Fightful Select has published a report about the internal reactions to the Evolution 2 PLE, which will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, July 13.
Several talents acknowledged the significance of having a second Evolution, but brought up issues with the ending of the first event, specifically the “curtain call”, which is something WWE would have not done for a men’s main event match.
One source noted to Fightful Select, concern that Evolution 2 the could be a struggle due to the Beyoncé concert taking place nearby, as hotel rates are already high as a result.
A top name within WWE questioned all together the timing of Evolution 2, expressing their concern about an already crowned premium live event schedule and further questioning how the event will fit into the overall picture for future events
On the positive side, a respected veteran in the company expressed optimism to Fightful, noting that they hope to see Evolution 2 as a platform for the underutilized women on the roster to display their abilities. They also added how important of mixing the veterans with the younger talent is, as this is a way to elevate the women’s division. However, the same veteran also stressed that for it to be a success, WWE needs to build up the event.
WWE’s roster overall is said to be mostly quiet when it comes to enthusiasm for Evolution 2, which is reportedly due to frustration over the company’s current creative direction for the women and the lack of internal communication pertaining to the initial announcement for the event itself.
The first Evolution pay-per-view event took place back on October 28, 2018, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY and featured women from Raw, SmackDown, NXT and the now defunct NXT UK brand. The garnered an attendance of 10,900. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FS1 aired the event, followed by an all women panel for the Backstage show on the cable network, which was cancelled in January 2021.
Along with Evolution 2, will be two other events that same weekend taking place in Atlanta. The NXT Great American Bash, which airs on Peacock emanates from Center Stage, with a start time 30 minutes prior to AEW’s All In Texas pay-per view, followed by Saturday Night’s Main Event from State Farm Arena, live coast to coast, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on NBC and Peacock.