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LECLAIR’S WWE EVOLUTION 2025 REPORT
JULY 13, 2025
ATLANTA, GA AT STATE FARM ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON PEACOCK (U.S.), NETFLIX (Int.)
Announcers: Michael Cole & Wade Barrett
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-Joe Tessitore introduced the show over wide shots of Atlanta and State Farm Arena. The camera faded into the building, showing various wrestler arrivals from earlier in the day. His rundown bled into an opening video package.
Fireworks shot off from inside the ring. The camera moved to Joe Tessitore, standing at a desk near the entrance way. After introducing the audience to the show, he welcomed his co-host for the evening, Stephanie McMahon. She received a major reaction. Joe asked for take on the depth and quality of the division. Stephanie said that, with the first Evolution, the women had to “prove they belonged” and now the women are regularly main eventing shows. Steph said she’s most looking forward to the no hold’s barred match between Jade Cargill and Naomi. Joe threw the broadcast down to ringside, where Michael Cole and Wade Barrett were seated at the desk.
Cole and Barrett continued to take about the evolution of the women’s division over time. Cole said they’re getting things started with the triple threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Bayley was first out, receiving a decent reaction. Cole said that Bayley still has a chip on her shoulder to this day because she wasn’t brought up to the main roster at the same time as the rest of the Four Horsewomen. Barrett said she’s proved her worth time and time again since, and may add another piece of gold to her resume tonight. Lyra Valkyria entered next. Michael participated in her “woo” chants. Wade asked him to please stop. Becky Lynch was last to enter, to a significant reaction. She held her Intercontinental title high in the air as smoke billowed around her. Barrett said Lynch may be the first woman to get her star power at equal level with the men in WWE.
(1) BECKY LYNCH (c) vs. BAYLEY vs. LYRA VALKYRIA – WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat match
Bayley brought the crowd to a frenzy as the match began, hopping onto the middle rope and daring them to cheer louder. She hopped down and promptly punched Lyra Valkyria in the face. Becky Lynch looked on, stoically. She and Bayley locked up. Bayley ducked a lariat and gave Becky a back drop. Valkyria returned to the ring, toppling Bayley from behind. She and Bayley tussled on the mat before the latter scored a two count on a quick roll up. Becky returned, and the three women traded quick roll ups.
Lyra scooped Lynch into the air, looking for Nightwing. Bayley got in the way, but Lyra used Becky’s legs to drop her. Lynch slid free. Lyra gave her a slam and covered her for a quick two count. Valkyria caught a kick attempt, swept Becky’s leg and turned her over into a Mexican Stretch. Bayley burst back into view and broke it up. Lyra gave Bayley a big missile dropkick, sending Bayley careening to the floor. Valkyria pounded the mat, bringing the crowd to life. She tried to dive through the middle rope onto both her opponents, but Bayley and Becky caught her and deposited her on the announce desk.
Lynch and Bayley came to blows outside the ring as the match approached 4:00. Bayley tossed the champion back in the ring as a chant for her began to swell. Lynch fought her back to the floor and dropped her with a baseball slide. Lyra wandered back into frame, but Lynch dropped her with an axe handle off the apron. Bayley returned with a kick through the ropes. Lyra paced on the apron before giving Bayley a cross-body on the floor. Valkyria tried to follow up with a spinning DDT off the announce desk on Becky, but the champion tossed her into the steel steps.
The Man went to work on Bayley at ringside, tossing her into the barricade and then following up with a Bexploder into the same spot. Bayley’s knee hit the wall awkwardly. Back in the ring, Bayley tried to fight back with right forearms out of the southwest corner. Lynch dropped her with a kick to the knee. Bayley shrugged it off and gave Becky a neckbreaker across the middle rope. Lynch recovered quickly, ascending the turnbuckles and catching Bayley with a double axe handle off the top for a cover and two count. Lynch admonished the referee for not counting faster. She choked Bayley against the middle rope and taunted the crowd as the match crossed 7:00. A “Bayley” chant built as the champion continued to dominate. Bayley fought back with some wild rights and lefts. She tried for a Rose Plant, but Becky easily blocked it. Lynch looked for the Man-Handle Slam. Bayley side-stepped. Lyra returned, flying off the top and dropping both women with a cross body.
Valkyria went to work on the champion. She hit a pair of Fisherman’s Suplexes, bridging on the second for a cover. Bayley came flying off the top right onto the bridged abdomen of Lyra. She tossed Valkyria into the corner and placed her in a tree of woe position. Lynch tried to attack, but Bayley ducked her and gave her a sunset bomb into the prone body of Valkyria. Bayley covered Becky for a two count. She gave Lyra a springboard elbow and covered her for another two count. Bayley continued to drop elbows across the stomach of the former Intercontinental Champion. She tried ascending the ropes again, but Becky cut her off. She and Bayley teetered on the top briefly. Lynch hit a Superplex off the middle rope, covering for two. She transitioned immediately into the Disarm-Her. Bayley turned it into a roll up. Valkyria flew onto both women with a leg drop off the top rope and scored a two count of her own as the match hit 12:00.
The champion ducked a lariat attempt from Valkyria and pulled both she and Bayley in for a tandem DDT. She shoved Bayley aside and called for Lyra to stand. Becky went for the Man-Handle Slam, but Lyra turned it into a roll up for two. Valkyria rolled to her feet but Lynch was waiting, immediately hitting the Man-Handle Slam. She covered, but Bayley almost instantly broke it up. She and Lynch traded hard slaps to the face, then the chest. Lynch chased Bayley to the ropes with a chop. Bayley chased Becky to the ropes with a knee. Bayley scooped Lynch and gave her a spinning sidewalk slam, then a Bayley-to-Belly. She covered, but Valkyria broke it up at the last moment.
A “this is awesome” chant broke out as Lyra and Bayley struggled to their feet. Valkyria caught the veteran with an Enziguri. Bayley rolled to the apron. Lyra gave Becky a Nightwing. She hooked the leg, but Bayley threw her body onto the pile to save the match for herself. Lyra and Bayley traded slaps. Bayley went for the Rose Plant, but Lyra blocked it. They traded roll ups for two. Lyra missed an Enziguri. Bayley finally hit the Rose Plant. She covered, but Becky flipped over Bayley, pulling her with her and into a backslide for a surprise three count.
WINNER: Becky Lynch in 16:25 to retain the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: Really fun opener. All three of these women are supremely talented, and you could feel that were was a vested interest from all three to go out and kick the show off on a really high note. This had a lot of the usual beats of a standard WWE triple threat, but significant periods of one on one action while the odd woman out stayed down on the outside, but I thought it was booked logically and flowed well. Lyra continues to grow into this role, and I think she’s made some significant strides in the fan connection department over the last few months, though there’s still work to be done. Lynch seems as motivated as ever, and Bayley had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. Smart to kick the show off with this one. I’m curious as to what’s next for these three.)
-Cole introduced a couple of legends seated at ringside, including Mark Henry and Vickie Guerrero. The latter got a big reaction. He tossed to a break/video package for the NXT Women’s title match.
Jordynne Grace was out first, accompanied by Blake Monroe. The latter received a good reaction. Barrett said there’s no show that couldn’t use a little more glamour added to it. Jacy Jayne headed to the ring, flanked by her Fatal Influence cohorts. Alicia Taylor delivered Championship introductions.
(2) JACY JAYNE (c, w/ Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. JORDYNNE GRACE (w/ Blake Monroe) – NXT Women’s Championship match
Jacy Jayne went for a rolling elbow right out of the gate. Jordynne Grace easily ducked it and tossed Jayne to the floor. She scooped her up and tossed her inside, hyping up fans at ringside with some high fives. Grace grabbed a waist lock, but Jayne carried her forward into the ropes. stunning her. The champion dumped Grace to the floor, then caught her with a PK to the face. Fatal Influence cheered on their leader. Back in the ring, Jayne hit a running neckbreaker for a cover and two count. A “Jordynne Grace” chant broke out. Jacy distracted the referee, allowing Fallon Henley to rake Grace’s face across the bottom rope.
The reigning NXT Women’s Champion repeatedly drove her elbow into the shoulder of Grace before grabbing a seated side headlock. Jayne gave Grace a little kiss on the head and smiled, jawing at the crowd. Grace slowly powered back to her feet and broke the hold. She tossed Jayne into the corner, then caught her with a spinning Spinebuster off the ricochet. Jordynne grabbed at the back of her neck, massaging a kink. She traded forearms with Jacy as the match reached 4:00. Jordynne worked the champion into the northwest corner and went for a chop. Jayne ducked and delivered a few of her own. Out of the corner, Grace hooked Jayne’s arms and drove her face-first into the turnbuckle repeatedly. She gave Jayne the Alley-Op into the same buckle, then delivered a sit-out Powerbomb with a cover for two at 5:05.
“You might not get many opportunities like that one, Jordynne!” Barrett said. Grace scooped Jayne and gave her a World’s Strongest Slam. She leapt to the top, looking for a Vader Bomb, but Jayne moved. Jacy caught her challenger with a couple of quick Superkicks, then a running boot against the ropes. Cole said that Jayne has looked phenomenal so far. Barrett agreed. Grace skinned the cat out to the apron, but ate a knee flush to the jaw. Jayne hit a draping neckbreaker of the second rope for a cover and near fall. The crowd built support for Jordynne as she writhed on the mat. Jayne pulled at her hair and slammed her into the mat. Fatal Influence clapped arrogantly at ringside.
Jayne looked for a cannonball in the corner, but Grace moved. The two traded quick roll ups for two counts. Jayne missed wildly with a bicycle kick. Grace trapped the leg and gave her a modified Fisherman’s Suplex. Grace climbed the northeast corner, but was met with a stiff kick from Jayne. Jacy delivered a Hurricanrana off the top rope, followed by a hard running knee. She hooked both legs and scored a very close near fall just after 9:00. Jayne asked for the NXT Women’s title. Blake Monroe dropped Fallon Henley, then Jasmyn Nyx. In the ring, Grace rolled up Jayne for a near fall.
Monroe retrieved the NXT Women’s title. Henley leapt onto the apron, distracting the referee. Jayne tossed Grace toward the ropes. Monroe cracked Grace in the back with the title belt. Jayne hit the Rolling Encore and covered Grace for a three count.
WINNER: Jacy Jayne in 10:27 to retain the NXT Women’s Championship
Cole wondered whether Monroe’s actions were accidental. Blake entered the ring and handed the title over to Jacy. She smiled, posed, and left the ring.
(LeClair’s Analysis: This was solid. Grace is excellent. Her power moves always look incredible, and she does a great job at keeping the crowd invested and building support throughout her matches. Jacy Jayne was sold as a heavy underdog, and the announcers continuously brought up Vic Joseph’s comments about her being the most beatable NXT Women’s Champion in history, but both Wade and Michael were adamant about heaping praise on her throughout the match. I thought she mostly played her part. She kept up well, even though some of her offense looks a little loose. The story here, though, was about Blake Monroe. It felt like a foregone conclusion, even as someone who doesn’t really follow NXT anymore, that Blake was poised to turn here. And, that’s exactly what happened. The sooner she’s catapulted into a major angle, the better.)
-Jazz, Ivory, Jacqueline, and Maryse were all shown seated at ringside. Cole tossed back to Joe Tess and Stephanie. They talked up the upcoming Tag Team title match.
-Kabuki Warriors headed to the ring to a solid reaction. Cole talked about Asuka’s recent return. Zaria and Sol Ruca entered next. Asuka and Kairi Sane danced to Ruca’s music. Charlotte Flair was out next. She stopped to take a look around at the crowd before posing in the aisle as fireworks shot from the rafters. Her music was interrupted by Alexa Bliss’. She waved at the fans and walked right into Flair’s outstretched arm, covered in feathers. Bliss stepped through them and tossed Lilly at her partner. Cole said it almost seems like they’re starting to get along. The champions were last out. Cole said there’s so much to talk about, namely, the Judgment Day having all the gold. He noted that tonight is actually the first time the tag team champions have ever teamed together, mentioning Liv Morgan’s injury.
(3) ROXANNE PEREZ & RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ (c) vs. KABUKI WARRIORS (Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. ZARIA & SOL RUCA vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR & ALEXA BLISS – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal-4-Way match
Kairi Sane began the match with Roxanne Perez. Cole said that Judgment Day blames Sane for Liv Morgan’s injury, even though it was a freak accident. Perez chased Sane toward the ropes, but Kairi catapulted up and over her, delivering a headscissor for a cover and quick two count. Sane made a tag to Asuka. The Kabuki Warriors peppered Perez with kicks, then a pair of basement dropkicks. Asuka taunted Raquel Rodriguez and gave Roxane a hip check. Rodriguez tagged herself in off of her partner’s back. The champion tackled Asuka to the mat, then gave her a big body slam. “You too?” she asked Kairi, before slamming her onto Asuka.
Raquel spun on her heels and shoved Charlotte Flair to the floor. Alexa Bliss took offense, but the referee held her back. Rodriguez continued to work over Asuka. She tagged in Perez, who caught Asuka with an elbow. Alexa Bliss tagged herself in off the back of Asuka. She gave Perez a standing STO, then a handspring Moonsault. She slapped Rodriguez in the face, knocking her to the floor. Perez raked Bliss’ eyes and stumbled into the corner of Zaria and Sol Ruca. The former tagged herself in. Zaria stalked Bliss. Alexa grabbed her by the throat, but was quickly overpowered. Zaria military pressed Bliss. Alexa slid down her back, kicked the back of her knee and went for a DDT. Zaria blocked it, powering Bliss up into a stalling Suplex. Sol Ruca tagged herself in. She hit a leaping Facebuster over the top rope and covered Bliss for a two count.
Alexa tried desperately to reach her partner, but Ruca held her off. Bliss fought her off, sending her stumbling. Rodriguez tagged herself in. The tag champions continued to beat down Bliss briefly, but Alexa managed to roll through both of them and make a diving tag to Charlotte Flair. The crowd sprang to life. Flair littered both Raquel and Roxanne with hard chops. The crowd “woo’ed” with every single one. She gave Perez a big boot, then a Fallaway Slam. She kipped up and clotheslined Raquel to the floor. Flair booted Zaria off the apron. She speared Perez and covered her for a near fall at 6:35. Flair caught her breath, slapped her chest and went back to work on Perez. She tried for a Figure Four, but Rodriguez entered and gave her a boot to the face. Asuka leapt into the ring, tagging out Charlotte and taking out Raquel. She gave Flair a German Suplex, then delivered one to Sol Ruca.
Perez ate a sliding kick from Asuka She tagged Sane. Kairi Sane entered and hit her with a Neckbreaker. Zaria tagged herself in off of Perez. The Kabuki Warriors worked together to chop down Zaria. Ruca tagged in. Flair ran at her, but Sol hit her with Sol Snatcher. Bliss tried to give Ruca Sister Abigail, but Sol blocked it. She gave Bliss a Backcracker. Zaria charged for a spear, but Flair pulled Bliss out of the way. Zaria speared her own partner. Rodriguez tagged herself in off of Bliss’ head. Perez gave Flair Pop Rocks. Rodriguez Powerbombed Bliss clear over the top rope into the waiting arms of Asuka, Sane, and Zaria. Perez hit a dive through the middle rope onto Flair. Rodriguez gave Ruca a Tejana Bomb for a cover and three count.
WINNERS: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez in 10:52 to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
(LeClair’s Analysis: I thought the majority of this was a lot of fun. The crowd being as into it as they were certainly helped. I’m not sure if someone said something to Raquel following Kevin Nash’s recent comments, but, she certainly worked this match “bigger”, and it helped, a lot! Kabuki Warriors and Bliss & Flair possess a ton of star power and worked well opposite each other and the other teams. Most of this ran through Roxanne Perez, who is obviously being trusted with a significant workload right out of the gate on the main roster. I thought Flair, in particular, looked as motivated and natural as she has in quite some time. The pairing with Bliss is working surprisingly well. The start of the finishing sequence was a lot of fun, but the finish itself just seemed to materialize out of nowhere. This could have used just a little more development to build to that closing sequence, but otherwise, was quite enjoyable. The women’s tag team titles have never really felt like much more than an afterthought, but I do think having them in the Judgment Day camp is generally a net positive given the immense amount of TV time they receive. Teams like the Kabuki Warriors and Flair & Bliss could really bolster those titles if they wind up challenging for them again, and for any length of time.)
-Cole introduced more legends at ringside, including Torrie Wilson and Melina.
-Tessitore and Stephanie talked about the upcoming WWE Women’s Championship match before tossing to a video package for it.
Trish Stratus headed to the ring first to a strong reaction. Cole said it’s her first one on one title match in over 18 years. Tiffany Stratton received an equally strong reaction. She slapped hands with fans all the way down the aisle and posed with her title in the ring. Barrett said she’s already carved out an “all-timer” type career and she’s just getting started. Alicia Taylor delivered Championship introductions.
(4) TIFFANY STRATTON (c) vs. TRISH STRATUS – WWE Women’s Championship match
Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus circled one another and locked up. The younger Stratton backed the veteran into the northeast corner, respectfully backed off, and flexed. Stratus just smiled. They locked up again. Stratton wrestled Stratus to the mat and into a headscissor. Trish was able to escape relatively easily. She twisted Stratton’s arm, but Tiffany worked back to her feet and turned the hold around. Trish used the ropes to flip herself all the way over and retake control. Stratus gave Stratton a headscissor takeover. She took a bow and smiled wide at the young champion. Tiffany threw a slap. Trish returned the favor.
“Forget the sportsmanship, I want a scrap!” Wade said. Tiffany gave the challenger a hard shoulder and covered her for a quick two count. She popped up for a snap Suplex. Stratton rolled to her feet, Stratus still in her grasp. She hit another snap Suplex, then rolled her opponent out to the apron. Stratton was looking for another Suplex, but Trish countered with a ‘rana to the floor, catching the champion by surprise. “You still got it!” the crowd told her. She tossed Tiff back in the ring. Stratton missed wildly with a clothesline and ate a Spinebuster from the challenger for a cover and two count at 3:20.
Stratus hit the ropes and pressed Tiffany. She walked the champion to the corner, climbed to the middle rope and hit a tornado DDT for a cover and two count. Barrett said that the champion is struggling to get out of the blocks. Stratus worked Tiffany into the corner and licked her palm for a hard chop. Tiffany exploded out of the corner with one of her own. She kicked the legend into the northwest corner. Tiffany hit the handspring back elbow into the corner, then a release Suplex into double knees for a cover and two count. Stratton whipped Trish toward the corner and charged. Stratus leapfrogged her and rolled her up for a two count. Stratton popped up, dropped Trish and leapt to the top rope. She hit a perfect Swanton Bomb for a cover and near fall just after 6:00.
The champion ascended the northwest corner again. Trish rose to meet her. She set her up for the top rope bulldog, but Tiff shoved her away. Stratus gave her a hangman’s ‘rana instead. She flipped to the mat and delivered the Chick Kick for a cover and near fall. Trish called for Stratusfaction. Stratton tossed her away, hit a rolling Senton and attempted the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Trish got her knees up. Stratton stumbled to her feet and walked right into Stratus’ grasp. She nailed Stratusfaction for a cover and another near fall. Trish climbed to the top turnbuckle. She went for a Moonsault, but Stratton got her knees up. She hit Stratus with an Alabama Slam, then the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Tiffany Stratton in 8:36 to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: I was a little surprised by the brevity here, but this was a pretty darn good sub-nine minute match. Stratus is still impressive in the ring, and Stratton continues to grow and impress with each major title defense. These two worked hard right out of the gate, and kept a frenetic pace throughout their limited run time. It’s quite amazing that Stratus is still able to compete at this level, even if only in a shorter match. This was another match helped by a great atmosphere in the building, with a crowd that was sincerely invested in both acts. Now, Stratton turns her focus toward Jade Cargill and Summerslam. I’m quite curious, and maybe a little naively optimistic about the prospects there. I hope they can find a way to deliver.)
Trish Stratus received a big ovation from the crowd as she left the ring. Cole wondered when it might be the final time we’d see her compete.
-Cole tossed to a video package for the no holds barred match.
Alicia Taylor explained the rules, then introduced the special guest referee, Bianca Belair. She skipped down the aisle through a sea of open hands, twirling her braid. Cole and Barrett wondered whether or not Belair could call the contest down the middle. Naomi entered to a decent reaction, marching down the aisle with purpose, Money in the Bank briefcase displayed proudly. The lights cut out and the sound of wind filled the State Farm Arena. Jade Cargill flexed at the stage opening and walked to the ring confidently.
(5) NAOMI vs. JADE CARGILL – No Holds Barred match w/ Special Guest Referee: Bianca Belair
Naomi left the ring and charged Jade Cargill before she could even reach ringside. Bianca Belair called for the bell right away. Naomi swung the briefcase at Jade, but Cargill ducked and slammed Naomi into the ringside barrier. She walked her to ringside and tossed her into the steel steps. Naomi recovered quickly, blocking a punch from Jade and tripping her into the base of the steps. Naomi retrieved a Kendo stick from underneath the ring. She swung at Jade, but she ducked. Naomi cracked the stick against the ring post. Cargill tossed Naomi into the barricade again. Belair went to check on her. Cargill set up a table at ringside.
Jade tried to drag Naomi to the table, but was thwarted. Naomi cracked a Kendo stick across Jade’s ribs and slammed her head against the table. She tossed the stick aside, then retrieved a chair and trash can, tossing them in the ring. Naomi spun around and ate a spear from Cargill. She retrieved a toolbox from under the ring. Cole said he has one like that in his truck. Naomi kicked Jade in the face on her way back between the ropes. She gave her a DDT on an open chair and covered her for a two count at 4:05. Naomi tossed her rival into the ring post, then went fishing through the tool box for weapons. She came up with a chain. She tried to wrap it around Jade’s mouth, but Cargill kept her fingers between her face and the chain and used its momentum to rip Naomi over her head.
After wrapping her fist with the chain, Cargill dropped Naomi with it. She stole a camera from a videographer at ringside and cracked it over Naomi’s head. Cargill hit Naomi with a trash can, sending her flying to the floor. She tried to drop the toolbox onto her, but Naomi rolled out of the way. The tool box bounced violently on the floor and spilled its contents. Naomi tossed Cargill against the announce desk. She dropkicked her into the TV propped against the front of the desk, displaying the show logo. It shattered and smoked. Naomi retrieved a table and slid it in the ring. “You don’t have to do this, we can stop this…” Belair pleaded with Cargill. Jade waved her off and slid back in the ring. Naomi tried to impale Cargill on the foot of the table, but Jade held her off. Jade dumped her opponent to the apron, but Naomi maintained control. She hit a Heatseeker double knee drop off the bottom rope, then ran into Cargill with a steel chair. Jade fell off the apron and crashed through a table.
Naomi slid Cargill back in the ring and gave her a Facebuster on the steel chair. She covered for a near fall at 9:35. “That was a sluggish kick out, that tank is running dry,” Barrett said. Naomi stomped at Jade. She set up another table and tossed Jade onto it. She laid a chair across her prone body and climbed the southwest corner. Cargill sprang to life and cracked the chair across Naomi’s back. She climbed to the top, turned Naomi around and into position, delivering Jaded off the top through the table for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Jade Cargill in 11:14
(LeClair’s Analysis: The outcome never felt like it was in much doubt here – Cargill’s got a big title match in a few weeks, and Naomi is seen as expendable, for better or worse, because of her briefcase. I was surprised, though, to see how little offense Jade got here. This was a completely dominant performance by Naomi. Cargill did a couple of little things early in the match, but this was about ten minutes of slow, plodding beat down. These two had the story, but the match just didn’t really come together in a particularly pleasing way. Cargill continues to struggle with everything but the look.)
-Cole teased a gauntlet match to determine Gunther’s opponent at Summerslam for tomorrow night on Raw.
-Alicia Taylor introduced the battle royal to earn a title match at Clash in Paris. Nikki Bella was first to enter. Chelsea Green and the Secret Her-vice were out next. Entrances continued during a break for U.S. viewers with a non-premium subscription – Natalya, Maxxine Dupri, Jaida Parker, Lash Legend, Lola Vice, Zelina Vega, Kelani Jordan, Tatum Paxley, Izzi Dame, B-Fab, Michin, and Ivy Nile. Out of the break, Candice LeRae was joined by Nia Jax. Cole said that Jax won the battle royal at the first iteration of Evolution.
Stephanie Vaquer entered next to a strong reaction. Cole said she’s coming up on one year as part of WWE. Barrett said she’s “made a lot of women’s heads go bouncy bouncy.” The Women’s U.S. Champion, Giulia, was out next, entering a full ring.
(6) 20-WOMAN BATTLE ROYAL – Winner Receives World Title match at Clash in Paris
Barrett said the women seem to be arranging themselves into brand factions as the match began. Nia Jax immediately tossed both Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame over the top, eliminating them. She threw Kelani Jordan over, too, but Paxley and Dame caught her and dumped her on the announcers desk. Jordan looked around, trying to figure out how to get back in the ring. Wade said you need to study Kofi Kingston tape to survive this match. Kelani slid off the table into a handstand and walked herself back to the ring, flipping onto the apron and under the bottom rope to return to the match. She took down Lola Vice, but was quickly dropped by Lash Legend.
Legend gave Ivy Nile a Backbreaker. Jax shouldered Lash into the southeast corner and the two tried to work each other over the ropes. Stephanie Vaquer cornered Nile and weakened her with headbutts. She pilled Nile into an arm bar over the top. Giulia walked over casually and shoved Nile to the floor, eliminating her. A “Nikki Bella” chant broke out. Vaquer and Giulia came face to face in the center of the ring. They shared a handshake, but Giulia fired a shot. Stephanie ducked and hit her with a headbutt. They grabbed each other’s hair and began butting each other at the 4:00 mark. Bella broke it up, giving Vaquer a Jawbreaker. Vaquer popped up, dropped Bella and turned her over the Devil’s Kiss. Chelsea Green kicked Stephanie in the face to stop it, bringing on a chorus of boos.
Nikki toppled Green, but the Secret Her-Vice swarmed her. Maxxine Dupri and Natalya helped Nikki out, hooking the Her-Vice and giving them a triple Suplex. Dupri hit Green with the backward worm elbow. She coached Nattie to do one of her own. She tried, but Kelani Jordan cut her off. Nattie recovered quickly and dumped Jordan onto the apron. Jaida Parker slipped and dumped Natalya to the floor. Dupri, upset about Nattie’s elimination, attacked Parker. Jaida easily scooped her onto her shoulders and deposited her onto the apron. Candice LeRae bounced Dupri to the floor, eliminating her. Jordan then bumped LeRae to the floor, taking her out. Cole called her Candice Michelle. He and Barrett had a laugh.
B-Fab and Michin worked together to dump Jaida Parker over the top and to the floor. The crowd booed them heavily. Jax clotheslined Jordan to the apron, but she hung on. LeRae, seeking revenge, ripped Jordan to the floor. Lash Legend gave Jax a Superkick. Out on the apron, Zelina Vega attempted a Code Red on Giulia. The champion countered and caught Vega with a knee to the face. Vega shoved Giulia into the ring post, then booted her to the floor to eliminate her. B-Fab and Piper Niven traded blows. B-Fab went for a kick, but Piper ducked it and lifted B-Fab into the air and over the top to the floor. Chelsea Green eliminated Michin on the other side of the ring. Michin tried to pull Chelsea out with her, but Alba Fyre dove through the middle rope onto Michin to save Green.
Lash Legend hoisted Vega up for a Razor’s Edge out of the ring, but Zelina held onto the ropes. She transitioned into a military press instead, tossing Vega into the waiting arms of a group of women on the floor. Green, Niven, and Fyre attacked Lash Legend, tossing her into the ring post. Nikki came up from behind and dumped Fyre to the floor. Chelsea mocked Nikki’s dance. Lola Vice missed Green with a kick. Green picked her up and did squats. Bella speared Green out of nowhere. Niven scooped Vice onto the apron and shoved her to the floor. Vaquer dumped Niven over the top to the floor.
Vaquer, Green, Jax, Legend, and Bella remained. Stephanie dropped Chelsea and completed the Devil’s Kiss to a big reaction at 12:25. Bella tossed Green out. Nia attacked Nikki from behind. Bella recovered quickly and gave her a ‘rana. Jax scooped Nia onto the apron. Lash Legend sized both women up and threw a bicycle kick. Jax side-stepped, Legend knocked Jax out. Jax and Legend circled each other as Vaquer watched on. Lash scooped Nia and deposited her on the apron. Vaquer tried to assist, but Nia fought both off. Legend lifted Vaquer and used her as a battering ram to knock Nia to the floor.
Only Vaquer and Lash Legend remained. Stephanie charged, but Legend toppled her with a hard kick. Stephanie fought back with one of her own. Legend landed on the middle rope. Vaquer hit a 619, then went for a springboard splash. Lash Legend caught her and walked her to the ropes. Vaquer held onto the ropes, causing both women to topple onto the apron. Vaquer kept her grasp tight, turning Legend over and delivering Devil’s Kiss on the edge of the ring. When she let go, Lash Legend fell to the floor.
WINNER: Stephanie Vaquer in 15:32
(LeClair’s Analysis: The majority of this felt like your prototypical battle royal, but I thought the action picked up in the waning moments. Stephanie Vaquer felt like the obvious winner here, and I’m glad they just went with the logical choice. Vaquer has developed a quick, natural connection with the audience and is one of the premier wrestlers in the entire company, female or otherwise. It makes sense to elevate her into a major spot at a big, international event, and either option, Sky or Ripley, sounds like a ton of fun. It’s worth noting how heavily they featured Lash Legend here, too. She got several stand out spots with Nia Jax and others, and she was impressive. It’s never wise to read too much into the way they book out these matches beyond the winners, but it seems like Legend is certainly on their radar.)
Stephanie McMahon entered the ring, asking Vaquer the significance of her win. She said that English isn’t her first language, but wrestling is. She promised to keep working hard so that everyone remembers her name forever.
-Cole tossed to a video package for the main event.
Rhea Ripley entered first to a big reaction. Barrett wondered if Ripley could actually beat Iyo Sky, saying it “might be mission impossible.” Cole talked up her career accomplishments. Iyo Sky garnered a strong reaction, too. She posed with the World Title at the entrance, then held it out for fans to touch on her way to the ring. Cole tossed to Alicia Taylor to deliver main event introductions.
(7) IYO SKY (c) vs. RHEA RIPLEY – WWE Women’s World Championship match
The crowd let out an anticipatory cheer as the bell rang. Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky locked up. The bigger, stronger challenger backed the champion to the southeast corner. Iyo climbed the buckles instead of getting cornered. She rolled out and worked Ripley to the mat. A dueling chant broke out in the crowd. The two traded quick headscissor holds on the mat, then covers for one counts. Rhea went for a Snapmare, but Sky landed on her feet. The longtime rivals smiled at one another and took a beat, circling once more.
Waist lock control for Sky, then for Ripley. Sky leapfrogged her challenger, then went for a sunset flip. Ripley stood firm. She hoisted Sky into the air and tossed her into the northwest corner. Sky got hands up. Ripley pulled her punch, mocking Sky’s brain point taunt. Ripley missed wildly with two slaps. Sky ducked a clothesline. Iyo went for a springboard kick, but Rhea ducked. Sky saw it coming and kicked Rhea to the floor. Iyo looked poised to dive through the middle rope, but Ripley picked her off with a big elbow. She pulled Sky onto her shoulders. Iyo fought free and established vertical base. She hit a springboard Moonsault off the middle rope to the floor.
The champion returned her challenger to the ring and connected with double knees off the top rope. She covered for a quick two count. Sky wrestled Ripley to the mat and into a Crossface. Ripley used her size advantage to lift Sky off the canvas and break the hold. Sky still managed to trip her into the ropes. Sky hit a 619, but held Ripley’s head between her legs and slammed her into the mat. Sky charged Ripley on the apron. Rhea lifted her up. Iyo slid free. They traded jabs. Ripley caught Sky with a stiff knee to the jaw. She tossed Sky off the ring. Iyo’s fall was broken by the announce desk.
Ripley slammed Sky into the ring steps as the match approached 7:00. She tossed the champion back in the ring and checked her mouth for blood. Ripley delivered a Backbreaker, then a release Suplex across the top rope. She covered for a two count. Rhea wrapped her legs around the waist of the champion, squeezing the breath out of her. She turned her into a cover for two. “Rhea’s frustrated,” Cole surmised. The challenger stretched Sky’s arm. Iyo fought to her feet and clubbed free with some left hands. Sky ducked two clotheslines and hit Ripley with a spike tornado DDT. Both women were down as the match approached 9:45. Rising to their knees, champion and challenger traded forearms. Sky picked up the pace as they returned to their feet. She went for a running blow, but Ripley caught her. Sky countered, flipped Ripley over and stomped on her abdomen. Sky followed up with a release German Suplex. Ripley rolled to the floor.
Head full of steam, Sky dove through the middle rope onto a recovering Ripley. She tossed her in the ring and flipped to her feet. “This is the last thing you want to see if you’re Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky laughing off the pain,” Wade commented. Sky hit the bullet train into the corner and covered for a two count. Sky stepped on Rhea on her way to the turnbuckle. She called for Over the Moonsault. Ripley telegraphed and leapt up to meet her. She went for a German Suplex off the top, but Sky landed on her feet. Rhea still caught her with a boot. Sky fought back, catching Ripley in an underhook. Rhea fought free. Sky went for the tornado DDT again, but Ripley blocked it. She elbowed Iyo. Sky was undeterred, bouncing right back and hitting a Poinsonrana for a cover and near fall at 14:05.
Another dueling chant broke out as both women writhed on the mat. Sky was first to stand, stepping on Ripley again. Ripley slid underneath, grabbing her foot and playing defense. She managed to shove Sky off her feet, spinning her around and delivering a Razor’s Edge off the top. She immediately followed up with a sit-out Powerbomb for a cover and near fall of her own. Ripley was sure she scored a three count. Jessika Carr confirmed two. Ripley called for Riptide. Sky transitioned out and into a Sleeper. Ripley dumped her into the southwest corner to break free. She sat Sky atop the buckle and hooked her for a Superplex. Sky managed to catch her footing on the apron. She went for a missile dropkick, but Ripley ducked. Sky hit Jessika Carr instead.
Rhea delivered Riptide. She covered Sky for a visible three count. The crowd counted to ten. Ripley screamed in frustration. She kicked the turnbuckles, then retrieved her opponent. She gave Sky another Razor’s Edge. Sky spilled to the floor. Ripley followed, booting her over the barricade and into the crowd. Sky went on the retreat. Ripley tossed Sky into the steps of the lower bowl. She gave her a violent headbutt. Cole said that Ripley should be the champion. Sky began crawling toward a stack of road cases tucked in an alcove. Ripley threw her onto them, looking to Powerbomb her to the floor. Sky escaped her grasp and kicked Rhea away. She climbed three levels of cases and leapt into Ripley’s waiting arms below.
The walk and brawl continued, working its way to the north side of the floor. Sky slammed Ripley against the steel bleachers, then back over the barricade to ringside. Sky charged Ripley, knees first. Rhea moved. Iyo collided with the side of the announce desk. Ripley tossed her into the ring. Iyo popped up and charged, flipping over Ripley. She hit a Sunset Powerbomb to the floor. Sky tossed Ripley back in the ring. Just thing, Jessika Carr began to stir. Sky finally hit the Over the Moonsault. She hooked the leg, but Ripley got a shoulder up at the last moment.
A huge “Rhea” chant filled the arena as the match approached 24:00. Sky stomped Ripley and went back to the top, calling for another Moonsault. Ripley rolled to the apron to save herself. Sky pulled her up by the wrist. She slapped her across the face. Rhea fought back with a club to the ribs. She slammed Sky’s face into the ring post. Ripley cracked a smile. She climbed the ropes, but Sky stood with her. Sky hit a Spanish Fly off the top.
Both women were down and out. Naomi’s music hit. She rushed to the ring and told Alicia Taylor to make the announcement. Naomi hit Sky in the head with her briefcase. She slammed Ripley into the ring post, sending her flying to the floor. Noami hit a Split-legged Moonsault and covered Sky for a three count.
WINNER: Naomi in 26:18 to win the WWE Women’s World Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: There’s no doubt that Naomi’s cash-in was a “moment” that the crowd will remember, but, man, I was just thinking about how nice it was to have a big time, one on one main event without any interference or significant shenanigans. Sky and Ripley were incredible. This was a befitting main event of not just this this event, but virtually any event. It’s jarring, because the transition to Naomi means a significant drop-off in in-ring quality at the top of the card. Naomi is fine, and she’s much improved. Her heel character work has been solid, but, it’s simply hard to get excited about a title run of hers when we just saw what two of the absolute best are capable of producing in a big match situation with the title on the line.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: I thought this show punched above its weight. The undercard, in particular, delivered in spades. The no holds barred match and battle royal slowed things down considerably, though the latter had its moments. The main event was incredible, but its hard not to feel slightly let down by cash-in finish. I know the live crowd enjoyed the shock of it, and I’m not inherently opposed to Naomi as a wrestler or a character, but ruining such a great one-on-one bout, especially when straight up matches are so few and far between these days, felt pretty deflating. Still, a a strong showing overall that was well-paced and heartier than most recent WWE PLE offerings.
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