete in the Women’s Battle Royal. To get ready for the match, Kelly (aka Barbie Blank) trained with former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam and independent wrestler Katie Forbes last Sunday at Santino Bros. Wrestling Academy in Bell Gardens, California.
Forbes posted the following on their training session:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpN3n3Dgxx7/
Kelly replied, “Had the best time training with you babe thank you so much for getting off my ring rust hehe.”
The Women’s Battle Royal will also see the wrestling return of WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze (aka Madusa), who hasn’t competed for WWE in nearly 23 years after throwing the WWF Women’s Championship into a trash can on WCW Monday Nitro on December 18, 1995. Ahead of tomorrow night’s match, Blayze tweeted the following:
Thank U. Even if it’s been 18 to 20 years since I stepped in the ring and took a single bump, I’m excited. I am very honored to represent the past, then, golden era of women that need to be recognized, heard and appreciated. #GoldenEra#Useyourvoicehttps://t.co/vqVVHQF1lJ
WWE Evolution takes place on Sunday evening from Uniondale, New York at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. WWE makes history with their first-ever pay-per-view event consisting solely of women’s matches. The card is stacked from top-to-bottom with multiple world championship matches featuring talent from RAW, SmackDown Live, NXT and the NXT U.K. brands, as well as returning legends, and the finals of the 2018 Mae Young Classic tournament.
The main event for Sunday night’s big event is Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the RAW Women’s Championship in a grudge match after Nikki turned heel and attacked Rousey with her twin sister, setting up a rivalry between the two, which spread to social media leading up to this weekend’s historic event.
Also on the show this Sunday night is Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match for the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship, Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship and Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm in the finals of this year’s Mae Young Classic tournament. The NXT U.K. Women’s Championship held by Rhea Ripley is expected to be defended on the show as well, however an opponent has yet to be officially announced by WWE.
Additional matches scheduled for WWE’s first-ever all-women’s PPV include Sasha Banks, Bayley and Natalya vs. The Riott Squad, Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Mickie James and Alexa Bliss and a Women’s Battle Royal that includes Torrie Wilson, Ivory, Molly Holly, Kelly Kelly, Alunda Blayze and others for a future shot at the women’s championship.
SEScoops staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss have prepared their predictions for each of the matches scheduled for Sunday night’s big event, which airs live via pay-per-view and on the WWE Network. Without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com staff predictions for WWE Evolution 2018.
Sasha Banks, Bayley & Natalya vs. The Riott Squad
Ian Carey: I’m going to take the Riott Squad here to pick up a surprise victory. The punk-rock trio could use a win after taking losses to the Bellas and Rousey recently. This match could also be used as a way to build a division for eventual tag-team titles. (Prediction: The Riott Squad)
Andrew Ravens: This is a nothing match and more or less just filler and getting names on the show as that is WWE’s goal. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the heels go over here but with this event supposed to be a feel-good moment, I have the babyfaces winning. (Prediction: Sasha Banks, Bayley & Natalya)
Jeff Moss: I’ll lay this out right from the jump: I’ve been a Ruby Riott homer from day one. Under her leadership, I’ve even warmed to Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan, which I did not see coming. Bayley and Banks and (Googles match) Natalya (Sure?, why not) have all got classic matches under their belts, but the fire is in the Riott Squad. Since there’s virtually no story behind this match aside from “The Battle Royal was full” I’m going to go with Ruby & co. (Prediction: The Riott Squad)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, The Riott Squad
Women’s Battle Royal For Title Shot
Ian: While I’d love to see Sunny make a triumphant return to WWE here, she’s likely used up all her goodwill with the company at this point. I’m expecting Asuka to take the win here. She seems to be the only competitor with a realistic shot at challenging for either women’s world title. (Prediction: Asuka)
Andrew: WWE is attempting to put a lot of focus on this match even though it’s not a huge part of the build for this show. Yes, there are a lot of names competing with stars from today to the past. I doubt that any legend would win here just like they had the same chances back in January during the Royal Rumble match. To me, it appears the same mindset of oddsmakers, there are a handful of names that have a good chance to win. I have it coming down Naomi and Ember Moon with Naomi winning in order to challenge Becky Lynch at a later date. (Prediction: Naomi)
Jeff: Woof. I am pretty tired of “Everybody into the pool” Battle Royals, but I’m also not so big of a jerk that I would deny what it would mean to these women to at least have an appearance on an event like this. That said, I do find it strange that at Evolution, a historic event celebrating the Women’s Revolution in wrestling, we have a match featuring several people that Women’s Wrestling has evolved from. Including “Divas Era” talent in the same ring as the women who’ve worked so hard to move past that era seems like a bit of a misstep, but it’s pretty much the only one at Evolution, so I can give it a pass. There’s a few win-deserving women in the match (including Naomi who never got her Title Match from the last Battle Royal) but I’m pulling for Asuka here so she can remind people why she’s as great as she is. (Prediction: Asuka)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Asuka
Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Mickie James & Alexa Bliss
Ian: I’ll go one step further and predict that Stratus pins Mickie James to end the match. This will be a short match as Bliss is working injured and Lita and Trish have both been away from the ring for awhile. The legends will get their feel-good moment and that’ll be that. (Prediction: Trish Stratus & Lita)
Andrew: Might be the easiest pick of the card as I have Stratus and Lita going over here. Both sides have gotten their shots in during the build-up of this program. If WWE wants to put the younger talents over here, I have no problem with that. However, it makes sense to let the young lions have a good performance but with the veterans going over in the end. (Prediction: Trish Stratus & Lita)
Jeff: Unlike the resurrection of DX or the Bros of Dist. I’m actually excited to see what these legends can do. Last we saw of both of them, they seemed to be in pretty decent shape and able to go. That said, you don’t bring back Lita and Trish just to have them get stomped on by the likes of Mickie James and a slightly-dazed Alexa Bliss. What I’d really like to see out of this match, since apparently Trish and Lita are sticking around for a bit, is the beginning steps on the road to Women’s Tag titles. That’d give a lot of the women not in the Title picture something to fight for and present a new dynamic we haven’t seen in the WWE/F since the golden days of 1989. Anyways, Trish and Lita Twist and Stratusfy their way to victory here. (Prediction: Trish Stratus & Lita)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Trish Stratus & Lita
Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm (Mae Young Classic Finals)
Ian: I’d really like to write I’m not sure on this one. If I have to guess (and I do) I’m going to say Toni Storm. Let’s face it, this match was supposed to be won by Tegan Nox but she’s not here. Storm seems like the more likely winner and then I think they could move her into a rivalry with Ripley on the NXT UK brand. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Shirai won though. (Prediction: Toni Storm)
Andrew: This match will likely have high expectations going into it due to the match quality that these two female stars have for great in-ring work. I see WWE signing both stars after this show and well deserved. This is really a toss-up for who will win this contest. Storm has a good following with the hardcore fans which I see being in her favor and winning this match. (Prediction: Toni Storm)
Jeff: This year’s MYC has been a great tournament, with lots of story and motivation beyond “we are wrestlers and would like to win.” In terms of the audience, this is an absolutely win-win. Storm and Shirai are going to put on a hell of a match and I would love to see either one of them getting a shot at the NXT Women’s Title at Takeover: War Games. But, the point of these predictions isn’t just to say “Hey, that’ll be great” it’s to pick a winner, so I’m going to go with Toni Storm on this one. (Prediction: Toni Storm)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Toni Storm
Kairi Sane (c) vs. Shayna Baszler (NXT Women’s Title)
Ian: I believe Baszler is going to take this one. Her bully persona on NXT has become one of the most talked about acts on the show this last year. Sane is better at chasing the title and Baszler is better at holding onto it, so I expect a title change here. (Prediction: Shayna Baszler)
Andrew: Historically, Triple H likes to have champions in NXT have long title reigns, and Kairi Sane is no different. Basic wrestling 101 with the booking of Sane as the underdog fighting her way to the top. Baszler has been one of the best heels in NXT since she made her debut and has been a great opponent for trying to get Sane over. In the end, this one might steal the show. (Prediction: Kairi Sane)
Jeff: Easily match of the night for me. These two are so wonderfully over-the-top, their characters almost seem like throwbacks. A Pirate Princess with a killer elbow vs a Psychopath with an arm-breaking fetish? Yes please! It doesn’t hurt that these two are so damn good in the ring too. Sane has proven herself worth of the top spot over and over and Baszler is an amazing heel, probably the best in the company, non-Tomasso Chiampa Division. I’d love to see her arrive on the main roster sooner than later, so I’m pulling for Sane in this one. (Prediction: Kairi Sane)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Kairi Sane
Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte (Last Woman Standing For SD! Women’s Title)
Ian: Becky has become too important to have her lose here. There are plenty of ways to have Becky win and Charlotte still look strong in a Last Woman Standing match. I’d expect Becky to behave in much the same fashion as Tommaso Ciampa did in his recent Last Man Standing match. WWE may knock Charlotte down a peg or two while they deal with a lawsuit from her ex-husband regarding her “Second Nature” book. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
Andrew: If WWE wanted to have a shocking finish in this contest then Flair would win the title here. However, I think the majority of the WWE fanbase is really enjoying this feud as well as Lynch being the heel champion. I see this being the blow-off of this feud with Lynch retaining to go onto face the next contender. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
Jeff: To quote a certain young upstart from a few years ago, here’s what I’d like from this match: RUTHLESS. AGGRESSION. We know that both Becky and Charlotte are insanely athletic and probably the two best women wrestlers on the RAW or Smackdown Rosters right now. They also benefit from being the only match on the card with an actual story behind them. That said, throw it all out and just beat the crap out of each other. I want this to be a down and dirty fight, with Becky standing tall at the end. If Rousey/Charlotte is perhaps-maybe-possibly going to headline Wrestlemania, let’s take Charlotte down a peg and give her a great “climb back up the mountain” story to lead into it. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Becky Lynch
Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella (RAW Women’s Title)
Ian: Ronda is going to tear through Nikki Bella in this match. Nikki will get some offense after Brie does something devious but then Ronda will recover, mount a comeback, and win. The events won’t take longer than 10 minutes but they will be the most exciting 10 minutes on the show. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Andrew: Obviously, Rousey will retain her title here, and I doubt that many people will take Nikki to win here. The real intrigue is to see how long this match will go as WWE could keep it short. The build for this match has been a lot of fun, and until Rousey faces Charlotte Flair in the distance future, Rousey will remain champion. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Jeff: Honestly, if this match lasts more than 5 minutes I’ll be shocked. Nikki should get a bit of offence in (most likely via Twin Magic or something of the like) but most of it should be Rousey mopping the floor with her and putting the final nail in the “Divas” coffin. Also, I’m hoping this will lead to less of the WWE retconning the Bella Twins as some kind of wresting pioneers, but hey, baby steps. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Ronda Rousey
What do the experts think is going to happen on Sunday evening? Check out the official WWE Evolution betting odds. What do you think of the above WWE Evolution predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below.
More than a month ago, a photo of an alleged leaked WWE Evolution card began circulating online. Leaks of internal WWE documents are not unprecedented. Whether it be announcer scripts, full run sheets for Raw, or a promo checklist, this kind of information has made its way into the public eye before.
The accuracy of the “leaked” WWE Evolution card was highly questionable from the beginning. Certainly, someone could make some educated guesses, produce a fake run sheet, and pass it off as the real thing. Given the legendary “plans change” phrase that fans hear time and again, however, is it possible that the photo was legitimate? Let’s examine this further.
What Was Wrong
The photo claimed a 20-woman battle royal would take place on the show. There have been 21 participants officially announced, with several additional competitors likely to be added to make that number 25 or 30.
Asuka and Ember Moon will not take place, as they will both compete in the battle royal. Kairi Sane will not defend against the battle royal winner, at least on this show. Alicia Fox and Kelly Kelly vs. IIconics vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville vs. Beth Phoenix and Natalya is not a match.
Naomi vs. Melina also will not happen, although it is possible that Melina could appear in the battle royal as well.
The NXT UK Women’s Title match was purportedly going to be a four-way, while in reality, it will be a singles match (spoiler).
While the Riott Squad vs. Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Ivory report was almost right, it turned out to be off by one wrestler.
Mickie James vs. Lita and Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss were both announced on television. As it turns out, those matches were combined into a tag match. So, close, but still technically wrong.
What Was “Right”
Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai to crown the 2018 Mae Young Classic winner turned out to be an accurate report. Similarly, the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match featuring Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch will take place at Evolution. At first glance these might seem like accurate assertions, but WWE’s announcement that all women’s titles being defended on the PPV predates this run sheet being circulating online.
The main event between RAW Women’s Championship match with Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella was also accurate. However, that expected match-up was first reported by Dave Meltzer back in August, so there was nothing original here either.
What We Don’t Know
A special announcement segment to introduce the Women’s Tag Team Titles seems likely, but has not been confirmed.
A Carmella talk show segment featuring members of the GLOW cast also seems to make sense, but there is also no official word on that.
The Verdict
While WWE’s booking of Evolution might have been a work in progress since the “leaked” document circulated online, we’re calling BS on this run sheet being authentic.
WWE has dispatched a lot of their talent to do mainstream media in advance of Sunday’s WWE Evolution show.
The Bellas appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, their second appearance on the show in recent months.
Sasha Banks also appeared as a guest on Friday’s episode of the syndicated talk show, The Real. The Boss appeared on the Conversations With Maria Menounos podcast and spoke about the possibility of WWE Women’s Tag Team titles being introduced at Evolution.
Nikki, Brie, and Ronda Rousey were originally slated for Friday’s edition of Megyn Kelly Today. That appearance was cancelled when NBC made the decision to air a rerun of Kelly’s show. Later reports indicate that Kelly’s show has been cancelled.
Additionally, WWE has announced three roundtable discussions that will air on the WWE Now livestream on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
On Saturday at noon, Cathy Kelley will host a panel discussion featuring Toni Storm, Sasha Banks, and Trish Stratus. The selling point for the discussion is “Then, Now, Forever”, with Stratus representing WWE’s history, Banks the present, and Storm the future.
A second panel will be streamed at 2 PM Eastern on Saturday, featuring three women who will challenge for singles titles at Evolution, Shayna Bayzler, Charlotte Flair, and Nikki Bella.
The third discussion will take place Sunday at 3 PM Eastern. Kelley will discuss the Evolution event with WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.
Are you excited for WWE Evolution? Make some noise in the comments section.
WWE Evolution is this weekend, and with it comes speculation about the long-rumored WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Sasha Banks are among the women who have discussed the possibility of adding tag titles to the women’s division of late.
In her interview with Maria Menounos this week, Banks again spoke on the issue. “We have so many great teams right now. We have the IIconics, Mickie and Fox, Absolution. We have tag matches on Raw every single week. So why not make the titles or belts to defend them?”
The timing of Sasha’s remarks (and other factors cited below) indicate that we might be on the verge of another historic moment for WWE’s female competitors.
Do The Belts Exist?
There has been speculation for months about the addition of tag titles. A reliable source, famed wrestling title belt collector and custom belt maker BeltFanDan, stated that the belts representing the championships were manufactured and ready to go as far back as July.
The new WWE Women's Tag Team Championship belts are done. White straps. Part of Stephanie's announcement on Raw.
Although the belts were not introduced when Dan had originally claimed, he is well-connected and has a proven track record of accurate reporting on championship belts.
That “Leaked Evolution Booking Sheet”
While its authenticity is still in question, the “leaked WWE Evolution booking sheet” that was circulating online a few months ago featured the announcement of WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
More Breadcrumbs
Longtime wrestling podcaster The Solomonster (Jason Solomon) retweeted a fan who was present at the Smackdown tapings this week, where it appeared that WWE was passing out these signs to fans. That would certainly suggest that the plans for the titles are already in place, and that the announcement is imminent.
The official WWE website has also confirmed that Vega will be a participant in the Women’s Battle Royal Match. She is now featured on the graphic for the match, with WWE adding, “On Oct. 22, SmackDown LIVE’s Zelina Vega was added to the contest.”
Vega indicated earlier in the day that she would be wrestling at the show with this tweet saying she’s “ready for #Evolution.”
WWE announced on October 15 that the match would include Asuka, Naomi, Carmella, Nia Jax, Ember Moon, Alicia Fox, Dana Brooke, Lana, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Tamina, and former WWE star Torrie Wilson.
WWE added more past and present stars to the match last Friday: Inaugural Divas Champion (and two-time Women’s Champion) Michelle McCool, WWE Hall of Famers Alundra Blayze (aka Madusa) and Ivory, former Women’s and Hardcore Champion Molly Holly, former Divas Champion Kelly Kelly, and Maria Kanellis.
With the addition of the Vega, this brings the total number of participants in the Women’s Battle Royal Match to 21. The winner earns a future Women’s Championship Match.
– Batista has had his share of intense rivalries and according to WWE, Triple H is his greatest rival.
The WWE Instagram account posted a graphic today ranking Batista’s five greatest rivals and Triple H tops the list.
1. Triple H
2. John Cena
3. The Undertaker
4. Rey Mysterio
5. Booker T
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNMNgBgEVj/
– WWE Evolution will see the in-ring return of WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze (aka Madusa), who hasn’t wrestled for WWE in nearly 23 years after throwing the WWF Women’s Championship into a trash can on WCW Monday Nitro on December 18, 1995. WWE added a few former champions to the Women’s Battle Royal on Friday, including Blayze.
Blayze posted a teaser of her attire for Evolution, which shows a red, white and gold robe she plans to wear.
– Chelsea Green signing with WWE was confirmed on Thursday as the organization announced the latest batch of talent to join the Performance Center. Green’s NXT debut is imminent as she is scheduled to appear at two live events next week.
Green announced tonight on Instagram that she will appear at Thursday’s show in Cocoa, Florida and Friday’s show in Largo, Florida.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIcBvIHzTV/
– Rusev and Lana will appear on a future episode of Drop the Mic on TBS, which pits celebrities against one another in a comic battle rap competition. Lana revealed the news today on her Instagram Story.
– Ahead of WWE Evolution, Alexa Bliss is Lilian Garcia’s next guest on Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia. Alexa is teaming with Mickie James at the all-women’s pay-per-view and she will discuss her match against Trish Stratus and Lita. The interview will be available starting Monday.
Several members of the Smackdown Live Women’s division responded in interesting fashion to news of the battle royal at Evolution. The match was added to the upcoming all-women PPV last night during Raw.
WWE tagged each confirmed participant of the battle royal on Twitter last night. Several of the competitors then responded to the news. They don’t seem that impressed.
Former Smackdown Women’s Champion, Carmella, also responded with a reaction GIF. She didn’t respond in the actual thread, however, but she did post the following:
The Iiconics didn’t respond in the WWE thread about the match either but their recent social media activity seems to have a similar theme to Lana, Carmella, and Naomi.
In addition to the battle royal, WWE Evolution will feature Ronda Rousey defending her championship against Nikkie Bella. Becky Lynch will also face Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match.
Former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz has confirmed that she won’t be part of the Evolution event on October 28th.
Jazz responded to a fan question on Twitter where she outright stated “Not Happening!! Sorry.” The fan’s tweet was in response to Jazz confirming that Sasha Banks would be her “perfect” opponent for a WWE return.
— Jazz “Female Fighting Phenom” (@Phenom_Jazz) October 9, 2018
Jazz is currently the NWA Women’s Champion and is scheduled to defend the title on October 21st. The former WWE Superstar will be facing Penelope Ford. The bout will be taking place at the NWA 70th Anniversary show in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jazz had her big start in ECW back 1999/2000. She was part of the Impact Players stable alongside Jason Knight, Lance Storm, and Justin Credible. Following ECW’s closure Jazz signed with WWE and move to OVW to train for 6 months in 2001. Jazz remained in WWE up until late 2004 and began her career on the independent scene in 2005.
WWE Hall Of Famers Lita and Trish Stratus will return to the ring later this month (Sun. October 28th, 2018). The pair will be involved in the first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV) in WWE history. They will team up against the duo of Alexa Bliss and Mickie James.
Initially, Trish and Lita were scheduled to have their own singles matches on the card. Trish was to have a one-on-one match with Bliss, while Lita was booked for a singles match with James. However, as the storyline progressed on WWE TV, it was revealed on RAW this week that the match would instead be a Tag Team bout.
It looks like this could be just the first of many Tag Teams between Trish and Lita. PWInsider reports that WWE is planning to have the two stick around after Evolution. The plan would be to have them appear on “major shows” as a team moving forward.
It wasn’t specifically mentioned which shows WWE is hoping for, however, obvious candidates such as Survivor Series and WrestleMania come to mind. This is also very interesting considering the rumors surrounding possible Women’s Tag Team Titles coming to WWE.
What do you think about Trish and Lita sticking around WWE as a team?
– After it was revealed last week that Michelle McCool will appear at SmackDown 1000, it looks like she has plans on wrestling at WWE Evolution as well.
The former WWE women’s champion posted a wrestling training video of herself today on Instagram with the hashtag “#evolution.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BowiuuJBVYB/
McCool competed for the first time in seven years last January in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble Match. She scored the most eliminations at five before being eliminated by Natalya.
– The Bella Twins are now officially back on Raw as WWE.com finally updated Brie and Nikki‘s brand status.
Up until this week, Brie had not been designated to a brand, and Nikki was still listed as a member of SmackDown LIVE. Since returning in August, Nikki has exclusively appeared on Raw, whereas Brie has appeared on both Raw and SmackDown LIVE.
SmackDown General Manager Paige was the latest guest on Lilian Garcia’s Chasing Glory podcast. She spoke about a wide variety of topics, including former fiancee Alberto El Patron recently trashing her on social media. Here are some highlights from the appearance:
Women’s Evolution
“I’m happy, but, you know, it’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” Paige said, when Lilian noted that her in-ring career ended just as WWE’s heavily branded Women’s Evolution kicked into high gear. “I can’t get back in the ring, but why do I have to dwell on it? Why do I have to be sad constantly?” she added.
Garcia pressed Paige on how difficult it must be to give up her dream career, likening it to an athlete or musician being forced to retire. Paige said that she dealt with the end of her wrestling career by focusing on what she could do next. “Like, I can’t just sit here and be sad,” she said.
Paige’s Neck Injury
She was also quick to deflect any blame that a vocal minority of the fanbase sent Sasha Banks’s way. Banks was in the ring with Paige and delivered the move that ended her career.
“I got the kick. It wasn’t Sasha’s fault. My neck just wasn’t as strong as it was before,” she said. “I’m not gonna hold Sasha accountable for what happened to me.”
She noted that she saw Dr. Joseph Maroon, the noted physician who oversees WWE’s medical program, who also operated on Bruno Sammartino and John Cena when they suffered broken necks. Maroon noted that Paige was fortunate not to be permanently paralyzed, as there was no spinal fluid surrounding the injured area.
She also said that the decision to delay her retirement promo on television was a joint decision, made with WWE. The company wanted to delay the announcement for creative reasons, as well as to make sure that she wouldn’t be cleared medically. Paige said that she also didn’t want word getting out before she could make the announcement herself.
Smackdown GM
Paige said that she loves her new role as Smackdown General Manager. “It’s great. I get to work with the girls, I get to work with the guys. That’s what the challenge is, to be mixed in with everybody,” she said.
Paige And Alberto Del Rio
As the interview wound down, Garcia brought up Alberto Del Rio’s recent social media post, where fans commented on the appearance of the woman he was photographed with, how they thought she was prettier than Paige, and how Del Rio egged them on with his own comments.
Paige gave a measured response, noting that she chose not to lash out with an immediate response. “I chose not to respond at that moment,” she said. “It hurt my feelings, but I didn’t want him to know that it hurt my feelings.”
“You’re making fun of someone who had mental health issues,” she said of Del Rio’s comments. “Who does that? I’m glad that he’s moved on and found someone. I love that. I want his family to be happy,” she said. Finally, Paige said she just wants him to leave her alone.
Paige also announced that she has a new makeup line on the way, and is also releasing a makeup line for Hot Topic, which will launch in January.
Note: If you use these transcribed quotes, please credit SEScoops.com
Ivory responded, “Can I have a year to get in shape, first?!” Bayley then said, “How about I give you until Oct. 28?” — Evolution takes place on October 28.
There’s a personal connection between the two as Bayley met Ivory when she was 12 years old and the then-WWE star asked her if she’s going to see her in the ring one day.
“I remember having the opportunity to meet Ivory as a kid, and she was the first woman’s wrestler that I met. She looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to see you in the ring one day aren’t I?'” Bayley said in an interview earlier this year.
“I took that sign that I was going to make it and then I met her again at Wrestlemania 30 or 31 as a member of the WWE roster and told her that story.”
– At WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia, Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and The Bella Twins beat The Riott Squad in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match. The match ended in a unique fashion as Rousey made Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan submit simultaneously to a double armbar. Rousey took to Instagram on Sunday to thank Australia, The Bella Twins and even The Riott Squad.
Rousey wrote, “Yesterday moved me to my core. Thank you Melbourne. Thank you Australia. Thank you everyone who smiled back at me at #WWESSD … thank you @thenikkibella and @thebriebella for having my back in the ring last night…. And thank you #RiotSquad @rubyriottwwe @sarahloganwwe @yaonlylivvonce for being the force we had to reckon with.”
Trish Stratus vs. Sasha Banks. It’s a match that many fans have been clamoring for since it was first teased in the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match in January.
I spoke with both Banks and Stratus at personal appearances in August, and both seemed eager to face each other.
Although Stratus is booked for the upcoming WWE Evolution show, the company had a different creative vision, and announced Alexa Bliss as her opponent. Does this mean that Stratus vs. Banks will never happen? Not necessarily.
Both Banks and Stratus are appearing at New York Comic Con on Thursday, and if their social media chatter is any indication, it seems as though there may be a verbal confrontation of some sort between the two.
Stratus is semi-retired, and Banks has not been pushed as a focal point of the women’s division in nearly a year.
Does WWE see Banks as a star at the level of working with a Hall of Famer like Stratus? Where would the match take place? Would the company deem it worthy of the television time needed to build the feud during a WrestleMania season?
Former four-time WWE Women’s champion and WWE Hall Of Famer, Lita, appeared recently on Planeta Wrestling in the build-up to her return match at WWE Evolution. She is scheduled to take on Mickie Jame in a one-on-one encounter.
When asked whether there were any plans for future matches in the WWE, or if her appearance at Evolution marks the end of her in-ring days, Lita replied:
“If you follow WWE at all, I think the one thing that is consistent is: you never know.”
She highlighted that “As a fan and as a performer, I kind of look at it [returning to wrestling] as a mom,” before stating that she’s “happy with my second chapter, my chapter outside of wrestling,”
Despite this, Lita couldn’t help but admit that “[…] at the same time, every time I do go back, it feels like home and does feel like you jump right back in.”
“You go in with it being the idea of a one-time thing, but it’s very, very likely and potentially – the excitement of it or the crowd’s response of it could turn it into something more than a one-off. Like my life in general, I just take it all as it comes. So, we’ll see.”
The poster for WWE Evolution has finally been released.
WWE’s first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV) is set for October 28th. The action goes down from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Women from WWE’s past and present will be competing on the card.
Now, the poster for the historical event has finally been released. It features WWE Hall Of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita. NXT stars Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler are also featured. Main roster figureheads such as Ronda Rousey, Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair and Asuka are all front-and-center as well.
Check it out here below:
WWE Evolution Match Card
The match card for Evolution is shaping up rather nicely thus far. There are currently four Title matches set for the PPV. Check out the current card for the show below:
RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. TBA
SmackDown Live Women’s Championship: (C) Charlotte Flair vs. TBA
NXT Women’s Championship: (C) Kairi Sane vs. TBA
NXT UK Women’s Championship: TBA vs. TBA
2018 Mae Young Classic Tournament Finals: Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm
Alexa Bliss vs. Trish Stratus
**Card subject to change**
Discussion: What do you think about the poster for Evolution? Do you think anyone was left out? Sound off in the comments!
The recent news of the all-women PPV Evolution has had fans clamoring on which former WWE women superstar will return to the event.
One former Women’s Champion, Gail Kim, has been the talk of a former star who should return but has no desire in making a comeback to the WWE.
Whoever you are, please don’t tell me what I should be feeling or thinking. Only I’ve lived my life and walked in my shoes. So please get lost. You don’t know jack. https://t.co/XkOlAXMWxy
Back in August 2011 Gail Kim deliberately eliminated herself from the women’s battle royal that was taking place around the Divas Division Era. During this era, the Divas had little to no time on television for their matches, which many fans referred to the matches as “piss breaks”. That elimination would be Kim’s last WWE appearance as she would request her release and join back with TNA.
Currently, Kim is a producer for TNA’s Knockout Division and has no desire to return back to the WWE.
