WWE 'Evolution 2025' Predictions: Rhea Ripley on Top Again?
WWE "Evolution 2025" takes place on Sunday, and Athlon Sports has predictions for the all-women's PLE.
This will be the second "Evolution" card to date. The first event took place back in 2018, and it was headlined by a world title match between Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella. Barring a surprise, Rousey won't be appearing at "Evolution" this go-around, but Bella will be in action.
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The marquee match for Sunday's event will be contested for the WWE Women's World Championship. Titleholder Iyo Sky will look to score yet another victory over Rhea Ripley, who some feel is destined to walk into "SummerSlam" as the top female champion of the "Raw" brand.
That won't be the only world title at stake at "Evolution." WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton will share the ring with Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. The winner of this match will defend "SmackDown's" richest female prize against Jade Cargill at WWE's biggest show of the summer.
Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley - for the WWE Women's World Championship
Iyo Sky calls for a title match against Rhea Ripley at WWE 'Evolution 2025."(via WWE)
Ripley started off 2025 by capturing the WWE Women's World Championship from Liv Morgan. She only held onto the title for 56 days, as she was pinned by Sky at the conclusion of the March 3 episode of "Monday Night Raw." Ripley had a chance to avenge the loss in a triple threat match that also involved Bianca Belair at "WrestleMania 41," but Sky retained the gold.
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Sky has gotten the better of "Mami" so far this year, but I think the tide will turn on Sunday. Ripley is one of WWE's big stars, and the company will likely want her to be a world champion again going into "SummerSlam." Things have been relatively quiet for Sky ever since "WrestleMania," and through no fault of her own.
I'm not sure what the plan for Sky is at "SummerSlam" if she loses her title on Sunday, but I think the bigger play is for Ripley's plans during the two-night spectacle.
Prediction: Rhea Ripley
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus - for the WWE Women's Championship
Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton on WWE 'SmackDown.'(via WWE)
Of all the matches scheduled for "Evolution," this one is thought to be the easiest to predict. Stratton has a date with Cargill waiting for her at one of WWE's biggest annual PLEs. It's a matchup between two young, popular stars who are being promoted heavily on "Friday Night SmackDown."
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Stratus is a big name of the past who has had her bright spots since breaking from her initial retirement. She will be used as a big attraction to put Stratton over, as WWE gears up for "Tiffy Time" to meet Cargill in a battle of two top female babyfaces.
Prediction: Tiffany Stratton
Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Jordynne Grace - for the WWE NXT Women's Championship
Jacy Jayne and Jordynne Grace have an in-ring segment on "NXT."(via WWE)
Jordynne Grace gets another crack at "NXT" gold when she meets Jacy Jayne on Sunday. I think the result boils down to whether or not WWE feels the need to give Grace a short run with the NXT Women's Championship before sending her to the main roster.
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Grace would probably be better off contributing to "Raw" or "SmackDown" given her experience. WWE crowds have also grown accustomed to seeing the former TNA Knockouts Champion, so the adjustment period when transitioning to the main roster shouldn't be a daunting task.
Expect Jayne to get some help from Fatal Influence to thwart Grace and move on to a showdown with Blake Monroe.
Prediction: Jacy Jayne
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria - for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
Lyra Valkyria stands tall over Becky Lynch and Bayley.(via WWE)
Lynch initially believed that Bayley and Valkyria were conspiring against her, but she may have caused a split in their friendship. Valkyria inadvertently cost Bayley a chance to win the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship for the first time. Bayley and Valkyria then fought to a draw in a No. 1 contender match, which led to the triple threat.
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I don't think this is the event to have Lynch drop her title. Much like Ripley, having someone with star power holding gold going into 'SummerSlam' is likely the plan. Whether Bayley will continue her quest to get revenge on Lynch for keeping her off the 'WrestleMania' card or if WWE has someone else in mind for 'The Man' remains to be seen.
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Battle Royal
Participants in the battle royal at WWE "Evolution 2025" brawl.(via WWE)
It's easy to see why Stephanie Vaquer is a big favorite to win this match, but my question is, does WWE want to give Vaquer a world title shot only a few months into her main roster run? It's clear that 'La Primera' has the skills, experience, and growing popularity to take her to the top. Is WWE prepared to book Vaquer vs. Ripley as soon as 'Clash in Paris?'
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A wild card in the battle royal is Nikki Bella. She resurfaced on WWE TV to start a program with Liv Morgan. Due to Morgan's injury, Bella has moved on to the battle royal. Seeing the former 'Total Divas' star get planted in the ring with no follow-up due to unforeseen circumstances and then lose in a battle royal would feel rather underwhelming for Bella's return to action.
Vaquer may be the popular pick, but I say WWE holds off on giving her a date with Ripley for now.
Prediction: Nikki Bella
Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
Jade Cargill delivers a pump kick to Naomi during an episode of WWE "SmackDown."(via WWE)
I think it would be a mistake to assume that Naomi wins here because she already took a pinfall loss to Jade Cargill at 'WrestleMania.' Cargill has a guaranteed shot at the WWE Women's Championship against the winner of Stratton vs. Stratus. I don't think WWE will want to send Cargill into her big title match coming off a loss to her fierce rival.
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Naomi will get the better of Cargill one day, but I think WWE will hold that off for a future MITB cash-in.
Prediction: Jade Cargill
Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair vs. The Kabuki Warriors vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria
The Kabuki Warriors take out Roxanne Perez on WWE "Monday Night Raw."(via WWE)
I don't see a title change happening here. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair are still working through some trust issues. It's unknown whether or not The Kabuki Warriors reunion will be short-lived. Sol Ruca and Zaria could be major players on the main roster one day, but it's far too soon for them to snag a major championship.
I think Rodriguez and Perez are holding onto the gold at least until 'SummerSlam' weekend.
Prediction: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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