Top 5 iconic Evolution moments in WWE

Evolution is one of the most dominant factions ever created by the WWE. Initially it was scheduled to comprise Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Mark Jindrak, but at the last minute, Dave Batista replaced Jindrak.

It has a combined sum of 49 world titles between the four members. Ric Flair is a record 16-time world champion, Triple H and Randy Orton are trailing behind at 14 and 13 reigns respectively, whereas Batista is a 6-time world champion.

Yesterday, WWE revealed that Evolution would reunite one more time in the 1000th episode of SmackDown on 16 October 2018. Their last return in 2014 was underwhelming as the WWE Universe mildly greeted them.

They lost both their matches against The Shield at Payback and Extreme Rules, and they split a mere two months later, as Batista quit WWE again for his Hollywood career.

With that in mind, here is a look at five of the legendary faction's most iconic moments

---

#5 The past, the present, and the future

The official formation of Evolution

On the 3 February 2003 episode of RAW, Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista, and Ric Flair attacked Tommy Dreamer. Triple H said that in WWE everything evolves, just like in life. The game called Ric Flair an icon, Batista a genetic freak, and Randy Orton the coal that would be squeezed into the next diamond.

Ric Flair was the past, Triple H was the present, Batista and Randy Orton were the future. To represent the transition in the business, Triple H named the faction Evolution.

In 15 years, almost every word said by Triple H became true. Triple H is an icon now, and Randy Orton is still one of the best in the business. Batista had to move to Hollywood, but everyone in the faction evolved.

#4 All winning gold on the same night

Armageddon 2003 ended with Evolution standing tall

Not all factions can boast of holding all the major men's titles of their brand together on the same night, but Evolution can. At Armageddon 2003, Randy Orton challenged Rob Van Dam for his Intercontinental Championship, and Triple H had a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Orton successfully defeated RVD to clinch his maiden title in WWE. Later that night, Batista and Ric Flair were inserted by the General Manager Eric Bischoff into the tag team turmoil match.

They successfully defeated the tired Dudley Boyz to win the tag team championship. In the main event, Evolution got involved and ensured Triple H walked out as the Heavyweight Champion.

The show ended as all four Evolution members celebrated with their titles in their hands.

#3 A WrestleMania moment

Orton scored the pin on Mick Foley at WrestleMania 20

At WrestleMania 20, both Randy Orton and Batista made their WrestleMania debut, teaming up with Ric Flair in a 3-on-2 handicap match against the team of Mick Foley and The Rock. The bout involving two promising proteges and three legends was excellent.

Both Orton and Batista had an excellent showing in the match, and Orton hit the RKO on Mick Foley to score the win for Evolution.

#2 Thumbs down

Evolution turns on Randy Orton

At SummerSlam 2004, Randy Orton defeated Chris Benoit to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, thus becoming the youngest ever World Champion in WWE history at the age of 24.

The next night, The Rabid Wolverine invoked his rematch clause. With a little help from his Evolution team, Randy defeated the challenger again.

Orton's "friends" congratulated him on the victory, and started celebrating. Batista lifted Orton on his shoulders, and Triple H gave him a thumbs up, which slowly turned into a thumbs down. Evolution turned on Randy Orton, and gave him a vicious beat-down, thus ousting him from the faction, and turning him face.

#1 Thumbs down - part 2

Batista turns on Triple H

Even after ousting Orton, Evolution still went on strong. Triple H reclaimed his title from Orton at Unforgiven, and went on to have a lengthy reign. However, Batista slowly wanted to emerge from Triple H's shadow.

At New Years Revolution 2005, the final 3 members in the Elimination Chamber match were Orton, Batista, and Triple H. Orton pinned Batista, however after being eliminated, Batista helped Triple H retain the title.

Batista entered the Royal Rumble 2005 and won it, thus earning a right to challenge either Triple H or JBL for their respective titles at WrestleMania 21.

The Game wanted Batista to challenge JBL, and staged many incidents to develop a feud between The Animal and JBL.

However, on the episode of RAW where Batista had to choose between the two champions, Batista gave a thumbs down to Triple H, reminiscent of Triple H turning on Orton a few months ago. The Animal attacked Triple H, and signed the contract for the World Heavyweight championship - thus weakening Evolution.