The July 8 episode of WWE NXT delivered a high-octane finale as the women’s division descended into chaos, setting the stage for the upcoming Evolution 2025 premium live event. The show, serving as the final build-up to the anticipated all-women’s event, featured a series of intense matchups and culminated in a massive brawl involving top female talent from both NXT and the main roster.
The evening’s matches included Ricky Saints taking on The Vanity Project, Tavion Heights facing Charlie Dempsey, and a tag team bout featuring Joe Hendry and Mike Santana against Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont. In the women’s division, Kelani Jordan battled Lainey Reid, further escalating tensions among the competitors. Another tag team contest saw Hank Walker and Tank Ledger clashing with Shawn Spears and Niko Vance.
The show’s climax featured General Manager Ava, daughter of WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, addressing the NXT representatives for the upcoming Evolution 2 Battle Royal. Ava announced six NXT competitors who would participate in the high-stakes match, with the winner earning a title shot at the upcoming Clash in Paris event on August 31, 2025. This announcement intensified the already simmering rivalries, leading to an all-out brawl among the women’s division stars, demonstrating the high-stakes drama leading into Evolution 2025.
The Evolution 2025 event, scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, marks the return of WWE’s all-women’s premium live event after a seven-year hiatus. The show will feature talent from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, highlighting the depth and talent of WWE’s women’s divisions. Notable matches include the Women’s World Championship bout between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, the WWE Women’s Championship match featuring Tiffany Stratton defending against Trish Stratus, and a Triple Threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship involving Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria.
Additionally, the event will showcase a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, with Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez defending against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, The Kabuki Warriors, and Sol Ruca & Zaria. The NXT Women’s Championship will also be on the line as Jacy Jayne faces Jordynne Grace.
Despite the excitement surrounding Evolution 2025, some female wrestlers have expressed concerns over the event not receiving the anticipated fan response. The presence of other major events around the same time has diverted attention, leading to decreased enthusiasm and lower engagement. Nevertheless, the performers remain committed to delivering a memorable show that honors the legacy of women’s wrestling in WWE.
As the countdown to Evolution 2025 continues, the explosive events of the July 8 NXT episode have undoubtedly heightened anticipation for what promises to be a landmark night in women’s professional wrestling.
