The WWE returned to pay per view with Sunday’s Evolution, where a title changed hands and seven matches were shoved down our throats. Overall, the 4 plus hours moved along but the show felt slightly bland at times. Somewhere in that mix of ordinary, five wrestlers that left Evolution as real losers. If you missed Evolution, be sure to check our results.
Molly Holly
One of the biggest highlights of Battle Royals are the special appearances. Nobody from NXT was there, but wrestlers from almost the past three decades were present. A highlight heading into the event was Molly Holly working the show; as she is considered the nicest person in the pro wrestling business who has not worked too many shows since leaving WWE. She got a nice reaction from the crowd, yet was one of the first names tossed over the top rope. I get the IIconics being eliminated within seconds as it created a moment worth remembering, but nobody is going to recall Molly even being part of Evolution.
Shayna Baszler
WWE has built Shayna Baszler almost like the Ronda Rousey of NXT. Unlike Rousey, she is a heel and has a few losses; but, Baszler has the similar aggression and of course the background in MMA. So, there is no need for Baszler to require assistance from two other superstars to secure a victory. While this seemed like one of Baszler’s better matches, the outside inference affected the performance. Baszler is now a two time champion and it almost seems like the wrong direction. After dropping the belt over the summer, a main roster debut seemed set. Now, that will probably not happen until after WrestleMania 35.
Sasha Banks
There was uncertainty about Sasha Banks and Evolution. Banks was not wrestling for a medical issue, with the rumor being something related to a concussion, and she only returned a few weeks ago. While Bank’s push has slowed down over the past year and a half, she remains one of the most popular stars. There were some botches by Banks, which continues to show that the former champion takes unnecessary risks by performing moves that she is simply not ready to attempt. Not too long ago, Banks would have been in a marquee match for an event like Evolution but times have changed. Instead, she was tossed into a six person tag team match.
The Riott Squad
Female stables are a rare commodity in wrestling and even the ones that exist, usually do not make much noise. The Riott Squad have found success as a group and a win at Evolution could show that WWE has big plans for three ladies. Instead, they lost in a match that was more entertaining than I thought. Getting the win would have helped the heels more than the faces. The Riott Squad is a new group and have potential. If they were to be split, I fear all three would get lost in the busy singles world.
Ronda Rousey
Up until Evolution, few people have really gotten the better of Ronda Rousey inside the ring. For most of the match, Nikki Bella got the better of Rousey and the booking seemed questionable. While WWE did not want to have a squash close the show, what was produced was nothing special on a night about history. Nikki’s status with WWE is always questionable as she has several opportunities outside of the pro wrestling business. At the conclusion of the main event, it showed that Rousey still needs to work with superstars that can carry a match. This was one of the first times we were able to see that Rousey is still (and understandably) green.
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