Who Could Be the Favorite to Win the Women’s Battle Royale at Evolution?
The second annual all-women’s premium live event, Evolution, is coming this Sunday, and WWE fans couldn’t be more excited to see these talented women showcase their amazing talent. WWE’s ground-shifting premium live event has five championships being defended, a no-holds-barred match, and a battle royale, with the winner earning a championship opportunity on August 31st at the Clash in Paris premium live event. Thus far, 15 participants have been listed for the battle royale, and the field already has some early favorites. With former champions in the mix as well as women looking to make their stride to a title opportunity and six NXT participants that were announced in the July 8th episode, it’s truly anyone’s opportunity to shock the world. Who could be the favorite to win the women’s battle royale at Evolution? Here’s a take on who could earn a title opportunity in Paris.
Stephanie Vaquer
Since arriving in NXT a year ago, ‘La Primera’ Stephanie Vaquer has made an immediate impact, becoming the first women’s double champion in NXT by defeating Fallon Henley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship and Giulia for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Roadblock. She qualified for the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match during her debut on Monday Night Raw, and even though she didn’t win the briefcase, Vaquer put the whole world on notice. However, since then, ‘La Primera’ has not seen much screen time on Raw. She appeared on the July 8th episode of NXT, talking about the battle royale, but there hasn’t been a true storyline on the main roster for her to play out just yet. Winning the battle royale at Evolution would immediately put her in the title picture against either Iyo Sky or Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship. Even if she doesn’t win the title at Clash in Paris, giving Vaquer the platform to perform is all she needs to show the world she’s a cornerstone for the future of the women’s division.
Nikki Bella
Many WWE fans won’t like this choice, yet it needs to be considered. Nikki Bella showed up on Monday Night Raw back on June 9th and immediately feuded with Liv Morgan. Now, with Morgan legitimately hurt, WWE had to scrap their plans between Morgan and Bella. On the July 7th episode of Raw, the former Divas Champion cut a promo announcing her entry into the battle royale. Without a timetable for Morgan’s injury, it’s unclear when this feud will continue once again. Yet, Bella, to everyone’s dismay, could pull off a major upset and challenge for the Women’s World Championship, which would put her career right where it left off. As a Hall of Famer and two-time Divas Champion, she has the capabilities to boost herself right back into the title hunt.
Nia Jax
This might be another option WWE fans do not want to consider. Besides Lash Legend, the ‘Irresistible Force’ Nia Jax will be the biggest woman in the ring at nearly 270 pounds. It’s going to take a lot of work or a ton of effort for these women to throw Jax over the top rope. Since losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Tiffany Stratton, who cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase, the ‘Irresistible Force’ has been forcing her way back into the title picture. Stratton does have a match at Evolution for the title against Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. While Stratton could most likely retain, there’s a chance either Stratus could pull off a stunning upset, or Naomi could cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase. With a new champion, Jax could put herself right back in the chase for the championship she dominated the competition with. The former Queen of the Ring could easily eliminate several contenders just due to her size and strength. I wouldn’t call her the unanimous favorite, but she’s easily in the hunt to be one of the favorites heading into Evolution.
Jaida Parker
While I personally do not think any of the six participants from NXT will win the battle royale, if I had to pick one, it would be Jaida Parker. Miss Parker has done so much within NXT without even holding a title. Over the past year, she’s been in several title matches, appeared at this past Royal Rumble, and is looking to make the next steps in her career. While Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, or even Lash Legend could be a favorite from NXT, I believe Parker has the flair, the promo skills, and the in-ring capabilities to reach that next level first. However, I would consider Vaquer, Bella, or Jax as a favorite before reaching down in the bag from someone in NXT.
