With the second all-women’s Evolution premium live event just over a week away, a new report suggests that many of the female talents involved are upset, fearing the show is being deliberately positioned to fail. The concern, according to veteran wrestling personality Hugo Savinovich, is that if the event is not a financial success, the blame will be placed squarely on the women themselves.
During a broadcast on Lucha Libre Online, Savinovich detailed the growing frustration among the talent regarding the July 13 show. He noted a feeling of neglect from company leadership, including Triple H, despite public statements supporting the women’s division.
“Now, let’s talk about something serious—the event Evolution 2, happening next week. It’s the second all-women’s card in WWE’s history. Many of the wrestlers—if not all—are upset with WWE and especially Triple H. They feel they were placed in an event that’s not receiving proper support.”
A significant source of this anxiety is the event’s scheduling. Evolution 2 takes place in Atlanta during a weekend packed with major competing events. Not only is WWE holding its own Saturday Night’s Main Event and NXT The Great American Bash in the same city, but a Beyoncé concert is scheduled for the same night at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Savinovich also mentioned competition from AEW’s All In event. This intense competition has led talent to feel they are being put in an impossible situation.
The core fear is that a poor showing at the gate will be used as justification against future all-women events. The talent worries the company will hold them responsible for not drawing a sufficient crowd, despite the challenging circumstances.
“And if the event fails, —it feels like things are being held back—then they fear they’ll be blamed. In other words: “It’s your fault. You didn’t draw. If the show fails financially, the narrative will be: ‘See? We never should’ve done a second Evolution. You can’t draw.’ So there’s a feeling that this was done on purpose—to make sure nobody can say WWE isn’t giving women a chance, while still setting them up for failure.”
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The wrestlers reportedly see a disparity in how Evolution is being handled compared to other WWE productions that same weekend. Saturday Night’s Main Event, for example, is being promoted with major attractions like Goldberg’s final match, making it feel more “protected” by the company.
“The wrestlers believe the love, attention, and strategy weren’t put into this event. Other cards are ‘protected,’ but Evolution 2 has been left ‘out in the cold.’ Again, this isn’t Hugo or Lucha Libre Online making things up. This is how many of the wrestlers themselves feel. I won’t say all of them, but if I said most, I wouldn’t be exaggerating.”
Despite the backstage concerns, the on-paper card for Evolution features several high-profile championship matches. The lineup includes IYO SKY defending the Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, and a triple threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship between Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria.
As the historic event approaches, the women of WWE are reportedly hoping for success against a backdrop of internal apprehension and external pressures.
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