Something like this was long overdue, but nonetheless, WWE has finally put together an all-women wrestling event with WWE Evolution. While the build for the PPV (and the overall card, for that matter) left a lot to be desired, I was still excited for this unprecedented event in WWE history. As usual, I'll write down my thoughts for each match, so obvious spoilers within. Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Alicia Fox & Mickie James - This match was supposed to have Alexa Bliss, but unfortunately, she got injured and had to be replaced by Alicia Fox. Nonetheless, this was an OK (if basic) tag team match, but an excellent choice for an opener given how Trish and Lita are guaranteed to get huge reactions as beloved Hall of Famers. Their victory would've felt better if it were Bliss taking the pin directly, but I don't mind, since I didn't really find the angle that set up this match all that compelling anyway. Women's Battle Royal - This is one of those battle royals that don't actually have any major story implications and serve more to get the other wrestlers on the show, but I thought it was OK. We got a good mix of nostalgia talent and present talent, plus some neat spots (like the Iconics cutting a promo, a nod to Asuka vs. Ember, a mega suplex spot, Zelina Vega trying to sneak away with the win), but nothing mindblowing. Nia Jax won, which is rather surprising, because the hosses usually don't win these types of matches. Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai (2018 Mae Young Classic finals) - One of the few matches on the card I was really hyped for, as it was the culmination of the second Mae Young Classic tournament (which I had been following for the past two months). Given the talent in this match, it was no surprise that this was an exciting watch, with Toni Storm avenging her loss in the first tournament and taking the win. I'm a huge fan of Io Shirai, but I'm not at all upset with the outcome. Can't wait to see these women tear it up on NXT. Bayley, Natalya, & Sasha Banks vs. The Riott Squad - Though I'd argue all six of these women deserve a better spot on the card than a throwaway trios match, this match was pretty solid. It's got the tag team fundamentals down, and was an excellent showcase of the Riott Squad as a cohesive unit. The faces win, but whether or not that win means anything in the long run remains to be seen. Kairi Sane (c) vs. Shayna Baszler (NXT Women's Championship match) - Another match I was looking forward to. This is a continuation of Sane and Baszler's rivalry (which started last year at the first Mae Young Classic), and is a worthy addition to the saga. Baszler as the savage heel is on full display here, as well as Sane being the scrappy underdog. The match ends with Baszler securing the win, becoming the first-ever two-time NXT Women's Champion, but she didn't do it alone. Her MMA buddies, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, got involved and interfered in the match, perhaps teasing their roles in the next chapter of this feud. Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte Flair (Last Woman Standing match for the SmackDown Women's Championship) - Easily match of the night for me. It made for the perfect culmination of the bitter rivalry between Becky and Charlotte, with the brutality and high spots one would expect from a stipulation match like this. Becky and Charlotte are two of WWE's best wrestlers in the women's division, and they prove it once again here with this instant classic. The first ever Last Woman Standing match in WWE will surely be remembered for years to come. Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Nikki Bella (Raw Women's Championship match) - Perhaps the match I was least thrilled about, given that they went with (in my opinion) the least interesting challenger possible for Rousey. Still, this was a decent match, with Rousey once again showing that she's a natural at pro wrestling, and the Bellas with some solid heel work. Say what you want about Rousey being champion, but it's hard to deny that she's a solid in-ring talent. Despite a lackluster build (which is typical of WWE anyway) and weird choices for the card, WWE's first all-women event made up for it with solid in-ring action. As someone who's watched women's wrestling in WWE go from an afterthought to a marquee attraction, WWE Evolution is another step in the right direction, and a sign of better things to come. Here's hoping this becomes an annual thing.
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June 2024
Derryck
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