Smark Out Moment

WWE Evolution - a historic show that's already looming with a sense of 'what could have been'.



Obviously, it's not a great idea to go into an show, especially a WWE PPV, with a defeatist attitude. And there is no question the women superstars on Raw, SmackDown, NXT and beyond deserve an event of their own to showcase their fantastic talents, even without this horrifying Saudi Arabia situation looming in the background.

But that's the problem for me - WWE Evolution doesn't feel like a showcase for the women of WWE. It feels like an afterthought, a distraction, a make-do. Rather than a well-built and celebrated event, it seems like a hollow apology to the women for not being allowed a Saudi Arabia pay day.

The build to some of the key matches on the show has actually been pretty good, but the issue is there are only seven matches announced. And that line Stephanie McMahon gave about 50 women on the card? Well, at the time of writing, we're still 16 short of that magic total.

There are plenty of positives to enjoy. Becky Lynch is arguably the most over person in WWE right now, and will undoubtedly have a great match with Charlotte Flair in their Last Woman Standing. Kairi Sane defends the NXT Women's Championship against Shayna Baszler. We'll see the finals of a hugely successful and enjoyable Mae Young Classic.

And, while it has its detractors for several worthy reasons, Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the Raw Women's Championship has ramped up a tremendous amount of heat in a matter of weeks. The quality of the match is up in the air, but it feels like a big deal.

But there are glaring negatives. There'll undoubtedly be a lengthy Stephanie McMahon promo where she'll gush about the Women's Evolution, while simultaneously giving herself a huge pat on the back. There's minimal NXT presence. Some of the matches have received little to no build whatsoever, including a meaningless six-woman tag.

And, above all else, over half of the card is contained in one Battle Royal, including standout names like Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Nia Jax and Ember Moon, as well as a cavalcade of former superstars and divas, like Torrie Wilson, Kelly Kelly and Alundra Blayze.

So, while not the worst card imaginable, Evolution is one that reeks of wasted potential, and a show that I'm sure many fans could create a better version of. And, seeing as how I have a platform here to do so, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

My Much-Improved WWE Evolution Card

Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair (Special Enforcer: Alundra Blayze)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and this is THE feud that should headline WWE Evolution. Becky Lynch is one of the mega stars on SmackDown Live, while Charlotte Flair is widely regarded as a linchpin of the Women's Evolution.

The only difference I'd make to this rivalry is to tone down the pushing of Lynch as a definitive heel. She is treated like the babyface by the vast majority of fans, so embrace that side - make it The People's Champion vs The Chosen Champion. Flair doesn't have to be a full-blown heel, but I think it would feed better into the overall narrative.

Plus, the role of Alundra Blayze as Special Enforcer can be built off of the overwhelming hatred between Lynch and Flair, while adding some historic gravitas to the match.

Ronda Rousey vs Mickie James

After Ronda Rousey defeated and 'injured' Alexa Bliss, it would have made plenty of sense for Mickie James to attempt to avenge her fallen friend, while trying to cement her own legacy by capturing her 7th women's championship.

James's experience would likely result in one of Rousey's best singles matches since joining WWE, while her daredevil attitude ensures she wouldn't fear being thrown around by The Baddest Woman on the Planet.

Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler

Again, this is one match that needs no alteration - Shayna Baszler is owed a rematch and has been one of the most compelling and believable heels in WWE today. With Kairi Sane an outstanding wrestler in her own right, this could easily be stronger than their great match at NXT TakeOver Brooklyn 4.

Toni Storm vs Io Shirai

Once more, it is absolutely right to host the final of the Mae Young Classic on this show. And these are the two names who are right to be in the final. Toni Storm is an immense talent at her age with significant NXT and main roster potential, while Io Shirai on top form is arguably the greatest women's wrestler in the world today.

Alexa Bliss vs Natalya vs Ruby Riott vs Nia Jax

All four of these women have interacted with Ronda Rousey since she joined Raw, so this would make an ideal Number One Contenders Match for the Raw Women's Championship.

Alexa Bliss will want her title back, Ruby Riott has been a thorn in the champ's side, Nia Jax never lost to Rousey in their last encounter, and Natalya would relish the chance to take on her good friend.

Sasha Banks & Bayley vs Trish Stratus & Lita

Two teams that have defined two eras of women's wrestling in WWE, with stories of former bitter rivals turned great friends. Sasha Banks and Bayley stole the show at the first NXT TakeOver Brooklyn, while Trish Stratus and Lita had numerous standout matches in their lengthy feud.

This has the potential to be an emotionally fueled, story-driven tag team match, and hopefully set the scene for a long-awaited Sasha Banks betrayal and heel turn. Definitely a damn-sight better than the hopeless six-woman tag Banks and Bayley find themselves in.

Asuka vs Ember Moon

Both Asuka and Ember Moon have been woefully mishandled since joining the main roster of WWE, so why not use the cross-branded nature of WWE Evolution to revisit their classic encounters from NXT? This inter-brand match might only be for bragging rights, but given 20 minutes this could be a real sleeper to be match of the night.

Carmella vs Naomi

As we have a Raw Number One Contenders Match, SmackDown should have one two. So, why not put together a clash between the two other former SmackDown Women's Champions currently on the blue brand? Would make perfect sense and could help launch Naomi back into the spotlight.

Rhea Ripley vs Xia Brookside

With the NXT UK Women's Championship now also a prize worth fighting for, it would be great idea to present Rhea Ripley as a dominant force from the outset by making her challenger the lovable, fiery underdog Xia Brookside.

Although we didn't to see a lot of Brookside in the Mae Young Classic, her size, speed and determination make her a perfect counterbalance to Ripley's height and strength.

The Bella Twins vs The IIconics

It would be wrong to deny The Bella Twins a distinct spot on Evolution. But, instead of being the controversial heels fighting for the Raw Women's Championship, they would here be the babyfaces against WWE's new evil duo - The IIconics.

This allows the Bella Army to get fully behind their idols for a one-off, inoffensive match, and build a feud around The IIconics looking to outshine and outdo The Bella Twins.

Bianca Belair vs Nikki Cross

Although it might not get beyond the pre-show with significantly more matches on my revamped WWE Evolution card, this has been a fun feud on NXT TV that merits the bigger stage for its final encounter.

Nikki Cross is beloved for her unchained character, while Bianca Belair screams future Women's Champion. This would be a fun way to engage the audience early in the night and hopefully turn people's eyes to the talented women on NXT every week.

Women's Battle Royal

I know I was bemoaning a Battle Royal in the prelude to writing this card, but that's mainly because the one that is actually booked for Evolution has been sloppily put together and contains a lot of talent who could be better utilized on the card.

Instead, I propose a Battle Royal for the pre-show with the same prize as the current match, a Women's Championship opportunity, but with the caveat that you can only compete if you've never been a Women's Champion before. This would include main roster talents, NXT stars, Mae Young Classic competitors and past names like Torrie Wilson, Kelly Kelly and Maria Kanellis.

While it does mean talented former names like Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool and Molly Holly would miss out, Evolution by its very name should be more about the future than the past. I'm sure you could find ways to incorporate yesteryears' stars into segments and matches to give them the salute they deserve.

The Evolution of WWE Evolution

Obviously, my card is a lot longer than the real WWE Evolution as things stand. But, with a pre-show and following the 4-hour standard current PPVs seem to follow, that should be plenty of time to present these dozen matches.

But, the biggest problem with Evolution isn't the number of matches or who's facing who - it's the quality of the build. The reason why there are so few matches is because they haven't been promoting different programs or unique stories, with WWE's concentration divided by this, Crown Jewel, and other upcoming shows.

I believe my card would allow for more organic, interesting stories and feuds to develop in the time leading up to Evolution, rather than the current sorry state of affairs that has led to just a few standout matches and a cluster Battle Royal for everyone WWE didn't have time to build the show around.

It just leads me to the conclusion that, while I desperately hope every woman on this show puts on a great performance and has their moment to shine, a large part of me hopes Evolution bombs like never before, because WWE's executives and creatives don't deserve any better than that. The superstars and fans deserve far, far better.