The main event is official for Sunday’s all-women’s WWE Evolution premium live event.
Announced during Friday’s SmackDown, IYO SKY will defend the WWE Women’s World title against Rhea Ripley in the headliner.
Sky will be looking for the third defense of the title she won back in March from Ripley. A win would give Ripley her third run with the gold.
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After debuting Friday, WWE NXT’s Lola Vice will return to AAA next week.
The former title challenger will be part of this Wednesday’s Alianzas show at Arena Potosi in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, as part of a women’s trios bout. She will team with Faby Apache and Lady Shani against Las Toxicas (Lady Flammer, Lady Maravilla & La Hiedra).
Vice made her promotional debut Friday in a losing effort, teaming with TNA’s Santino Marella against La Hiedra & Mr. Iguana. Vice was also part of June’s Worlds Collide show, teaming with Stephanie Vaquer in a victory over Chik Tormenta and Dalys.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with, well, the CALM BEFORE THE LANCE STORM. We break down all the shows this weekend with previews and predictions for all the matches. Plus, the Collision report! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Trish Stratus admits that the build to WWE Evolution has been a bit rushed, but she fully plans on delivering in her match against Tiffany Stratton.
At this Sunday’s all-women’s PLE, Stratus will challenge Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship. The match was made last week when Stratus returned on SmackDown and was chosen by Stratton as her Evolution opponent. The two successfully teamed together at Elimination Chamber in March, and their history dates back to 2024 when they had a backstage interaction at Money in the Bank.
Stratus told Notsam Wrestling that, given the quick build to Evolution, she is grateful that there is already a built-in story with her and Stratton. She believes it’s a fantasy matchup that fans have wanted to see.
“This entire card has seemed to be a quick turnaround, as it is, unfortunately. And I get it. There’s like 7,000 events a month, it seems like,” Stratus said. “But I think there’s a little bit of a built-in storyline, luckily, for Tiffany and I. You know, I love the fact that we had this connection. And I think people really were digging the Trishy Time [and] Tiffy Time thing. So I think that worked really well.
“But, you know, I think there was — people were seeing the parallels. There’s these two blondes who came into the business and, you know, a preconceived notion of what they can deliver in the ring and having to prove ourselves and knowing that like, you might think this is what you’re going to get from me in the ring, but now I have to work extra hard because I have to prove those people all wrong. So we both had to do that and had great success early on in our career.
“You know, she became champion at 25. I know a certain someone who became champion for the first time at 25 as well. So, you know, there’s a bit of — and luckily, I say — there’s a bit of a built-in storyline because, yeah, the whole Evolution kind of came about quite quickly for everyone. But I think with a little bit of that fantasy booking and seeing Tiff and I in there, I think people wanted it. And I think it’s going to really deliver. I know it’s going to deliver.”
Stratus did not compete in 2024 but will now be wrestling in her third match this year. The WWE Hall of Famer was an entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble in February and later teamed with Stratton to defeat Nia Jax & Candice LeRae at Elimination Chamber.
When asked if she’ll be sticking around after Evolution, Stratus said she’s viewed the appearances she’s made this year as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of her WWE debut — and she’s leaving the door open for more appearances before 2025 ends.
“This is perfect, the way it’s been written, almost,” Stratus said. “If you were to look at the year of like how it should go. We’re only, what — it’s only July, isn’t it?”
“I literally have said, if you guys want some more Stratusfaction, just let me know. And if you don’t, then let me know too — I don’t care really about what those guys say. But, yeah, if you want more Stratusfaction, let me know.”
Evolution is being held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday. It’s the first time the PLE has taken place since its inaugural edition in 2018.
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
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez is back with tons to talk about including WWE’s next head-to-head battle with AEW, how it has affected business for both this weekend, All In preview, how the Moxley/Hangman match will likely end, Darby Allin, Britt Baker, the AEW Dynamite TV report, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
WWE is getting into the cosmetics ring, announcing their first-ever such partnership with Maybelline New York.
Announced on Thursday, the company becomes the first-ever “official cosmetics partner of WWE” and will be the presenting partner of this Sunday’s all-women’s Evolution card from Atlanta, Georgia. They will be featured in the center of the mat and will receive “a custom vignette” in addition to social media promotion.
It was not clear from the press release what form the partnership will take past this Sunday.
Maybelline New York is owned by global cosmetics giant L’Oreal who has a current day value of nearly $240 billion.
Current WWE Evolution PLE card | Sunday, July 13 | Atlanta, Georgia:
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Trish Stratus
WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Rhea Ripley
NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Jordynne Grace
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a three-way
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
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, Zelina Vega, Giulia, LAsh Legend, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, Jaida Parker confirmed entrants
NXT’s participants for the Evolution Battle Royal have been set.
During the main event of this week’s NXT, General Manager Ava announced that Jaida Parker, Lash Legend, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Kelani Jordan, and Lola Vice would be taking part in the battle royal on Sunday. The winner of the match will earn a future Women’s title match that will take place at Clash in Paris on August 31.
After Ava made the announcement, Fatal Influence came out and questioned why Ava didn’t talk about Jacy Jayne’s match against Jordynne Grace at Evolution. That brought out Grace, which soon brought out Stephanie Vaquer, Natalya and Maxxine Dupri, and soon other members of the main roster including Ivy Nile, Zelina Vega and Giulia, as well as the NXT participants in the battle royal. After Jaida Parker said some words, a brawl quickly erupted as the show went off the air.
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, Zelina Vega, Giulia, Lash Legend, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, Jaida Parker confirmed entrants
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~!
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)
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.”
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.
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:
Who will win the BATTLE ROYAL this Sunday at WWE Evolution?
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
The field for Sunday’s Women’s Tag Team Championship match at WWE Evolution is set.
Following the events of Monday’s WWE Raw, Asuka & Kairi Sane, plus Sol Ruca & Zaria will round out the four-team field for the Women’s Tag title bout at Evolution in Atlanta.
Sane defeated Tag champ Roxanne Perez in singles competition on Monday’s show, then was saved by former Kabuki Warriors tag partner Asuka in the aftermath. Asuka and Sane were officially added to the Evolution match in a backstage segment with Raw GM Adam Pearce later in the episode.
Ruca and Zaria were announced as the NXT representatives in the contest joining Asuka and Sane, and SmackDown team Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in challenging Perez and Raquel Rodriguez for the titles.
Seven matches are official for the Sunday, July 13 Evolution card. The lineup:
WWE Evolution, Sunday, July 13, 7 p.m. Eastern time —
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
After weeks of tension between all three competitors, Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against both Bayley and Lyra Valkyria on the show. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced the match in a video posted on Sunday and also noted that Lynch will appear live on Monday’s episode of Raw.
Pearce said:
“Speaking of Evolution, I can now confirm Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a triple threat match and The Man will be live on the flagship Monday night to talk all about it.”
Lynch defeated Valkyria at Money in the Bank to become the second-ever holder of the title. Her only defense so far was on the June 23 Raw, when her match against Bayley was stopped after interference from Valkyria. A match between Bayley and Valkyria on Raw last week then ended in a double pin.
WWE Evolution, Sunday, July 13, 7 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock in the US and Netflix internationally —
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Trish Stratus
Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Rhea Ripley
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a triple threat match
NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Jordynne Grace
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss and two teams TBD in a four-way
No holds barred: Naomi vs. Jade Cargill
Battle royal for a championship match at Clash in Paris
