Tag: nikki bella

WWE Raw live results: Clash in Paris go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: August 25, 2025
Location: bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, UK 

The Big Takeaway —

LA Knight lost to Bron Breakker in the main event. Jey Uso laid out CM Punk and Knight as the show ended, with Seth Rollins looking on in amusement. Rollins defends the World Championship against Knight, Punk and Jey this Sunday at Clash in Paris. 

There will not be a match for the vacant Women’s World Championship on Sunday, but instead, Becky Lynch will defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Nikki Bella. 

Raw in Paris next week begins at 2 pm ET/11 am PT. 

**********

Show Recap — 

LA Knight, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Bella arrived at the building in Birmingham. 

There is only one level of stands in this arena, so the stage is smaller than usual, but the arena is completely packed. 

Roman Reigns opens Raw

The crowd anxiously chanted “OTC” and sang Reigns’ name before he even got to the ring. The singing continued in the same cadence as usual after his music cut. They followed with a different song and more “OTC” chants before Reigns finally spoke 10 minutes into the show. 

Reigns had big plans for tonight, for the rest of this year, and next year. But he had to be honest with himself. The fans acknowledged him, but there was something he had to acknowledge. The fans were loud as always, like old times, but Reigns was not the same guy he used to be. The fans chanted, “Yes, you are.” 

Reigns responded, “Maybe I can be.” Cody Rhodes predicted it a year and a half ago. (There was a smattering of boos upon hearing Rhodes’ name, and Reigns responded, “Interesting.”) Reigns said Seth Rollins and The Vision followed through on everything Rhodes said. They took everything from him. The crowd chanted, “F—k you, Rollins,” and Reigns felt the same way. 

Reigns didn’t have what he used to have. He didn’t have a Bloodline. After the crowd chanted, “Yeet,” Reigns said he was proud of Jey Uso. People complained about Jey being in the title match instead of him, but Jey was the one who scored the pinfall in their match. He deserved to be in the title match (instead of him). 

The Vision took his Bloodline, his wiseman, and his titles. They ran out of things to take, so they had to find something else. He was about to bring up Bronson Reed, but Paul Heyman interrupted with Reed. 

Heyman said it’s been five years since Brock Lesnar’s wiseman joined Reigns. They changed the entire industry together. Reigns was all alone now, but Heyman missed him. Heyman loved him five years ago and loved him now. 

The fans sang Reigns’ name, so Heyman instead sang Reed’s name to the same tune. He tried to lead the fans, but they sang for Reigns’ instead. Heyman said the fans disrespected him, but they weren’t tough enough to live in Manchester or rich enough to live in London. 

Heyman did not want to disrespect Reigns. But what Reigns needed was tough love. Heyman wasn’t man enough to beat the tough love into him, but Reed was. 

Reigns called Heyman a dumbass because Heyman would kiss his ass after he kicked Reed’s ass. 

Reed gave Reigns a history lesson. He said Reigns’ tribe from Samoa is civilized, but Reed’s isn’t. Reed’s tribe was exiled to Australia. Reigns’ tattoos were all paid for, but Reed’s were earned. Reed was the Samoan that Reigns’ dad and uncle warned him about, and he was about to find out why. 

Reigns responded, “Hold up, this guy’s Samoan? That means your ass belongs to me.” The crowd popped for that. Reigns invited him to the ring to return his shoes, apologize to the fans, and acknowledge him. (The fans chanted, “Give his shoes back.”) 

Reed turned him down, so Reigns left the ring. They met at the aisle and brawled into the ring. Security got between them, so Reed broke through and squished everyone in the corner. Reed went up for a Tsunami as officials tried to stop him, but Reigns popped up and gave him a Superman punch. Reigns went after Reed again outside the ring, but they were held back by security as they went to break. 

The show was 27 minutes old by the time the opening segment ended. 

*******

Like last week, Finn Bálor couldn’t find Dominik Mysterio backstage, but at that moment, he bumped into Dom speaking to El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser). Bálor asked him what was up. Dom said not to worry about it and he’d join them later. 

Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh (w/Finn Bálor)

Bálor was tossed from ringside early in the match. The fans seemed disappointed as this was a very rare occasion where the fans actually booed the referee for tossing a heel from ringside. 

McDonagh took control as they went to break 90 seconds into the match, and Dragon Lee made his comeback the moment they returned. Dragon Lee hit a snap German suplex and poisonrana, but McDonagh hit a Spanish fly for two. Lee followed later with a great-looking Liger bomb for a nearfall. 

The Netflix feed lagged, and the action happened in slow motion. It was fixed as they got to the finish. 

Dom tried to interfere, but AJ Styles ran out to attack him and chase him off. (Corey Graves called Styles hater of the year for once again travelling overseas just to attack someone.) Dragon Lee hit Operation Dragon for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Dragon Lee defeated JD McDonagh (8:42) 

Not including NXT, this was Dragon Lee’s first win on TV since April, and his first singles win since November 2024. 

********

LA Knight interview

Jackie Redmond interviewed LA Knight. He wondered if CM Punk maybe put him through the table on purpose last week. Even if it was an accident, Punk shrugged his shoulders and left. Knight agreed with Punk that they should have worked together against Rollins, but Punk created an environment where that could no longer happen. 

Knight knew Punk was hungry, but they were all hungry. Knight would make sure everyone else went to bed hungry because he would win the title in Paris. He found it very convenient that he was the only one from the four-way that had a match tonight. Knight planned on smacking Bron Breakker back to factory settings.

******** 

There was a Rusev video package. 

Judgment Day met backstage. Raquel Rodriguez stopped an argument between Dom and Bálor. Dom said Bálor has known Styles the longest and suggested he deal with him tonight. Bálor got in Dom’s face and said he’d talk to Adam Pearce and deal with Styles. After he left, Rodriguez told Roxanne Perez to be ready for her match tonight. 

Styles vs. Bálor was made official during the next match. 

********

Penta vs. Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods & Grayson Waller)

The New Day continue to wear all-black as they continue to mourn their tag title loss. Woods wore a black neck brace and had a black cane. 

Penta set up for a flip dive early in the match, but Kingston sprinted away up the aisle as they went to break. Kingston took control during the break and gave Penta a back body drop onto the announce table. It took Penta a full nine seconds to make it back to the ring. 

As Penta made his comeback, Michael Cole said it would be embarrassing if New Day lost to him for a second straight week. Graves wondered what he meant, and Cole said it was because New Day talked so much trash. 

They traded moves, which led to Penta going for a Canadian Destroyer, but Kingston countered it with a back body drop. Kingston followed with a fameasser for two. Penta botched a potential rana off the ropes, so he hit a superplex to bring Kingston down instead. 

Penta followed with a Penta driver, but Kingston kicked out. (Graves said this may have been the first time someone kicked out of this move, and reminded us that Kingston was a former world champion.) 

Penta kicked Waller in the face, and his papers went flying, before hitting Kingston and Woods with a flip dive. Penta went to the ropes for a Destroyer attempt, but was distracted by Waller (who didn’t technically do anything). 

Kingston tripped Penta off the ropes and hit Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall win. The crowd groaned at the finish. 

Match result: Kofi Kingston defeated Penta (10:21)

******** 

Iyo Sky approached Rhea Ripley backstage. She thanked her for having her back last week. She respected Ripley, but Asuka and Kairi Sane were her family. They didn’t like that Ripley got in her business, so they should probably keep their distance for a while. 

At this moment, Asuka and Sane appeared in the background and watched the rest of this transpire. Ripley understood Sky’s sentiment. Ripley was about to leave, but Sky pulled her back for a hug. The hug caused Asuka to storm off in the background. 

(I get what they’re doing, but this was overly dramatic.) 

******** 

There was a video package of Naomi’s announcement. 

Pearce informed Stephanie Vaquer that she was still the number one contender, but her match was not happening in Paris. Pearce asked her to give him a week to find her an opponent. Vaquer was disappointed she wouldn’t be wrestling in Paris, but said she’d be ready when Pearce found her opponent. 

******** 

Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella segment

Lynch entered first. Like she did on Smackdown, Lynch played babyface for a brief moment before quickly turning on the crowd. She called Birmingham a dump, just like Nikki Bella. They advertised this as Bella calling out Lynch, but Lynch didn’t plan on getting called out like a dog by anyone. 

Nikki entered. She said if Lynch wasn’t a dog, then she should stop acting like a bitch. Nikki suggested Lynch give her a title shot. 

Lynch said she wasn’t about to give out title shots, especially to broke-neck Barbie. Nikki said she kicked her ass last week. And thanks to her blazing a trail, Lynch had a page to write history on. 

Lynch credited Nikki and her better twin for blazing that trail and bringing in a new audience, but frankly, she just didn’t care. Lynch never wanted to respect Nikki—she wanted to replace her, and she’s done a pretty good job doing so. 

Nikki said Lynch was afraid to face her. Lynch was once Charlotte Flair’s little sidekick. Lynch said she was no one’s shadow. She was the greatest of all time, even Sports Illustrated thought so. Nikki didn’t care what SI thought. She cared what the people thought—the people who made Lynch. Lynch came off as desperate, and everyone could see it. 

The crowd tried chanting “Becky’s desperate,” but she cut them off. Lynch knew the fans were trying to take over. She called it classic British behaviour and wondered if 800 years of oppressing the Irish wasn’t enough for them. 

Nikki wondered if The Man lost her balls. Lynch assured her by saying, “I have balls. I have balls.” Nikki said Lynch was cheap and another c-word—a coward. Lynch thought she meant the other c-word. 

Lynch agreed to a match in Paris because she wouldn’t wrestle in Birmingham. The only good thing to come out of Birmingham died a month ago. At least Ozzy Osbourne had the sense to move to LA first. 

Nikki knew why Lynch was so mad. No matter how hard she tried, her name would never be as big as Bella. Nikki said she would win the title in Paris. 

Lynch went for a cheap shot, but Nikki decked her. Lynch bailed before Nikki could hit her finisher.

(This was one of those segments where the heel was much more entertaining than the babyface, who, in this case, just isn’t that interesting. Nikki accused Lynch of using cheap insults, but Nikki was the one who called her a bitch, insinuated she was a c-word, and accused her of not having balls. It would also be nice if they didn’t feel the need to tell us Nikki blazed a trail every chance they get.) 

********

CM Punk interview 

Redmond interviewed CM Punk. He said he didn’t put Knight through the table, but he also didn’t care that Knight fell through a table because he was a clumsy idiot. 

Punk wasn’t just hungry—he was obsessed with holding the title. It was ripped from him by Rollins. Punk warned all three of his opponents that he would cripple them if he had to and walk out of Paris as champion. He finished his promo by saying his name in the same cadence as “L.A. Knight.” 

********

There was a Sheamus video package. He said Rusev’s return was a superstar return that no one wanted or asked for. Rusev lost his love for the game. He was passionless, speaking from a darkened room, and acting like a bully. Rusev was cringe. But Sheamus noticed that Rusev had woken up in their recent battles and won back his respect. Sheamus wanted the old Rusev back, and they would have a banger in Paris. 

********

Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez) 

The fans sang Ripley’s name in the tune of We Will Rock You. Perez got a lot in this match. A distraction by Rodriguez allowed Perez to take over with a suicide dive. She worked over Ripley’s leg during a break and spiked her with a DDT after the break. 

Another distraction allowed Perez to bring Ripley off the top with a hurricanrana. Perez followed with a double knee drop for two. Ripley followed with a Razor’s Edge and a running kick for two. Ripley knocked down Rodriguez, blocked a Pop Rox, and hit Rip-tide for the pinfall win. 

— Rodriguez attacked Ripley after the match. Ripley fought her off, but an assist by Perez allowed the heels to take her down. 

Sky ran out to make the save and sent Rodriguez out of the ring with a missile dropkick. Ripley hugged Sky as they smiled over the heels. 

Match result: Rhea Ripley defeated Roxanne Perez (10:39) 

********

Seth Rollins psyched up his buddies backstage as the fans sang his song. 

Sky checked on Ripley backstage. As soon as Ripley left, an angry Asuka confronted Sky as Sane held her back. Asuka told Sky to stop talking to Ripley. Asuka left. Sky asked Sane to trust her. A very sad Kairi Sane told Sky she was sorry, and she left. 

(I guess there was no specific reason for Ripley to get involved here, but she would’ve been close by to stand up for Sky when Asuka confronted her, but because she was off-screen, that meant she actually vanished.) 

********

AJ Styles vs. Finn Bálor

This was their fifth-ever singles match. The crowd gave a polite applause as the match began. They wrestled back and forth for a few minutes until Bálor dropkicked Styles off the apron. Styles maintained control through a break. 

Styles blocked a crossbody and hit a backbreaker, followed by a fireman’s carry neckbreaker for two. Bálor responded with a slingblade and dropkick into the corner. Styles avoided a Coup de Grace, and a series of counters led to a Styles Clash for a decisive pinfall win. 

Match result: AJ Styles defeated Finn Bálor (8:05) 

There was nothing wrong with it, but this was as standard a match between these two men as you will ever see. 

******* 

Jey Uso and Roman Reigns segment 

Jey Uso was all wound up as he met with Reigns backstage. Reigns warned him to never trust Punk. Reigns also wondered why Jey was so uptight. He told him to stop helping people. He’s helped enough. He’s helped Reigns, their family, the locker room and the company. It was time for Jey to do it for himself. It wasn’t about being one of the boys or making friends. It was about cashing in on the moments and locking in a legacy. Reigns said that was his perspective—it was up to Jey to be Jey. They shook hands. 

This was good.

********

Bayley video, Judgment Day segment

There was another Bayley video where she could hear her inner voice(s), and we, the audience, can hear it too. It started with the younger, upbeat version of Bayley talking to her, before the heel version interrupted. The two voices argued until the real Bayley told them to stop. 

Backstage, a concerned Lyra Valkyria asked Pearce if they had checked on Bayley or if there was an update on her medical state. He said he has called her, but there’s no official status. He promised an update.  

The male members of Judgment Day confronted Pearce about Styles. Dom wanted things to end with Styles. Pearce agreed, so he put Dom in a match against Styles next week on Raw in Paris for the Intercontinental champion. Dom wasn’t happy, and he referred to Pearce as Charles Xavier. 

Bálor was selling in the background after just wrestling, but he looked up and smiled when Pearce made the announcement. That was funny. 

********

Official card for Clash in Paris: 

  • Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed 
  • Sheamus vs. Rusev – Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match (no DQ, no countout) 
  • John Cena vs. Logan Paul 
  • Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship 
  • Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight for the World Heavyweight Championship 

*******

As Bron Breakker walked through the back, Reigns suddenly shoved him into an equipment box. Reed tried to get involved, so Reigns knocked him down with a Superman punch. Reigns was taken away by security. Pearce told Breakker he still had a match, and Breakker wasn’t pleased.

Knight jumped in next to attack Breakker and dragged him out to the stage. 

LA Knight vs. Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman)

Knight continued to beat up Bron before the match began and attacked him around ringside. They entered the ring, and the match started. Despite Knight attacking Bron for a good five minutes (and after Reigns blindsided him earlier), Bron made his own comeback and took control. 

After a break, Bron gave Knight a Frankensteiner. Knight slipped out of a press slam and hit a DDT. Knight made his comeback and hit a neckbreaker. Bron cut him off and went for a running spear or tackle, but Knight booted him. With Bron standing on the top, Knight leaped to the top and brought him down with a superplex. Knight followed with a flying elbow drop. 

Rollins’ music hit, and he ran down to ringside. Knight chased him around ringside like an idiot and ran into a spear by Bron. The crowd chanted for Punk, but he did not show. 

Bron followed with a spear in the ring for the pinfall win. 

— Rollins and Bron attacked Knight, but Jey Uso made the save. Jey hit Rollins with a superkick and turned his attention to Bron, but Rollins grabbed him and hit a Pedigree. 

Punk finally entered to his music. They cut the song, but the fans sang it anyway as Punk posted Bron. Punk attacked Rollins, but Bron pulled Rollins out of the ring to safety. (The crowd chanted, “Seth’s a p—sy,” which was censored.) 

Punk helped Jey to his feet, but Knight confronted Punk. Jey tried to settle them down, but Knight brushed him off. Punk and Knight traded fists until Punk shoved Knight into Jey. 

Punk grabbed Knight for a GTS, but Knight slipped out and stumbled toward Jey, who laid him out with a superkick. Jey stood next to Punk—then laid out Punk with a superkick, too. Rollins was amused by this. 

Rollins looked on confidently as Jey Yeeted with the crowd as the show ended. 

Match result: Bron Breakker defeated LA Knight (13:45)

Knight came across so poorly here. Breakker was blinded by both Reigns and Knight, allowing Knight to have complete control of the match. Breakker came back anyway and basically won clean because Knight was too stupid to focus on the match. I don’t think Breakker should be losing, but beating Knight this close to the title match was not a good idea either, especially in this manner. 

Jey at least got to shine at the end, but I’m not sure any of this would make you feel like Rollins is losing the belt on Sunday.

WWE Raw notes: Nikki Bella, El Hijo del Vikingo, Bayley

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Notes from Monday’s WWE Raw which featured Nikki Bella’s return, El Hijo del Vikingo, plus a new character teased for Bayley.

Nikki Bella’s return —

The WWE Hall of Famer made her return to Raw after missing last week’s episode in saving Natalya and Maxxine Dupri from a post-match attack at the hands of Becky Lynch.

After Lynch defeated Natalya in a Women’s IC title match, she refused to let go of the Disarmher on Natalya. Dupri attempted to save, but Lynch quickly did away with her. Bella then ran in and laid out Lynch.

Bella challenged Lynch to an IC title match in her last appearance on the August 4 Raw, but that bout has yet to be confirmed.

Later on Raw in an interview with Byron Saxton, Bella revealed that she will be at Raw next week in Birmingham, England.

El Hijo del Vikingo —

AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo made an appearance on Monday’s show in an angle to build to his title defense against Dominik Mysterio at Worlds Collide on September 12.

Mysterio was ringside for Finn Balor and JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee and Mr. Iguana on Raw. After Balor and McDonagh’s win, Mysterio cleared the announce table and threatened to put Lee through it. Vikingo ran in for the momentary save, but ended up overwhelmed by The Judgment Day, with Mysterio nailing him with a frog splash.

Bayley —

The latest in a series of vignettes teasing a new character for Bayley aired during Monday’s episode.

Bayley’s inner monologue was heard speaking to her and calling her out in some sort of split personality gimmick.

WWE Raw notes: Becky Lynch & Nikki Bella, name for Seth Rollins’ group, Gunther

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Notes from WWE Raw.

Nikki Bella returned once again on Monday’s show, confronting Becky Lynch and challenging her for the Women’s Intercontinental title. Words were exchanged and it quickly became personal, with Bella calling Lynch a liar just like her husband while Lynch took shots at her former relationship with John Cena and Bella’s cut part from ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. The segment ended with Lynch giving Bella a sucker punch before fleeing the ring.

Lynch’s husband, Seth Rollins, opened the show and talked about his successful cash-in during the first night of SummerSlam on Saturday gleefully talking about how he fooled everyone with his knee injury. He ended his promo by declaring he has absolute power now and revealed the name of his new group: The Vision.

LA Knight came out and said that since he was the last one to beat Rollins, he should get the next shot at the title. Rollins balked at the idea, but that led to GM Adam Pearce arriving. He said he didn’t like that Rollins’ medical team gave WWE’s medical team false information and as a result, booked a World title match between the two for later in the show, with both Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed banned from ringside.

Knight and Rollins did end up wrestling in the main event, but the match ended in a DQ when an enraged CM Punk attacked Rollins, seeking his revenge from SummerSlam. Breakker and Reed came out for the save but was interrupted by Roman Reigns. Regardless, even the OTC was no match for the Vision, as he was taken out with a spear by Breakker and a tsunami from Reed from two corners, stealing Reigns’s shoes once again for good measure. The last image from Raw was the new stable standing tall over Reigns, Punk, and Knight.

One person who wasn’t on Raw was Gunther, who lost the World title to Punk on Saturday. It was announced on the show that he had suffered a septal hematoma and an orbital blowout fracture during the closing moments from the match and as a result, would be out of action indefinitely. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Gunther is going to have surgery on his nose, and the blood angle during his match was planned.

Nikki Bella shares update after suffering displaced breast implant on WWE Raw

Posted on by Ian Carey

Nikki Bella has provided an update after suffering a displaced breast implant on WWE Raw last week.

Bella said the injury occurred when she took an elbow drop from Piper Niven on the July 28 episode, causing the implant to shift toward her ribs. She teamed with Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley, and IYO Sky in a win over Naomi, Chelsea Green, Niven, and Alba Fyre on the show.

“You’re implant okay? I think it’s stuck in your ribs,” Brie said to her sister on Friday’s episode of The Nikki & Brie Show.

Nikkie responded, “I think it is. I had to go to the doctor yesterday to get my tit looked at.”

“I didn’t think I’d be here today on my day off in New York City getting my boobs looked at, knowing that my implant, I think, has moved.“

“It has moved. It’s moved,” she confirmed.

“Anyone see that heat spot on Monday night? Piper’s elbow drop? Yeah, it’s been hard to laugh and cough but it’s okay, we’re going to get it fixed one day. I told the doctor, I go (I’m) newly divorced, so the minute the boots are hung up, I’m coming back to you, and we’re going to make these girls look real good. Because these girls are going to get some action in the future, and that can’t look like that.”

Nikki gave another update while filming a live episode of The Nikki & Brie Show over SummerSlam weekend, noting that she doesn’t yet know if the implant is still intact.

She said:

“I’ll know later (if it’s okay). I don’t know yet if it exploded or not. It still seems intact. It’s swollen. It hurts, but I think it might be fine. I can’t believe I’m loudly talking about this but hey, it’s 2025, whatever.”

“Send well wishes to my fake boob, thank you.”

The full episode of The Nikkie & Brie Show is available below:

Nikki Bella on filming Happy Gilmore 2: ‘We just could not stop crying laughing’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Nikki Bella says she had a lot of fun filming Happy Gilmore 2.

Bella appears as a spectator at a golf event alongside Becky Lynch in a trailer for the film released at the end of May. She revealed on her podcast last month that she filmed her scenes last fall and in a recent interview with E! called working with Adam Sandler “the greatest thing ever.”

Bella said:

“Oh my gosh, the greatest thing ever. He is absolutely amazing. This set was so much fun. I mean, I’ve always believed laughter is the best medicine, but it really is. And you know how sometimes when people do sequels, you’re like, ‘It’s never as good.’ This is going to be even better than the first and I’m not even saying that cause I’m a part of it, but we just could not stop crying laughing on set.”

“Adam just makes it really comfortable for everyone. I’ve never been in that big of a feature film. And he’s so hands-on every scene with everybody on how you can make every scene even better. And it was so much fun.“

It’s not clear if Bella’s role in the film is just a cameo or if she plays a larger part. She mentioned that the film takes a direction that hasn’t been revealed in any of the trailers and said fans will be surprised.

“I’m so excited for everyone to see it cause so much of the movie they haven’t even teased yet in the trailers.“

“There is a massive part that people are going to be obsessed with – and that’s kind of where I’m at – that they haven’t even teased that I think is so cool.”

MJF also appears in the movie, playing one of Gilmore’s sons, Gordie, who is said to have inherited his father’s love of hockey. Happy Gilmore 2 premieres on Netflix on July 25.

Nikki Bella’s full interview with E! is available here.

Nikki Bella reflects on first WWE singles match in seven years

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On WWE Raw last night, Nikki Bella competed in her first singles match in nearly seven years.

Bella defeated Chelsea Green in a bout that was set up when she eliminated Green from the Evolution Battle Royal the previous night. It was Bella’s first singles match since 2018, when she had a run that included facing Ronda Rousey at the inaugural Evolution pay-per-view.

Following last night’s show, Bella was a guest on WWE’s Raw Recap podcast. She admitted to still being blown up from the match but said it was an amazing experience overall.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions right now, a lot,” Bella said. “Overall, it truly felt amazing. The crowd was incredible. I mean, my Bella Army is truly one of the greatest fandoms in history, in the world. And our fans — our WWE Universe — are what make matches so great. So the energy in that arena was absolutely amazing.”

Bella said she has always put a lot of pressure on herself, but she’s at a point in her life where she understands she’s not going to be perfect after a seven-year layoff.

“Where I’m at now is, I knew I wasn’t going to go in tonight and be perfect. I knew I wasn’t going to be an IYO SKY. I wasn’t going to be a Rhea Ripley. I wasn’t going to be a Bayley. I wasn’t even going to be a Chelsea Green,” she said. “But what I did know going in there was — give it your best. It’s been seven years. You’ve had a baby. You haven’t been in that ring. And people don’t understand how hard it is to be in there. I mean, one, wrestling conditioning is different than anything. Even if you’re going to train for the Olympics, there is something different in what we do. So I was very blown up, but I gave it my all.”

Bella used her Rack Attack 2.0 finisher to defeat Green. There was then a post-match angle where Green and her Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) attacked Bella until Stephanie Vaquer made the save. Vaquer won the Evolution Battle Royal on Sunday and is set to challenge either Naomi, IYO SKY, or Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship next month at Clash in Paris.

“If it’s not Brie, there’s no one else that I would want than another fellow Latina, Stephanie,” Bella said on Raw Recap.

Bella’s WWE comeback began back at the Royal Rumble and resumed leading into Evolution. The WWE Hall of Famer was originally set for a program with Liv Morgan, but those plans had to change when Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder that forced her off the Evolution card. Bella reiterated on Raw Recap that she’s back in WWE for a while and is looking forward to building on the foundation she’s formed so far.

Naomi segment, Nikki Bella vs. Chelsea Green, more set for WWE Raw

Posted on by Ian Carey

Two segments and one new match have been added to the lineup for tonight’s WWE Raw.

General Manager Adam Pearce posted a video on Monday afternoon announcing that new Women’s World Champion Naomi will be on the show. He also revealed that Nikki Bella will have her first singles match on Raw in seven years when she takes on Chelsea Green. Also, World Champion Gunther will be at Raw to watch the Gauntlet match to determine his challenger at SummerSlam.

Pearce said:

“The world is still buzzing about our women and Evolution, in particular the brand new Women’s World Champion Naomi. Use extreme caution because tonight on Raw, the champ is in the house. What will she say? We will find out.”

“Plus, a woman who paved the way, a trailblazer, a groundbreaker, the Hall of Famer Nikki Bella goes one-on-one for the first time in seven years on Raw against a woman who’s a Hall of Famer in her own mind, my close personal friend Chelsea Green.”

“After defeating Goldberg, sending the icon into retirement, Gunther, still the World Heavyweight Champion, will be in the house tonight to watch the Gauntlet match to determine his next challenger at SummerSlam.”

Tonight’s episode of WWE Raw will take place at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

WWE Raw lineup for July 14:

  • Gauntlet match, winner faces Gunther at SummerSlam: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight vs. Penta vs. Bron Breakker
  • Nikki Bella vs. Chelsea Green
  • World Heavyweight Champion Gunther to appear
  • Women’s World Champion Naomi to appear

WWE Evolution live results: IYO Sky vs. Rhea Ripley

Posted on by Steve Khan

WWE wraps up a busy weekend in pro wrestling with Evolution: their second-ever all-women’s premium live event and first since October 2018.

The show is headlined by IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s World title against the woman she defeated for it: Rhea Ripley.

Tiffany Stratton defends the WWE Women’s title against former champion and legend Trish Stratus in her third match of the year.

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a three-way while in a no holds barred grudge match, Jade Cargill takes on Naomi.

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against top contender Jordynne Grace while WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca & Zaria.

The card is rounded out by a battle royal for a title shot at August’s Clash in Paris.

The main card starts at 8 PM Eastern.

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Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW 

Michael Cole welcomed us to the pre-show, wrestlers arrived, and the show intro aired. 

The panel was hosted by three men and one woman: Cole, Big E, Wade Barrett, and Jackie Redmond. Cathy Kelley and Megan Morant (likely in place of Byron Saxton, who usually is in this spot) ran down some matches backstage.

Kelley interviewed Rhea Ripley following a video package for tonight’s main event. Ripley called tonight a must-win because she’s never beaten Iyo Sky, and that’s gone on for too long.

They will be recognizing women’s division “trailblazers” throughout the pre-show, and they started with quite the list: Fabulous Moolah, Lia Maivia, Sensational Sherri, Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly Jazz, Maryse, Michelle McCool, and Stephanie McMahon. 

Cole recalled Stephanie McMahon, in 2015, kicking off the “women’s revolution” by introducing Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch. Big E spoke about Bayley’s influence as well, and the panel spoke about tonight’s IC title three-way. 

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Torrie Wilson joined the panel and got a nice reaction from the fans who have arrived so far. Wilson recalled crying throughout the first Evolution show, and she’s been emotional all day today. The women have come a long way and are complete badasses. She loved seeing the women rallying behind each other, and the best moments were often not caught on camera. 

She spoke about what it would have meant to her to have something like NXT and to train for a year. When she was around, she would learn new moves and have to perform them later that night. Sometimes the stress was unbearable. She often wondered how things would have been different if she had NXT. 

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The next group of trailblazers shown were Mae Young, June Byers, Leilani Kai, Chyna, Ivory, Queen Sharmell, Melina, and Lita. They showed clips of Lita beating Trish Stratus for the title, the first time women main evented Raw. 

Morant interviewed Stratus backstage. She wanted to prove something to herself, but it was more about showing something to the young people watching, including her daughter. You didn’t have to fit in the box people put you in. You could evolve, keep going, and chase your dreams a little harder. It wasn’t over until you said so.

They previewed tonight’s NXT Women’s title match. 

Blake Monroe met with Jordynne Grace backstage. After some pleasantries, Grace asked Monroe to be in her corner tonight (to counter Fatal Influence). Monroe didn’t want to step on Grace’s moment, but Grace insisted, so she accepted. 

Shawn Michaels joined the panel to put over NXT. 

*******

Nikki Bella joined Kelley in the crowd for an interview. Bella said tonight was women’s empowerment. That was her passion and her love. It would mean everything to have her son see her earn a title shot and win a title. 

Kelley asked who she had her eye on in tonight’s battle royal, and Bella responded, “Stephanie.” She knew there would be a lot of competition, but she kept going back to Stephanie Vaquer. She repeatedly referred to Vaquer by only “Stephanie.” 

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Jacqueline joined the panel, and she was pumped to be there. She spoke about how much it meant to be in the Hall of Fame. She paid her dues and hoped her career inspired today’s women. She also talked about beating Chavo Guerrero to become Cruiserweight champ. 

There was a feature on referees Jessika Carr and Daphanie LaShaunn. 

Big E gave shout-outs to a bunch of the women who work off-camera. Redmond was happy to hear Big E do this, and she spoke sincerely about the importance of this show as well. Big E ran down everything he looked forward to tonight, and his excitement was infectious.

The next group of trailblazers shown were Mildred Burke, Cora Combs, Alundra Blayze, Jacqueline, Stacy Keibler, Vickie Guerrero, Victoria, and Trish Stratus. 

The IC title three-way will open tonight’s show. 

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WWE EVOLUTION 2025 

Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Becky Lynch, Tiffany Stratton, Trish Stratus, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley were shown arriving. A video intro played, using Katy Perry’s “Rise,” and there was a big fireworks display. 

Joe Tessitore, hosting from the crowd, welcomed us to the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. He hyped up tonight’s show (while clearly reading off a piece of paper). He brought out his co-host, Stephanie McMahon, and said nights like tonight would not have happened without her. 

McMahon said they had to prove with the first Evolution that they deserved their own show. Now, the women were regularly main-eventing, and the depth through NXT was unbelievable. 

Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. Cole again recalled Stephanie McMahon ushering in the “women’s revolution” in 2015 by bringing in Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch.

Alicia Taylor is tonight’s ring announcer. 

They’re using the same stage setup as last night’s Saturday Night’s Main Event Show, so there is a narrow aisle to the ring.

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Triple threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria 

Match referee: Daphanie LaShaunn 

The bell rang, and the fans gave an ovation before the wrestlers got going. Bayley hyped up the crowd, but used the moment to deck Valkyria, who wasn’t expecting it. 

The first few minutes had everyone trading moves until Lynch suplexed Bayley into the barricade. More than three minutes after getting shoved into the steel steps, Valkyria woke up and wiped out both opponents with a flying crossbody. 

Valkyria hit Lynch with a fisherman’s suplex, but Bayley broke up the cover with a perfectly-timed flying elbow. The crowd popped big for that, and they got a “This is awesome” chant moments later. Bayley hit Lynch with a sunset flip powerbomb into an upside-down Valkyria in the corner for two. 

Lynch hit Bayley with a superplex, but Bayley repeatedly blocked attempts at submissions until Valkyria knocked down both women with a flying leg drop. This got another good pop and “This is awesome” chant. Lynch followed with a combo DDT/reverse DDT on both women and covered Valkyria for two. 

Lynch and Valkyria traded counters until Lynch hit a man-handle slam, but Bayley broke up the cover. (The camera quickly panned away from Bayley moments before, so you couldn’t see her as she hit the ring to break it up.) 

Bayley hit Lynch with a Bayley-to-belly, but Valkyria broke up that cover, and we got our third “This is awesome” chant. Valkyria hit Lynch with Nightwing, but, you guessed it, Bayley broke up the cover. 

Bayley hit Valkyria with a Rose Plant. Instead of breaking up that cover, Lynch flew in and caught Bayley in a backslide for the pinfall win. Lynch retains.

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Bayley and Lyra Valkyria to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (16:25) 

This was a very fun match with a clever finish, and the eager crowd helped. They could probably do a rematch and have a completely different but equally good match. 

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Ava and Mark Henry were shown in the crowd. A loud shrieking voice yelled, “Excuse me!” and they cut to Vickie Guerrero elsewhere in the crowd. This was just to give her a chance to say her catchphrase. She smiled and high-fived some fans. 

******* 

They aired a clip from earlier today of Jordynne Grace asking Blake Monroe to be in her corner tonight. 

NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. Jordynne Grace (w/Blake Monroe) 

Match referee: Victoria D’Errico 

Grace had the early edge until Jayne catapulted her into the middle rope. Henley choked Grace while Jayne distracted the referee. Monroe didn’t react, perhaps because she didn’t see it, or perhaps for another reason. 

Jayne was in control until Grace hit a folding powerbomb for two. Jayne regained control and hit a draping neckbreaker for two. Jayne missed a corner cannonball, and they traded cradles until Grace hit a fisherman’s suplex for two. Jayne hit a hurricanrana off the top and a knee strike for a nearfall. 

Henley tossed the title belt in the ring, so Monroe headbutted her. The referee stopped Jayne from using the belt, and Grace rolled her up for two. Grace followed with a back fist. 

Nyx grabbed the belt next, so Monroe decked her. Monroe kept the belt in her hands, so you knew what was coming. 

Henley tried getting in the ring, which distracted the ref for a long time. Jayne whipped Grace into the ropes, and Monroe hit her in the back with the belt. Jayne followed with a discus punch for the pinfall win. 

— Fatal Influence were all surprised by Monroe’s actions. Monroe handed Jayne the belt, smiled at them, and left the ring. Grace (bleeding from the nose) was pissed. 

Match result: Jacy Jayne defeated Jordynne Grace to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (10:28) 

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Jazz, Ivory, Jacqueline, and Maryse were in the crowd. 

Tessitore and McMahon killed time by discussing the previous match and previewing the upcoming match. 

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Fatal Four-way Tag Team Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria

Match referee: Daphanie LaShaunn 

Asuka and Sane were all over Perez until Rodriguez tagged in and knocked them both down with a clothesline. Rodriguez and Perez were in control briefly as the crowd chanted, “We want Charlotte,” which I’m sure was music to her ears. Bliss got a good reaction when she tagged and went after Perez. 

Zaria tagged and easily blocked Bliss’ offence. She hit an inverted suplex, and Sol Ruca flew in with a springboard facebuster for two. 

The crowd cheered when Charlotte got a hot tag from Bliss, and she ran wild on Judgment Day. Charlotte was visibly happy with her reaction, and she continued on offence. She hit Perez with a spear for a nearfall. Rodriguez booted Charlotte and checked on Perez. Cole thought it was interesting that Rodriguez was checking on Perez (her partner). 

Asuka and Sane got their turn to shine next, but Zaria broke up Sane’s cover of Perez. Zaria tagged herself in and hit both Kabuki Warriors with a vertical suplex. Charlotte broke up a cover, so Sol Ruca hit Charlotte with a Sol Snatcher (which got a good pop). Moments later, Charlotte pulled Bliss from safety, and Zaria speared Sol Ruca by accident. 

Rodriguez powerbombed Bliss over the top rope and into Asuka, Sane and Zaria. Rodriguez instructed Perez to take out Charlotte, so she hit a suicide dive. Rodriguez hit Sol Ruca with a Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win. Judgment Day retains.

Match result: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defeated Sol Ruca & Zaria, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Asuka & Kairi Sane to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (10:52) 

This match was fine, with some good spots mixed in. The finish was a bit abrupt, but the champs getting a decisive win isn’t the worst thing. The most notable thing was the big babyface reaction for Charlotte Flair (and Alexa Bliss). 

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Torrie Wilson, Melina, and Molly Holly were in the crowd. 

They cut back to Tessitore and McMahon. Tessitore noted how handsome Paul Levesque (his boss) looked in his promo photo. Stephanie chuckled. 

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WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

Match referee: Jessika Carr

Stratus wore white gear with gold lining, Stratton wore all red. Stratus had the early edge, which caught Stratton off guard. Stratus brought Stratton down off the apron with a hurricanrana and hit a tornado DDT in the ring for two. 

Stratton went on offence and hit a vertical suplex into a backstabber (I think) for two. Stratton followed with a senton bomb for two. They traded counters until Stratus hit a Chick Kick for two. Stratton tried a PME, but Stratus got her knees up and hit Stratusfaction for a nearfall. 

Stratus went for a moonsault (tribute to Lita), but Stratton got her knees up. Stratton hit a Chick Kick of her own, followed by the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win. Stratton retains. 

— After the match, they cut Stratton’s music so Stratus could get an ovation from the crowd. (This wasn’t her retirement match, but we don’t know when the next one will be.) 

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Trish Stratus to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (8:37)

It’s probably not a good sign that Stratus, a part-timer (at most), looked much better than the current champion. Stratton’s stuff was really off early in the match. She did get better once it came time to do the big moves. Because this was a short match, that happened early enough, so the match wound up being fine. Stratus deserves some credit here. 

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They showed Rey Mysterio throwing out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game. 

Alundra Blayze and Leilani Kai were in the crowd. This is still a WWE show, so they couldn’t only show the former wrestlers all night. Metro Boomin and Lil Yachty were also shown in the crowd.  

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No Holds Barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi 

Special guest referee: Bianca Belair 

Naomi entered first and tried to attack Cargill during her entrance. Cargill cut her off, and they rang the bell to start the match. 

Cargill took forever to set up a table, and Belair went over to whisper something to her. The camera cut away from Cargill and focused on Naomi, who had to keep selling. Cargill eventually went after Naomi, but Naomi posted her. Cargill speared Naomi moments later, but Naomi gave her a bulldog onto a steel chair in the ring. 

Naomi wrapped a chain around Cargill’s face, but Cargill knocked her off the ropes, wrapped the chain around her fist, and punched Naomi. Cargill yanked a big camera out of the hands of a cameraperson and used it to hit Naomi. She followed by placing a trash can lid over Naomi and kicking it. 

Naomi rolled out of the ring, and Cargill tried to kill her by dropping a toolbox on her head, but Naomi avoided it. Naomi dropkicked Cargill into a random TV screen at ringside, and a smoke effect went off. 

A few minutes later, Naomi used a chair to shove Cargill off the apron, and Cargill crashed through the table she had set up earlier. Naomi followed with an X-factor onto a chair for a nearfall. 

Naomi placed Cargill on a table and went up the ropes, but Cargill hit her with a chair. Cargill grabbed Naomi and hit a Jaded off the middle rope through the table for the pinfall win. Belair raised Cargill’s hand. 

Match result: Jade Cargill defeated Naomi in a no holds barred match (11:15)

This was maybe average at best. Naomi took a lot of the match until Cargill managed to hit her finisher for the win. Also, Belair didn’t get involved at all, so making her the referee was relatively pointless. 

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Tomorrow on Raw, there will be a gauntlet match involving CM Punk, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Penta, and Bron Breakker to determine Gunther’s SummerSlam opponent.

Battle Royal – winner earns a world championship match at Clash in Paris 

Everyone got an entrance, so it took about 10 minutes for everyone to get in. They cut to black at one point, so certain feeds likely got a commercial break in between. Nikki Bella entered first. Stephanie Vaquer was second-last, and Giulia was last. 

Nia Jax eliminated Tatum Paxley 8 seconds into the match, and Izzi Dame 7 seconds later. 

Jax tossed Kelani Jordan into Paxley and Dam, but she didn’t land on her feet, and her momentum carried her to the announce table. Jordan did a handstand walk to get back into the ring. This got a nice reaction, but perhaps not the reaction they expected. 

Ivy Nile went after Vaquer (as Chad Gable instructed), but Giulia eliminated Nile. Giulia and Vaquer had a staredown as the crowd chanted lightly for Nikki Bella. The crowd was quiet until Vaquer set up Nikki for Devil’s Kiss, and they booed when Chelsea Green broke it up. 

There was a silly spot where Maxxine Dupri did her reverse worm, then convinced Natalya to try it too. Natalya did try, and it was bad. That led to Jaida Parker eliminating Natalya (so now Natalya can be annoyed with Dupri). Candice LeRae eliminated Dupri. 

Jordan shoved Parker into LeRae, knocking her out of the ring for the elimination. (Cole referred to Candice LeRae as “Candice Michelle” here and again in the upcoming spot. Barrett called him out on it.) 

Michin and B-Fab eliminated Parker, which got some good heat. Jax tried eliminating Jordan, but she remained on the apron. However, LeRae (already eliminated) yanked Jordan out from behind for the elimination. 

Zelina Vega eliminated Giulia by kicking her into the ring post from the apron. B-Fab went after Piper Niven, but Niven just chucked her out for the elimination. Chelsea Green eliminated Michin, so Michin tried yanking out Green, but Alba Fyre wiped out Michin with a suicide dive. 

Lash Legend eliminated Vega by press slamming her out of the ring. Nikki Bella tossed out Alba Fyre as she posed with her partners. Bella and Lola Vice swivelled their hips together until Niven knocked them down. Niven eliminated Vice, who didn’t do much in this match. Nikki and Vaquer eliminated Niven together. 

Vaquer gave Green the Devil’s Kiss, which probably got the match’s biggest reaction. Nikki eliminated Green. Jax knocked down Nikki and did her own hip swivel. 

Jax placed Nikki on the apron, and Lash Legend flew in with a boot. Jax moved, and Legend booted Nikki out of the ring for the elimination. Legend celebrated like this was a big deal, and she was in the final three with Vaquer and Jax. 

Vaquer and Legend teamed up to knock Jax out of the ring for the elimination. The crowd cheered as the final two faced off. They traded offence, which included Vaquer hitting a 619. 

Legend caught Vaquer off the ropes, and they stumbled over the top and to the apron. Vaquer grabbed Legend with her legs and hit Devil’s Kiss on the apron before knocking her own. Vaquer wins.

— Stephanie McMahon interviewed Vaquer in the ring. Vaquer admitted that doing interviews in English was hard for her because it wasn’t her first language, but wrestling was her first language. Funny enough, she spoke well after that. She thanked McMahon and every woman wrestler before her because now they could make history. She would keep working hard and promised that they would remember her name forever. 

Match result: Stephanie Vaquer won a battle royal and will challenge for the world championship at Clash in Paris (15:32)

This was the definition of a standard battle royal, and the crowd only got into it toward the end. However, the right person won, and the final few minutes made her look like it. The crowd liked Vaquer and her interview. 

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Quavo and Funny Marco were shown in the crowd. I guess they ran out of former wrestlers. 

Women’s World Championship match: IYO SKY (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Match referee: Jessika Carr 

Iyo Sky got the better of an early exchange and half-heartedly did her face-pointing pose. Ripley got the better of the following exchange and did Sky’s pose, which got some heat. Sky continued to out-wrestle Ripley by hitting a dropkick and an Asai moonsault. 

They wound up on the apron, and Ripley finally got some offence by hitting a knee strike and tossing Sky into the announce table. It didn’t last long because Sky hit a great-looking tornado DDT. Sky couldn’t help but look enthused by hitting the move so smoothly. 

Sky followed with a double foot stomp, suicide dive, and missile dropkick. Sky did her pose full-heartedly before hitting a running double knee strike in the corner for two. Ripley tried a middle rope suplex, but Sky landed on her feet. Ripley went to the top, but Sky yanked her onto the turnbuckle. 

They traded counters until Sky hit a poisonrana for two. Sky went to the top, but Ripley shoved her down, and followed with a Razor’s Edge and sit-out powerbomb for two. Sky reversed a Rip-tide into a sleeper, but Ripley backed her into the corner. 

Sky went for a springboard moonsault, but Ripley ducked, and Sky obliterated referee Jessika Carr by mistake. Ripley hit Sky with a Rip-tide, but the ref was dead. 

Ripley was livid and hit another Razor’s Edge. Sky fell out of the ring, so Ripley booted her over the barricade. Ripley hammered away at Sky and tried powerbombing her off some equipment boxes to her death, but Sky fought her off and kicked her to the floor. Sky climbed up a second equipment box and hit a flying crossbody. The crowd chanted, “Holy sh-t.” 

Back at ringside, Sky charged at Ripley, but Ripley dodged it and Sky went ribs-first into the announce table. Sky recovered, however, and hit Ripley with a sunset flip powerbomb off the apron. The ref reemerged as Sky hit a moonsault, but Ripley kicked out for an amazing nearfall. The crowd chanted for Ripley. They went to the top, and Sky hit an avalanche Spanish Fly. 

With both women down, Naomi ran out with referee Daphanie LaShaunn. She officially cashed in to make this a triple threat. 

Naomi hit Sky in the head with the briefcase and launched Ripley into the steel post. Naomi followed with a split-legged moonsault on Sky for the pinfall win. Naomi is the new champ. 

Naomi and the crowd went nuts. (In fact, Naomi started to get up before the ref actually counted to three because she was so excited to celebrate.) 

After some replays, Naomi posed with the belt on the stage as the show ended. 

Match result: Naomi defeated IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley to win the Women’s World Championship (26:19)

This was an outstanding main event until he finish. I wouldn’t say Naomi’s cash-in ruined it, because it felt like a big moment with Naomi finally winning the title. However, the crowd was going insane for Sky and Ripley, and this would’ve been a match of the year candidate if one of them had won without the cash-in. 

WWE Evolution preview & predictions: ‘Liv Morgan’s injured, but we did our best’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Image: WWE

It wasn’t a smooth riding leading into WWE Evolution, but there are some decent matches lined up for Sunday’s premium live event.

Of all the people WWE likely didn’t want to get injured before the PLE, it was Liv Morgan. It was either going to be her against Nikki Bella or she and Raquel Rodriguez against Nikki & Brie Bella in the main event. Either way, it would have been the featured angle heading into the show, the one used to sell tickets and such.

Morgan not being on the show hurts, but so does not having Bella in a marquee match. I think some fans underestimate how big of stars the Bellas are. Their Bella Army is massive but not necessarily tied to wrestling all the time. They follow Nikki and Brie wherever they go and there would be far more buzz about Evolution if Nikki hadn’t been relegated to the battle royal.

Still, some good matches and interesting stories could take place on Sunday. Below are previews and predictions for each match at Evolution:

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Trish Stratus

Stratton is a -2000 favorite to retain and I certainly wouldn’t bet against that.

It’s not hard to figure out why the oddsmakers are so certain Stratton will win. Stratus is a returning legend and while that’s fun for now, she’s not going to be back for the long haul. I don’t think too many fans are going into this one thinking she has a shot. Stratton will win clean.

Naomi cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase could be teased here, but I’m not sure it will happen. If she does attempt it, I’d expect Stratus to help Stratton fight her off before the two babyfaces share a passing of the torch moment in the ring together.

Prediction: Tiffany Stratton retains

WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Rhea Ripley

It was good sportsmanship of SKY to pick Rhea Ripley as her title challenger for Evolution, but it’s likely going to cost her the championship.

Ripley is listed as a -500 favorite to win and I would even go higher than that. There could always be some outside hijinxs to cause an upset, but I think it’s time to put the belt back on Ripley and I believe WWE knows this as well.

Similar to the other babyface vs. babyface World title match on the show, it will likely be a clean finish and there could be an angle at the end when they fight off some interfering heels such as Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley wins the title

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a three-way

Lynch is listed as a -2000 favorite to retain and she probably will, but those odds are too high for me.

Obviously, it’s a triple threat match for a title and Lynch is the only heel in there so this appears to be set up for her to retain by stealing a pin or some other type of under-handed chicanery.

Triple H doesn’t always do things right by the book, however. This is the guy who will have the babyface team get the advantage in WarGames matches after all, so just because it’s set up like this doesn’t necessarily mean Lynch will win.

Bayley (+350) hasn’t exactly been a true blue babyface leading up to this match, either. She could easily do something underhanded to get the win and it wouldn’t be inconsistent with how she’s been acting lately. There is a big part of me that thinks she could do exactly that, leading to Lynch and Valkyria (+600) both blaming the other and continuing their feud without the Intercontinental title involved.

Is it as likely as Lynch stealing a pin to get a cheap win? Probably not.

Prediction: Becky Lynch retains

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Jordynne Grace

As of this writing, Grace is a -250 favorite to win the NXT Women’s Championship at Evolution but I would rate her as a much heavier favorite than that.

This match currently has the closest odds of any on the show. I feel pretty confident Grace is walking away with the title, however, likely after Blake Monroe helps her fend off Jayne’s run-in buddies.

With Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer up on the main roster, this is Grace’s division now and her crowning takes place at Evolution. I’m not certain how long of a reign she will have as she probably can’t be kept away from the main roster for much longer either. And Monroe is right there to take the title off her when that time comes.

Prediction: Jordynne Grace wins the title

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca & Zaria in a four-way

The oddsmakers have Rodriguez and Perez listed as -500 favorites to retain.

The next highest odds are Bliss and Flair at +300 who are my picks to win. I don’t know if their story needs the titles, but they need a reason to continue teaming together and winning the belts accomplishes that.

I read Flair’s Players Tribune article and I listen to a lot of her interviews. It’s clear she really wants to be liked. You can tell it would mean a lot to her. There is pain there, too. Some of it from being a celebrity who is criticized constantly, some of it from her brother Reid’s passing, and some of it from her failed marriages. I don’t know how much real life is feeding into the on-screen story, but it almost seems as though Bliss’ character sees what’s happening with Ashley Fliehr too.

I’m interested in seeing where this goes. If the story blends in real life and becomes about a constantly criticized celebrity trying to find peace, I’m down for it. It seems like a very relevant story for our times.

Asuka and Sane are listed as +500 underdogs and Sol Ruca and Zaria at +900. I’ve really enjoyed Ruca and Zaria so far and, obviously, the Kabuki Warriors are great, so this should be a fun match.

Prediction: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair win the titles

No holds barred: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Cargill is listed as a -2000 favorite and I don’t disagree with that at all.

WWE sees a big star in Cargill and I don’t think she is going to lose a singles match (other than a MITB cash-in scenario) in a long, long time. This won’t be a squash match, however. They will want Naomi to make this a competitive bout. That’s likely why it’s no holds barred.

Naomi will use various weapons, including her MITB briefcase, but in the end, Cargill will just be too much for her.

Cargill likely defeats Naomi here, but Naomi likely cashes in sometime soon, probably around SummerSlam, setting up a rematch.

Prediction: Jade Cargill

Battle royal for a title shot at Clash in Paris — Nikki Bella, Stephanie Vaquer, Natalya, Maxxine Dupri, Nia Jax, Ivy Nile confirmed entrants

There are no odds listed for this match but if Nikki Bella doesn’t win, I will be very surprised.

The winner of this bout gets a title shot at Clash in Paris and that seems like a fitting spot for The Bellas to be in the spotlight. There will be surprises, legends returning, and the whole nine yards. It will be a chance for the live crowd to cheer names that they haven’t seen in years while getting as many names as possible on the card.

Prediction: Nikki Bella

WOL: Evolution PPV, Nikki and Brie, RAW report, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including the possibility of TNA going live every week, WWE RAW from Monday night, the weekend schedule, additions to the Evolution show, whether Nikki could win the battle royal, Brie Bella, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Nikki Bella: WWE comeback won’t be complete until Bella Twins reunite

Posted on by Joseph Currier

To promote WWE Evolution, Nikki Bella stopped by “Live with Kelly and Mark” for an appearance on Tuesday morning.

Bella will return to the ring when she competes in the Evolution Battle Royal this Sunday (July 13). So far in her return to WWE, Nikki has been solo without her twin sister Brie by her side. But Nikki told Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos this morning that this return to WWE will only be complete once the Bellas reunite.

“Well, she better join me. I mean, it’s the only way I sometimes feel like I can win is if I have her,” Nikki responded when asked if Brie will join her in the ring. “The fans are speaking really loudly — our Bella Army — they really want Brie back. And I really want her back. I feel like this comeback won’t be complete until the Bella Twins are together. So, it’ll be iconic.”

TMZ Sports reported in June that Brie was in talks for a WWE return, though Brie claimed that she had not been contacted by the promotion.

Brie has not wrestled since appearing as an entrant in the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble. Nikki returned to WWE earlier this year as a Rumble entrant and is now back for a more extended run. The twin sisters are already WWE Hall of Famers, having been inducted as part of the class of 2020.

A feud between Nikki Bella and Liv Morgan was originally the plan for Evolution. It started to play out on television before Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder, forcing her out of action for months due to the injury requiring surgery.

The Evolution Battle Royal winner earns a women’s championship shot next month at WWE Clash in Paris.

“I’m obsessed with Paris,” Nikki said during today’s talk show appearance. “And so to have a championship match at a really big PLE, it would just be incredible. So, I’ve got to win.”

State Farm Arena in Atlanta is hosting Evolution on Sunday. It’s the first time the all-women’s event has taken place since 2018, when Nikki Bella headlined the inaugural show in a loss to Ronda Rousey.

Nikki Bella announced for WWE Evolution battle royal

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The first participants for Sunday’s battle royal at WWE Evolution have been announced, and they include Hall of Famer Nikki Bella.

WWE Hall of Famer Bella was the first participant revealed for the match during a vignette on Monday’s Raw:

Later in the show, Stephanie Vaquer was confirmed as an entrant in another vignette. Maxxie Dupri and Natalya were also confirmed for the match during an interview segment on the show, along with Nia Jax, and Ivy Nile:

The winner of the Evolution battle royal will earn a championship match at Clash in Paris set for Sunday, August 31.

Sunday’s Evolution card:

WWE Evolution, Sunday, July 13 —

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

Nikki Bella on potential Brie Bella WWE return: ‘Stay tuned’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Nikki Bella teased that her twin sister could be returning to WWE during a recent interview.

Nikki appeared on Raw last week to promote the Evolution 2 pay-per-view, which takes place on July 13. During the segment, she was confronted by Liv Morgan, who took offense to not being mentioned when Nikki listed off some of the top women in the division. The segment ended with Morgan hitting Nikki with an ObLIVion.

On Thursday, TMZ reported that Brie Bella is in talks to return to WWE ahead of Evolution 2 as well. However, it’s unclear if she’s expected to wrestle on the show.

Nikki was asked about Brie during a recent interview with Sports Illustrated. While she didn’t give much away, she told fans to “stay tuned.”

“That’s definitely what I’m hoping to see,” Nikki answered when asked about Brie potentially returning. “I’m not going to lie, I mean, I like having my own time but also I can’t do it without my tag partner. And so you never know. As what we love to say in WWE is, you never know what’s going to happen. It keeps us on our toes. But you gotta stay tuned.”

Brie hasn’t wrestled since the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble. She didn’t compete at the first Evolution event but was in her sister’s corner for Nikki’s match against Ronda Rousey.

Nikki revealed recently that she’ll be in Green Bay for Monday’s episode of Raw.

Earlier in the interview, Nikki reflected on headlining the original Evolution show:

“Main eventing the first one, it meant so much then because of how far us women have come and what we were fighting for at that time. I meant every word I said on Monday Night Raw of how proud I am. And I know I could speak on behalf of all the women from the past, to see where the women have taken the division in the past six years, it’s unreal. And this is why this Evolution is so important and so epic, because we see what the women are doing, whether it’s on the PLEs or on Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown. They’re killing it.”

Nikki’s full interview with Sports Illustrated is available below:

Daily Update: Seth Rollins, Nikki Bella, Ron Killings

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • WWE cuts this past week, why and more details, lots of reaction to R-Truth and the story behind it
  • Preview of the WWE Money in the Bank and Worlds Collide shows as well as updated ticket demand for the shows as well as odds
  • New Japan Dominion and Kosei Fujita win Best of the Super Juniors in one of the year’s best matches
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the pro wrestling TV shows this past week including competition, segments, demo and what things on the different shows boosted the audience
  • Notes on one of the biggest Arena Mexico shows this year
  • Major arena sells out seven weeks in a row
  • Newcomers behind the scenes as WWE takes over AAA
  • Stardom PPV notes
  • Major signings for Hogan & Bischoff’s RAF company
  • Who has won the most awards in specific categories in the 45 year history of the Observer awards
  • Ratings for the past season of Dark Side of the Ring
  • Notes on wrestlers recently cut by WWE
  • AEW departures and details
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE, AEW and TNA shows
  • Lots more notes on AEW going to Arena Mexico
  • Bryan Danielson says his career highlight
  • Significance of the Phil Davis lawsuit and how it affects TKO and perhaps even WWE
  • Promotion cutting prices to increase ticket buys
  • Notes on MMA reporter Jordan Breen
  • Update on WrestleMania in Las Vegas
  • Nick Khan and Vince McMahon selling TKO stock
  • How much are analysts expecting the WWE PLE right and UFC rights to end up at and what does this mean for the stock price
  • Paul Levesque and Dwayne Johnson
  • Notes on WWE counter programming AEW
  • Bill Goldberg updates
  • How much money has Dwayne Johnson made from WWE since his return 18 months ago
  • Top YouTube viewing numbers this past week

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Thursday Update

WWE

  • Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net reported that WWE is working with a “mainstream artist” to create a new theme song for Seth Rollins, though the identity of the artist has not been disclosed yet. Hays also noted that the name of Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman’s faction is expected to be revealed soon.
  • In an interview with People, Nikki Bella commented on her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev being referenced by Liv Morgan during their confrontation on Raw:
    • The beauty of how us women are and how empowering we are with each other is it’s done in a certain way, and that’s what I appreciate. And WWE has said that to me from the beginning. They’ve been so incredible of respecting my boundaries and my son, which is amazing.
  • On the Toronto Sun’s No Holds Barred podcast, Natalya said WWE offered Nikki Bella a private locker room for Monday’s show – but Nikki turned it down because she wanted to change with the rest of the women’s roster.
  • Ron Killings made an appearance on Busted Open Radio today, cutting a passionate promo after Bully Ray was critical of him continuing to use the word “Truth” as part of his persona despite his gimmick change.
  • Killings said:
    • Who the f*ck he talking to? Who he telling me who I am? I know who I am. I’m protecting him. You see, everybody got somebody that’s trying to tell them who the f*ck they are. I know who I am. I’m not the nice one. I’m driving now! Don’t let nobody tell you who you are. You know you better than anybody else knows. And I know me better than anybody else knows me too. And they better put some respect on my name, because I am the truth.
    • How are you going to tell me why I cut my hair? I do what I want to do. It ain’t that nice time no more. But I’m not – I’m not angry. I just won’t be taken advantage of no more. Things are going to change around here. I’m driving now.
    • I don’t think people really understand. You’re going to have a lot of people put their input. You’ve got a lot of people that think they’re the maestro of your life, they’re the maestro of your emotions, they’re the maestro of your thoughts. Ain’t nobody the maestro to me, of me, or for me. I do me. I wish you would. I feel different. I feel more alive than I have ever felt. I’m driving now. Y’all can tell everybody that.
  • Tiffany Stratton threw out the first pitch at today’s New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals game, wildly missing the target in the process. Stratton joked afterwards that she was giving 50 Cent’s infamously bad first pitch a run for its money.
  • Natalya will be competing on WWE Evolve next Wednesday, teaming with Kali Armstrong against Nikkita Lyons & Zayda Steel.
  • Natalya responded to a fan on social media who said she’s been demoted to Evolve: “I very specifically asked to compete on this show for many reasons. I want to wrestle against women from every corner of our industry. When you’ve been hungry, you can never be full. #EVOLVE”
  • Logan Paul shared a new episode of his vlog.

Other Wrestling

  • In a new edition of her Mone Mag fan newsletter, Mercedes Mone reflected on how her life has changed since deciding to leave WWE:
    • Growing up, WWE was everything to me. I never imagined my life without it. But over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s not WWE I can’t live without; it’s pro wrestling itself. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the person who sparked this journey for me. Because of that pivotal moment, my life changed for the absolute better.
    • Not a day goes by that I don’t feel grateful for that decision. It pushed me to new heights, matured me into a strong-willed CEO, and empowered me to take control of my life and future. I’m especially thankful for all my fans who have stood by me throughout this journey. 
    • I want to remind you all: when something doesn’t feel right and you start receiving signs from the universe, listen. I’ve been working on sharing my story, and trust me, when the time comes, it’s going to be one for the books.
    • I remember a higher-up once telling me, ‘The grass isn’t greener on the other side.’ Well, let me tell you—every seed I’ve planted over the years is growing and flourishing like never before. Becoming the highest-paid women’s wrestler is a beautiful flower that has blossomed, and I couldn’t be prouder.
    • Keep chasing your dreams because no one will stop mine.
  • During All In week, Dustin Rhodes will speak at an event called “The Natural Truth: A Conversation with Dustin Rhodes.” It’s taking place at Puzzles Deep Ellum in Dallas on Tuesday, July 8. Tickets are now available to purchase.
  • Will Ospreay, Bandido, and Anna Jay visited women’s soccer team Thorns FC ahead of last night’s AEW Summer Blockbuster event in Portland.
  • Nick Wayne was the guest on AEW Unrestricted this week.
  • AEW wished Jerry Lynn a happy 62nd birthday.
  • A National Openweight Championship match has been announced for MLW Summer of the Beasts with Ultimo Guerrero defending against Alex Hammerstone. The show is being held at Melrose Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, June 26 and will stream live on MLW’s YouTube channel for free.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James Storm was asked to name his Mount Rushmore of TNA Wrestling:
    • Jeff Jarrett. AJ Styles, of course. People can say, and this is just me talking. I hate to put myself on there, but as the tag team, because I always look at Mount Rushmore as like, there should be people from different parts of the company, not just like all singles wrestlers. I look at me as like, I helped carry the tag team division in TNA, especially during the startup years and everything. I’d put Jeff Hardy on there, because he came in very early. A lot of people say Kurt, but I’m looking at guys who helped build the company before the Kurts and Samoa Joe and all these other guys were in there.
  • Ring the Belle interviewed Terri Runnels.

Nikki Bella on WWE return: ‘You’ll definitely see me for a bit’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Nikki Bella is back in WWE for an extended stay after making her return on Raw earlier this week.

In an interview with People after Monday’s Raw episode, Nikki said she’s back with WWE for an extended run rather than just a one-off appearance. That run is expected to include her competing at WWE’s all-women’s Evolution event on Sunday, July 13.

“You’ll definitely see me for a bit,” she told People. “It’s not a quick in and out.”

Exactly how long this run will be — and whether or not Nikki will be sticking around after Evolution — remains to be seen. A feud between Nikki and Liv Morgan began with a confrontation on Raw. It looks like they’ll be facing each other at Evolution, potentially in a Women’s Tag Team title match with Nikki and her twin sister Brie challenging Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez. TMZ Sports reported today that Brie Bella is in talks with WWE regarding a return.

Nikki was an entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match earlier this year, competing for the first time since 2022. She has not regularly wrestled since 2018. Nikki told People that she was nervous for her appearance this past Monday, but it felt good being back home in WWE.

“It felt so good,” Nikki said. “I can’t tell you how many text messages I’ve gotten today, like, ‘Girl, it was like you were just right back in it. You could tell that’s your happy place.’ I’ve been getting so much love from friends and family and coworkers saying how natural it was to see me back in there. They all were like, you just seemed so happy and like you were back home.”

Nikki will be appearing again on Raw next week as the build to Evolution continues.