In lower than two weeks, WWE will host the second iteration of Evolution, an all-women’s wrestling premium live event emanating from Atlanta, Georgia. The inaugural PLE took place on Long Island back in October 2018, with then-NXT UK Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley featured in a special dark match. Ripley recently reflected on her bout on the 2025 SummerSlam Kickoff, marking it as a private standout moment.
“Truthfully, Evolution 1 was a large history-making event for us women on this industry, and to have a second one, man, we’re just getting began,” Ripley said. “But going out at Evolution 1 and facing against Dakota Kai, and it being for the NXT UK Women’s Championship, it was one in every of the highlights of my profession.
“It’s funny actually, since the day of Evolution 1 was the very same day that I began my wrestling journey in Australia for Riot City Wrestling six years prior,” she continued. “It’s wild how history repeats itself and just the whole lot lines up so perfectly. Your destiny is your destiny. But at once, the ladies’s destiny is Evolution 2. We’re going to take over this company and we’re going to take over that pay-per-view. We’re going to completely kill it.”
Ripley claimed the NXT UK Women’s Championship in August 2018, though her title win aired on a tape delay three months later. As such, WWE doesn’t officially recognize her aforementioned title defense against Dakota Kai as a part of her reign. Still, Ripley holds it near her heart.
As Ripley heads into Evolution 2, she finds herself at odds with The Judgment Day. Meanwhile, Kai is within the midst of a 90-day non-compete clause following her release from the corporate.
When you use any of the quotes in this text, please credit WWE with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.