Kelly Kelly says she turned down invitation to sit in crowd at WWE Evolution

Kelly Kelly is claiming that she won’t be among the women’s division legends attending WWE Evolution this weekend.

Responding to a fan on social media today, Kelly Kelly said she turned down an offer from WWE to sit in the crowd at the all-women’s show. She was honored to receive the invitation but didn’t feel like it was the right way to return.

“I was So honored to be invited to Evolution II, to sit in the crowd it just didn’t feel like the right way to come back,” she wrote. “I’ll always be proud to have been part of the first, my heart is with every woman in that ring tomorrow. I’ll be back when the time’s right.”

Kelly Kelly was part of the inaugural Evolution 2018 card as a battle royal entrant. This year’s Evolution features another battle royal that figures to include some surprise entrants. The winner receives a women’s title shot next month at Clash in Paris.

Nikki Bella is among the confirmed participants for the battle royal at Sunday’s PLE, which is being held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

A former Divas Champion, Kelly Kelly (real name Barbie Blank) was originally with WWE from 2006-2012 and has been back for occasional appearances in recent years, most recently taking part in the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble. She said last year that she would be open to competing again so that her twin children could have the chance to see their mother wrestler.

Stephanie McMahon unveils opening video for WWE Evolution

With Evolution’s return now just a couple of days away, WWE has released the opening video for Sunday’s PLE broadcast.

The all-women’s event is taking place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, marking the first time Evolution has been held since the inaugural edition in 2018. The opening video — set to “Rise” by Katy Perry — was unveiled by Stephanie McMahon on social media today. It features a trio of young girls being inspired by watching current WWE wrestlers and legends.

“Finally…this Sunday is the return of @WWE EVOLUTION!,” Stephanie tweeted. “Watch some of the most talented female athletes in the world as they take their place in history once again! Together, we all RISE! #WWEEvolution”

Evolution is one of three WWE events happening in Atlanta this weekend, with NXT Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event both happening the day prior. Evolution will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. It’s streaming live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix elsewhere.

WWE Evolution 2025 (Sunday, July 13) —

  • Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Trish Stratus
  • NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Jordynne Grace
  • Triple threat match: Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
  • Four-way match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca & Zaria
  • No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
  • Battle royal for a women’s title shot at Clash in Paris

Lilian Garcia set for WWE Evolution ring announcing role

Like at the inaugural event seven years ago, Lilian Garcia will have a role handling ring announcing duties for Evolution 2.

Garcia made an Instagram post today revealing that she’ll be a ring announcer for WWE Evolution this Sunday night. She’ll also be the ring announcer for Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend. Both shows are being held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“THIS IS IT!!! @WWE EVOLUTION happening this Sunday!!! I was fortunate enough to be the announcer the 1st ever Evolution so now to be able to announce the 2nd one as well and continue to celebrate the progression of where this industry has evolved to along side these incredible women is such an honor!!!,” Garcia wrote alongside a clip of her working out in the gym.

“It all starts with hard work! …for ALL of us!! We dedicate hours to our craft. It’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it!!”

Garcia no longer has a full-time position on either Raw or SmackDown but is still with WWE as the ring announcer for Saturday Night’s Main Event, along with doing ring announcing for other select events like Worlds Collide and Evolution.

Here is everything that’s been announced for Evolution:

WWE Evolution 2025 (Sunday, July 13) —

  • Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Trish Stratus
  • NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Jordynne Grace
  • Triple threat match: Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
  • Four-way match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca & Zaria
  • No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
  • Battle royal for a women’s title shot at Clash in Paris (Nikki Bella, Stephanie Vaquer, Natalya, Maxxine Dupri, Nia Jax, Ivy Nile confirmed entrants)