WWE Evolution 2025 delivered a thrilling showcase of women’s wrestling talent at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The event, marking the return of the all-women’s premium live event since its 2018 debut, featured seven high-stakes matches, including five championship bouts and a pivotal Battle Royal that crowned Stephanie Vaquer as the number one contender for the Women’s World Championship at the upcoming Clash in Paris.
The Battle Royal was one of the night’s most electrifying contests, bringing together top stars from WWE Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. Among the participants was the legendary Nikki Bella, making a notable return to the ring. The final four competitors were Nikki Bella, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and Stephanie Vaquer, setting the stage for a dramatic climax.
As the match intensified, Lash Legend eliminated Nikki Bella first, signaling the rise of new contenders. Then, in a rare moment of alliance, Stephanie Vaquer and Lash Legend teamed up to eliminate the powerhouse Nia Jax, thrilling the audience. The final showdown came down to Vaquer and Legend, both teetering on the edge of elimination. In a decisive move, Vaquer executed her signature Devil’s Kiss, knocking Legend off the apron and sealing her victory. This win earned Vaquer a coveted title shot at WWE Clash in Paris, scheduled for August 31, 2025, at the Paris La Défense Arena.
Following her triumphant victory, Stephanie McMahon surprised the crowd with an in-ring interview. Vaquer, visibly emotional, humbly remarked, “Wrestling is my first language,” and paid tribute to the trailblazing women who paved the way, promising fans, “You will remember my name forever.” This moment underscored Vaquer’s rising star power and the significant milestone in her WWE career.
Aside from the Battle Royal, WWE Evolution 2025 featured several marquee championship matches that underscored the depth and talent of the women’s division. Iyo Sky defended the Women’s World Championship against multi-time former champion Rhea Ripley in a highly anticipated bout. Experts were divided on the outcome; some predicted Ripley would reclaim the title to kickstart a new reign, while others felt Sky’s dominant two-year run warranted retention for narrative freshness.
The WWE Women’s Championship was defended by Tiffany Stratton against Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. Despite Stratus’ legendary status, predictions leaned heavily toward Stratton retaining the title, as Stratus’ return, while nostalgic, did not seem primed to overshadow the newer generation’s momentum.
In the Women’s Intercontinental Championship triple threat, Becky Lynch faced Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria’s impressive growth and Lynch’s relatively short reign made for an intriguing dynamic. Analysts anticipated Lynch to retain, possibly pinning Bayley, while Valkyria and Bayley would likely move on to separate storylines.
The Women’s Tag Team Championship saw reigning champions Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez defend against a competitive field including Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, The Kabuki Warriors, and Sol Ruca and Zaria in a Fatal 4-Way Match. The storyline tension between Flair and Bliss, reluctant yet formidable partners, added intrigue, with many experts predicting Flair and Bliss to capture the titles, setting up new dynamics for the division.
The NXT Women’s Championship match featured Jacy Jayne defending against Jordynne Grace. While some hoped for Grace to pull off an upset, the consensus was that Jayne’s pivotal role in NXT programming made her retention more likely, though opinions varied among experts.
Another highlight was the No Holds Barred match between Jade Cargill and Naomi, a rematch from WrestleMania. With Cargill’s “Queen of the Ring” status and Naomi holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, the stakes were high. Predictions favored Cargill to maintain momentum ahead of a SummerSlam title challenge.
In the week leading up to Evolution, WWE Raw’s July 14 episode promised to capitalize on the event’s fallout. Set to air live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, the show featured appearances from notable stars including Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, Raquel Rodriguez, and AJ Styles. The preceding Saturday Night Main Event on July 12 further heated rivalries with matches like LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins and Gunther vs. Goldberg for the World Heavyweight Championship, setting the stage for a dramatic week in WWE.
Raw’s recent episodes showcased dominant performances from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, who have been stirring tensions with Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Penta. LA Knight’s surprise intervention against Rollins added fuel to their upcoming clash, illustrating the layered storytelling WWE continues to master.
WWE’s commitment to showcasing women’s wrestling was on full display with Evolution 2025, highlighting a blend of established legends and rising stars. The event’s success not only celebrated the athleticism and charisma of its female performers but also set the stage for fresh rivalries and compelling narratives heading into the fall season.
Stephanie Vaquer’s victory in the Battle Royal and her upcoming title opportunity at Clash in Paris symbolize the evolving landscape of WWE’s women’s division. As fans eagerly await the August event in France, the momentum generated by Evolution promises to carry forward, with Vaquer poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.
With the WWE Universe buzzing from the action-packed weekend, the build-up to Clash in Paris and the next episodes of Raw are sure to deliver more unforgettable moments and fierce competition. The women’s division, in particular, is entering an exciting new chapter, fueled by talent, passion, and the drive to etch their names in wrestling history.
