Latest news with #Evolution2
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Natalya wants WWE Evolution 2 to spotlight new stars
Natalya Neidhart (Image via WWE) WWE Evolution is coming back on Sunday, July 13. This will be the second time WWE hosts an all-women's Premium Live Event. It will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is expected to feature top women from WWE and NXT. One person who is very excited about it is Natalya, who was also part of the first Evolution event seven years ago. Natalya feels this new show should do more than bring back legends. She believes it is the perfect chance to help women who haven't had many big moments. She wants the spotlight to go to rising stars who are ready for their big break. Natalya Neidhart wants new talent to shine at Evolution 2 Natalya recently shared about Evolution 2 on Busted Open Radio . She said the event should focus on giving a chance to women who haven't had the opportunity to shine yet. According to her, there are many talented women, especially in NXT, who are just waiting for their moment to break through. These women are close to becoming stars and just need one big match or moment to show what they can do on a bigger stage. Natalya believes Evolution 2 is the perfect event for that. "I really want it to be a chance for some women who haven't had the chance yet to shine. Women that haven't had as much attention or haven't had that breakout moment that they need. You know, I would love for this to be a moment for either somebody from 'NXT,' there's just so many women that are just on the cusp and they just need that one breakout moment..." Natalya Makes Her Debut‼️ | Busted Open She also mentioned she would love to see Michelle McCool and Layla return as LayCool. While she supports seeing legends take part in the event, she made it clear that the main focus should be on younger talent who need the spotlight now. At the first Evolution, Natalya teamed with Bayley and Sasha Banks in a memorable match, and now she hopes new talent will get their own unforgettable moment too. Natalya says storytelling is more important than winning Natalya also discussed why good stories matter more than who wins or loses. She recently watched a match between Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace and loved it. She sent them messages to say how much she enjoyed their work. She was especially inspired by Stephanie and wants to work with her in the future. Natalya's Take on Stephanie Vaquer: Ready for Main Roster? | Busted Open WWE NXT Even though Stephanie lost her title a few days later, Natalya said that does not matter. She explained that what makes a match special is not always the result, but the story it tells. 'That's what the great ones can do. The great ones can lose—and it doesn't matter.' Also Read: Natalya teases appearance as WWE EVOLVE prepares to crown first women's champion For Natalya, WWE Evolution 2 should not just be about big names or who wins. It should be about giving new stars a chance and telling stories that fans will remember. She believes that is what makes wrestling truly special.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW President Tony Khan Calls Out WWE Counter Programming
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. AEW Double or Nothing on May 25 featured a ton of excellent matches, including Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter, "Timeless" Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa, and Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Adam Page. However, this wasn't the only professional wrestling event happening that weekend. WWE scheduled both Saturday Night's Main Event and NXT Battleground for 5/24 and 5/25, respectively. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Chelsea Green Gives Update on Brutal Injury This isn't the only occasion WWE has done this. Recently, WWE announced that the next Saturday Night's Main Event and Evolution 2 will be on July 12 and July 13, the same weekend as All In, AEW's biggest show. WWE just announced that... - Saturday Night's Main Event will take place on July 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. - Evolution 2 will take place the next day, July 13, at the same venue.#SNME — EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) May 25, 2025 Naturally, fans and experts have begun recognizing WWE's counterprogramming against AEW. And AEW president and co-founder Tony Khan is calling them out. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: (L-R) CM Punk, President of All Elite Wrestling Tony Khan and Britt Baker, D.M.D. attend TBS's AEW Dynamite Los Angeles Debut After Party at The Forum on June 01, 2022... INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: (L-R) CM Punk, President of All Elite Wrestling Tony Khan and Britt Baker, D.M.D. attend TBS's AEW Dynamite Los Angeles Debut After Party at The Forum on June 01, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Morefor Warner Bros. Discovery During the media scrum for AEW Double or Nothing, Khan was asked about WWE constantly scheduling shows against AEW's biggest events. Khan compared the situation to when Vince McMahon would do the same tactic against Jim Crockett Promotions before it was eventually sold to Ted Turner and became WCW. "It's pretty consistent," Khan said. "I'd say it's the most consistent event head-to-head scheduling I've seen since Jim Crockett Promotions, so a lot of scheduling that went that way. I can tell you, this will go a lot differently than that did." More Pro Wrestling: WWE Hall of Famer Names Real Face of AEW This isn't the only comparison a figure from AEW has shared about WWE recently. AEW star Will Ospreay has controversially stated that when it comes to in-ring work and technical acumen, AEW runs circles around WWE. "Because we smoke them in every field of wrestling," Ospreay said. "Mate, we're just better." "Like, I respect them. I respect every single one of them there, they're all vets, they all know what they're doing, they're great at their job, they understand getting people on their feet, but we are so much more of a better wrestling company than them. Our guys smoke them every single day of the week." They've got good guys like GUNTHER. They've got great guys like Orton. They've got good guys like Chad Gable. I respect all of them. ...But on our worst day, we smoke all of you guys." More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Legendary Wrestling Announcer Jim Ross To Undergo Surgery Bryan Danielson Makes Surprise Wrestling Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus WWE Notes: Bronson Reed Returns, Evolution 2 Officially Announced, More For more AEW, WWE, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Hall of Famer Names Real Face of AEW
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Although Jon Moxley is currently the AEW World Champion, there are plenty of talented wrestlers that could be argued to be the face of the company. This includes the likes of MJF, Swerve Strickland, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, and More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Chelsea Green Gives Update on Brutal Injury However, one WWE Hall of Famer seems to have narrowed down who the true face of AEW really is. Dec. 18, 2024 – Darby Allin executes a Coffin Drop on Will Ospreay during AEW Dynamite. Dec. 18, 2024 – Darby Allin executes a Coffin Drop on Will Ospreay during AEW Dynamite. Lee South/AEW During an episode of Busted Open, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray (Bubba Ray Dudley in WWE) addressed who he thinks is the real face of AEW. "It's Will Ospreay," Bully Ray stated. "Will has stature, that's first of all. Darby doesn't have the same stature. Darby paints up, so he almost looks like a comic book [character] or a cosplayer. Will talked about the way he dresses, relatable dress. The number one thing, the passion in Will's voice, the tone in his voice." In the time that Ospreay has been with AEW, he has had countless matches, including with Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, Ricochet, Kyle Fletcher, and Darby Allin. In addition to being the face of AEW, Bully Ray believes that Ospreay would have thrived in ECW. "You want to hear the most profound thing that I can say about Will Ospreay? Will Ospreay would have survived in ECW, and that's why he should fly the flag for AEW. "There have been so many people who thought they could have survived in ECW. It was my pleasure to tell them to their face you would have gotten eaten up and spit out alive day one. Will would have survived in ECW, I'm talking ECW '93 to '98, OG ECW, real deal ECW." More Pro Wrestling: Aleister Black Breaks Silence On WWE Return While Ospreay is not particularly known for his hardcore style, his in-ring storytelling and high-flying style would fit perfectly alongside the likes of Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Dean Malenko, Yoshihiro Tajiri, and, of course, The Dudley Boyz. Needless to say, Ospreay's talent and determination can seemingly translate to any era. There's no doubt that he will reach the top of AEW sooner rather than later. More Pro Wrestling: Triple H Confirms New PLE for New Orleans After WrestleMania Relocation Bryan Danielson Makes Surprise Wrestling Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus WWE Notes: Bronson Reed Returns, Evolution 2 Officially Announced, More For more AEW, WWE, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Notes: Bronson Reed Returns, Evolution 2 Officially Announced, More
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This past weekend, WWE hosted both Saturday Night's Main Event and NXT Battleground: Tampa. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Naturally, this means the weekend was filled with exciting returns and history-making moments. Let's take a look at the most exciting WWE moments that happened on May 24-25, 2025. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 18: Bronson Reed enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at Van Andel Arena on November 18, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 18: Bronson Reed enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at Van Andel Arena on November 18, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. WWE/Getty Images Bronson Reed Returns From Injury at Saturday Night's Main Event The opening match featured CM Punk and Sami Zayn facing off against Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. After some exciting moments, Rollins and Breakker came out on top with the help of a returning Bronson Reed. Reed has been missing since Survivor Series: WarGames in November 2024, after a Tsunami off a steel cage resulted in a brutal ankle injury that required surgery. Now, it looks like he's back and aligned with Rollins, Breakker, and Paul Heyman. Cody Rhodes Returns, Announces Money in the Bank Match Against John Cena Bronson Reed wasn't the only major return that happened at Saturday Night's Main Event. After defeating R-Truth earlier in the night, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena interfered to help Logan Paul defeat Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, the odds were eventually evened when Cody Rhodes returned to WWE for the first time since losing the WWE Championship to Cena at WrestleMania 41. Now, fans can expect a World Championship-caliber tag team match: Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena and Logan Paul. Evolution 2 PLE Officially Announced During Saturday Night's Main Event, WWE officially announced that the next SNME would take place on July 12 in Atlanta, GA. However, another premium live event was announced for that weekend: Evolution 2. WWE just announced that... - Saturday Night's Main Event will take place on July 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. - Evolution 2 will take place the next day, July 13, at the same venue.#SNME — EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) May 25, 2025 The original Evolution was an all-female PLE from 2018 that is widely considered one of the best in the history of the company. It featured iconic matches like Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair in a Last Man Standing match and Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella. Trick Williams Defeats Joe Hendry, Wins TNA World Championship NXT Battleground continued to prove that WWE's developmental promotion has some of the best talent in the world, with excellent matches throughout. However, one moment still stands out. WWE Superstar Trick Williams successfully defeated TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, meaning Williams is now officially the champion for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. He has also won the NXT Championship twice and the NXT North American Championship once. This marks the first time a wrestler under a WWE contract has won a title in TNA. More Pro Wrestling: Fan-Favorite WWE Superstar Is Set To Return: Report Drew McIntyre Is Taking Leave of Absence From WWE For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Major WWE Dream Match Is In The Works: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Reports suggest WWE is actively planning the return of its all-women's Premium Live Event, Evolution, potentially this summer. The revived Evolution PLE is rumored to be targeted for Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Atlanta. A blockbuster first-time-ever matchup between rising powerhouse Jade Cargill and multi-time champion Charlotte Flair is already being discussed as a potential top attraction for this highly anticipated show. According to WrestleVotes, this dream encounter is being strongly considered for the event. It was also noted that groundwork for such a feud might already be in motion. "While seeds have been planted on TV over the past few weeks, sources indicate plans for Evolution should start to become clearer once Money in the Bank is complete." The proposed Evolution 2 is expected to be part of a significant WWE weekend in Atlanta. This could also include a Saturday Night's Main Event taping in the same city, creating a major showcase. Reports suggest WWE aims for a substantial card regarding the structure of the all-women's PLE. It could feature "upwards of seven, potentially eight matches and a battle royal to make sure everybody makes the card." LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Charlotte Flair (top) and Tiffany Stratton wrestle during their WWE Women's Championship match during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Charlotte Flair (top) and Tiffany Stratton wrestle during their WWE Women's Championship match during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, 2025 in WWE has been impactful since her highly anticipated in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January. She has since been portrayed as a dominant and virtually unstoppable force on the SmackDown brand, racking up victories and establishing her formidable presence. WWE has carefully planned out Cargill's aura, positioning her for big matches. A match against a star of Flair's caliber would represent a significant step in her WWE journey. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Flair began 2025 as one of the premier figures in WWE's women's division. While not capturing a title at WrestleMania 41, she has remained a consistent main event presence, likely engaging in top-tier feuds and championship pursuits on Raw or SmackDown. Following WrestleMania season, Flair has continued to be a pivotal competitor. Her experience and decorated history make her a gatekeeper to the very top of the division and a dream opponent for many. A first-time clash between the explosive power of Jade Cargill and the proven championship pedigree of Charlotte Flair at Evolution 2 would be a monumental encounter. It would serve as a defining moment for Cargill and another historic milestone for Flair on a stage built to celebrate women's wrestling. While WWE has yet to officially confirm the return of Evolution or this specific blockbuster match, the report from WrestleVotes has ignited considerable excitement among fans. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
