WWE Evolution 2018: Analysing and grading each match

WWE RAW Women's Championship Match

Ronda Rousey vs Nikki Bella

Rousey vs Bella!

Match: This one was a bit of a slow starter as you'd expect. Slow and methodical with Rousey playing mind games with Nikki Bella. Bella would show signs of frustration in between being ragdolled by the RAW Women's Champion - but only until Brie Bella had her say and allowed the tides to change. Rousey ate some ringpost thanks to Brie while the referee's back was turned but couldn't captalise.

Ronda Rousey made Nikki Bella look like a viable threat through some nice selling before lifting Nikki Bella AND Brie Bella on her shoulders, slamming both with a HUGE rolling Samoan drop.

TWO Bellas for the price of ONE! #WWEEvolution #RondaRousey #NikkiBella @RondaRousey @BellaTwins pic.twitter.com/jY8fXeyuoh

— WWE (@WWE) October 29, 2018

Rousey would lay out Nikki and make a beeline for Brie, but the champion would then pay for it by running right into an Alabama Slam for a near fall, then eating some ringpost and then the Rack Attack - but Rousey still kicked out at two. Rousey then locked in the Armbar from a unique setup rolling off the top rope to pick up the win and retain her RAW Women's Championship.

Verdict: This match was put in a pretty compromising position in following two outstanding matches - but it still delivered a really fun and entertaining match. Of course, it wasn't match of the night, it was never going to be, but it was a really good end to the pay-per-view and more than met the expectations.

Grade: B

Once #RondaRousey locks in the #Armbar, there's no choice but to TAP... and #NikkiBella just learned that first-hand/arm!#AndStill #WWEEvolution @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/8oRUb4jM4I

— WWE (@WWE) October 29, 2018

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Overall PPV verdict: Well, what a great show! For me, Evolution really surpassed all expectations and provided some incredible moments. A hot crowd throughout, amazing matches and really well paced, timed and ordered. While I think the SmackDown Championship match should have headlined and ended the PPV, I can see why it didn't. No flags here, I'm just glad this event lived up to the hype, and I hope it's only the first and not the last!

Overall PPV grade: A-

What did you think of Evolution? Let us know in the comments.