Brothers of Discussion: Evolution Predictions

WWE Evolution is this Sunday, October 28th, at 7pm ET. Photo courtesy of the WWE.

By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)

October 26, 2018

While Stephanie McMahon makes mention of wanting the Women’s Division to boast just as many male superstars in a few years, this Pay-Per-View highlights just how far away the WWE is. Not only that, but how little the WWE actually cared about this Pay-Per-View.

The lack of representation on their go-home shows (shows before the pay-per-view), the fact that the all-male special show (Crown Jewel) is just days away, and this card only provides one main roster match that isn’t fueled by gimmicks or dollar signs (and actually will focus on women’s wrestling).

That being said, we still want to support this show to fullest, because we support this division, even if the WWE does not. We want to see more of this and the only way we’re going to, is if we are all tuned in, on Sunday, and we give this show 10-times the attention every other show gets.

WWE Evolution Preview : Full Details

Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella

This is an obvious victory for Rousey. I believe there are two things going on here. WWE is accepting that there is no “Women’s Revolution” in sports and sports entertainment, without Ronda Rousey. Therefore, her defeat of the Bella Twins (yes…I’m counting Brie in this match) is a metaphor for the end of the divas era.

The side of this match is keeping Rousey looking strong, without having to see her take down anymore big names on the roster. She is getting the type of Brock Lesnar attention that the WWE wanted. So it only makes sense she gets the spotlight and the women’s title. But her character couldn’t be allowed to plow through the entire division. She had to keep winning, but her victory over the Bellas doesn’t weaken the division like another squash of a full-timer, would have.

Winner: Ronda Rousey

SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (Last Woman Standing Match)

I know what I want and I know what’s going to happen. Charlotte is STILL being built as the sympathetic character, despite her lineage and everything that has been given to her. It makes no sense and I will never give in. Its just plain dumb…

Because of it, we know Charlotte is going to win. This looks to be the honorary crowning of the female superstar to usher in the new age. Charlotte is the chosen one. Therefore, she beats Becky Lynch. Which…will in turn…make her even more beloved.

The good thing is that this should be one hell of a match. It should close the card, but I doubt it will. Becky and Charlotte, fighting for the Women’s Title, should represent everything this division wants to be and everything this show (Evolution) should be. They should be allowed to fight for an hour. They should be allowed to try whatever they want. And they should be paid handsomely for, what is certain to be, the best match on the card.

All that being said, I’ll be happy with the great wrestling we’ll get out of this match. I just don’t think it makes sense to keep pushing Charlotte as a sympathetic character. If you change that, then I don’t care who wins. Just stop selling that chicken shit as chicken salad.

Winner: Charlotte Flair

Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James

This is tough to pick, because you would think this was an opportunity to build your younger superstars, but then Mickie James is Alexa Bliss’ tag partner. You can also throw in the fact that Alexa doesn’t need to be built up anymore. I think she’s proven that when an opportunity is placed in front of her, she can capitalize. Maybe, to her, she doesn’t need to beat Trish and Lita.

That being said, Trish and Lita don’t need this victory AT ALL! But it more or less, serve as a moment of celebration for the fans, as well as rewarding two ladies who were wrestling during the wrong generation.

With the rumors of the Women’s Tag Titles being introduced, it would be pretty funny if Trish and Lita won those belts. It would fit the pattern that the WWE has worked through, the last 5-7 years, with the New Age Outlaws, the Dudley’s, and the Hardy Boys all winning the tag titles to boost their level of interest. Get the women’s tag titles started off right.

Winner: Trish Stratus & Lita

NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler

If Charlotte and Becky don’t own the night, this match will.

This match holds significance for Shayna Baszler and her future call-up. I think we all love and respect both of these ladies and I can’t figure out who is more deserving of a victory. Even if you make the argument that Shayna is still a little green, you can’t deny her terrifying, heel persona. She’s getting better every time we see her and now that she’s scary again, you kinda just want to hand her the belt to avoid getting your ass kicked.

Kairi Sane is also becoming a very strong face in the women’s division. I think she’s perfect to hold onto the belt for a while long and can match-up well with Bianca Belair. Keep her around and Shayna to the main roster to help her MMA buddy, Ronda Rousey.

Winner: Kairi Sane

Historic Women’s Battle Royal Match (for a future Women’s Championship opportunity)

This is a very hard one to predict, but I know this should be a great opportunity for someone forgotten to get back in the spotlight. And I definitely don’t mean any of the older ladies (sorry). While Michelle McCool would get a ton of attention, I just fear the current roster is going to be over-shadowed and forgotten if they keep bringing back the likes of the Bellas to the ring.

The new roster deserves a shot at the title and they should be more receptive to giving out those opportunities. Not everyone who fights for the title needs to win it, but you’re never gonna know what you have, in a talent, until you see what they can do in a main event scenario.

My hopefuls are: Asuka, Ember Moon, Naomi, Dana Brooke, Nia Jax, and the surprise…TAMINA. I will say that my desire for one of these ladies to win is in order of appearance above.

But, for the sake of this blog…

Winner: Ember Moon

Sasha Banks, Bayley & Natalya vs. The Riott Squad

Guess what? Another tough one! Is it more important to give the fans a face victory or help build up a team that could use the push. Basically, Sasha could be slotted into the main event picture and no one would argue. But I think the Riott Squad needs a victory.

I just question what the motives are of this show. Is it to make great stories that could be used in the future? Or is it to highlight what you’ve got, celebrate yourself, and look back at the good ol’ days. I’m gonna guess the latter…meaning:

Winner: Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Natalya

Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai (Mae Young Classic 2018 Finals)

This just booked on Wednesday after watching Toni Storm and Io Shirai win both of their epic matches. Both of these ladies will do great things for their NXT roster (as I just placed Toni Storm into the NXT UK roster). But I think Toni Storm needs to be sold harder than Io. I think the relationship that Io and Kairi have means they’l’ be in the ring together soon. So she’s going to get her push through NXT booking.

That means Toni Storm is going to need the victory from the Mae Young Classic more than Io. Toni is being put on the posters for NXT UK and their poster child should already be a believable headliner. When I look at the matches from the Mae Young Classic, Io looks way more polished than Toni. So, Toni is gonna need a little help to get by on a runner-up result.

If she comes in, ready to fight Rhea Ripley, then we’ll be looking at a marquee event from the get-go. No need to find a reason for this match to work, because we’re watching the women’s champ vs the Mae Young Classic winner.

Winner: Toni Storm

Again, WWE Evolution is this Sunday, October 28th, at 7PM EST. The show will be broadcast, LIVE, on the WWE Network.

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