The 2025 edition of WWE Evolution, held on July 13 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, once again showcased the incredible talent and growing prominence of women’s professional wrestling. Now in its second year, Evolution 2025 brought together stars from WWE’s RAW, SmackDown, and NXT divisions in a night packed with thrilling matches, surprising twists, and unforgettable moments that continue to push women’s wrestling to new heights.
One of the night’s highlights was the intense three-way bout for the Intercontinental Championship featuring Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria. The match was a rollercoaster of near-falls and interrupted pin attempts, with each competitor refusing to give an inch. Ultimately, Lynch managed to retain her title by pinning Bayley, solidifying her status as a dominant champion in the division.
The NXT Women’s Championship match that followed was equally compelling. Jordynne Grace appeared to have the upper hand for much of the contest, but Jacy Jayne turned the tide in a dramatic fashion. Using the championship belt as a weapon, Jayne secured a pinfall victory, capturing the title and marking a significant heel turn that caught the audience by surprise. Fans were abuzz, especially noting the emergence of Blake Monroe’s darker persona during the event.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship was defended in a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match featuring the champions Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez, alongside Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca with Zairi. The match was a showcase of teamwork and resilience, but it was the Judgement Day members, Rodriguez and Perez, who maintained their dominance by securing the pinfall win and retaining their titles, much to the delight of their faction’s supporters.
In the Women’s Championship match, Tiffany Stratton faced off against WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus in a classic showdown. Stratton, the reigning champion, successfully defended her title, but it was Stratus who captured the crowd’s heart. Despite the loss, the veteran’s performance was met with loud cheers, underlining her enduring popularity and the respect she commands within the WWE universe.
The No Holds Barred match between Jade Cargill and Naomi was a brutal, weapon-filled affair that had fans on the edge of their seats. Bianca Belair served as the special guest referee, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. The match culminated in a jaw-dropping moment when Cargill executed a top-rope Jaded maneuver through a table on Naomi, securing a hard-fought pinfall victory.
The night’s chaos continued with a Battle Royal packed with WWE’s female stars. Nikki Bella, Nia Jax, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lash were among the final four competitors. In a dramatic finish, Vaquer delivered her signature Devil’s Kiss to Lash, earning herself a coveted shot at the upcoming Clash in Paris event scheduled for August. Vaquer’s victory was a significant career milestone and a testament to her rising status in WWE.
The grand finale was the Women’s World Championship match, a grueling 26-minute battle between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. The match was a masterclass in athleticism and storytelling, with near-falls keeping fans guessing. However, the contest took an unexpected turn when Naomi cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase. Taking advantage of the battered competitors, Naomi threw Ripley out of the ring and executed a split-legged moonsault on SKY, pinning her to become the new Women’s World Champion. This surprise cash-in added a dramatic twist to an already unforgettable night.
Behind the scenes, the Bella Twins were a focal point of discussion leading up to Evolution 2025. While Nikki Bella competed in the Battle Royal, her twin sister Brie Bella was notably absent. On their podcast, the Nikki & Brie Show, Brie expressed her disappointment at missing the event, saying, “I was yearning to be in Atlanta, to either watch live or I would have loved to have been in a match or been part of something.” However, she acknowledged that her current priorities lie with her family and accepted her place for now. Nikki, meanwhile, voiced her desire for a reunion, saying, “I hope it does. I miss you. I’m getting lonely in the hotel rooms. Everyone wants you back. The Bella Twins are stronger than just Fearless Nikki. When we are a duo, we make magic happen.”
Interestingly, Nikki found an unexpected ally in Stephanie Vaquer, who came to her rescue on a recent episode of Monday Night Raw after Nikki was attacked by Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre, and Piper Niven. Vaquer’s intervention not only saved Nikki but also foreshadowed her impressive performance later that night at Evolution.
Adding another layer of significance to Evolution 2025 was WWE’s new partnership with Maybelline New York, marking the beauty giant as WWE’s first-ever Official Cosmetics Partner. Maybelline’s branding was prominently displayed throughout the event, including center mat ring branding and a custom video vignette. Brit Santypal, senior vice president of partnership marketing for TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting shared values of empowerment and self-expression. Amy Whang, president of Maybelline New York, emphasized the partnership’s role in supporting a global community that inspires confidence both in and out of the ring. This partnership represents a bold crossover between beauty and sports entertainment, signaling WWE’s commitment to broadening its appeal and celebrating diversity.
Since its inception in 2018, Evolution has been a landmark event in WWE, spotlighting the incredible progress of women’s wrestling and the growing visibility of female athletes in what was once a male-dominated industry. The 2025 edition lived up to that legacy, delivering a night filled with passion, athleticism, and groundbreaking moments that will be remembered for years to come.
As the dust settles on Evolution 2025, the WWE women’s division appears stronger and more dynamic than ever. With champions like Becky Lynch, Tiffany Stratton, and the newly crowned Naomi leading the charge, alongside rising stars such as Jacy Jayne and Stephanie Vaquer, the future looks bright. Fans can eagerly anticipate the upcoming Clash in Paris event, where Stephanie Vaquer will test her mettle, and all eyes will remain on the evolving storylines that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
