WWE Evolution Predictions

Veteran NFL writer and Pat McAfee Show correspondent Mark Kaboly gives his predictions for Evolution (7 ET/4 PT) being held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday and airing live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.

Women’s World Champion IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley

You might call it gutsy for IYO SKY to pick Rhea Ripley as her challenger for the Women’s World Championship at WWE Evolution. Others might view it as crazy. I’m leaning more to the latter than the former, especially with SummerSlam less than a month away. SKY and Ripley are arguably the best two in-ring performers in the company despite having differing styles. But who will win? SKY has recently had Ripley’s number when it’s matter the most, as SKY took the title from Ripley a month before WrestleMania 41 and put together a successful defense in a Triple Threat at The Show of Shows. Ripley held the title for only 56 days over the past 15 months, or after her more-than-year run, which can’t be overlooked as well as the powerful take-home statement from The Eradicator at last week’s Raw: “I just want you to know, what happens at WWE Evolution is what you wanted.” That doesn’t bode well for IYO SKY.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley defeats IYO SKY

Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

This Triple Threat Match screams that a title change is in order without The Man losing the match. This contest makes all the sense in the world and has a nice build-up with each having beef with one another. Nothing is more interesting than the yet-to-be-dealt-with betrayal of Bayley by the titleholder to sneak her way into WrestleMania 41. It might be too early for Lynch to lose the title, but that might be the only thing saving her. Since the Women’s Intercontinental Title was introduced, Valkyria and Lynch have held it. That’s enough for me to think we’re headed for a new champion.

Prediction: Bayley defeats Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch

Jade Cargill vs. Naomi – No Holds Barred Match

When you attach a stipulation to a match, especially a No Holds Barred Match, you better live up to the billing. We already know that Cargill and Naomi don’t like each other, going back to when Naomi threw Cargill off a loading dock and through a windshield last fall. What makes this interesting is that you have the 2025 Queen of the Ring vs. the 2025 Ms. Money in the Bank. One is guaranteed a title match at SummerSlam, and the other has a prime opportunity to become a champion when she cashes in her contract. This might not be the last time we see these two against each other. Also, if any match can have shenanigans that determine the winner, this is the match.

Prediction: Jade Cargill defeats Naomi

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs Trish Stratus

Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus tagged with each other earlier in the year, but with the two now set to have a title match at WWE Evolution, it just might be the most anticipated match of the night, even if the outcome seems apparent. There is no way Trish Stratus beats Stratton, especially this close to SummerSlam, but it is still one of the must-see matches of the night. It’s a nice twist to have a WWE Hall of Famer in the ring at the same time as an up-and-comer, and that’s what we have here.

Prediction: Tiffany Stratton defeats Trish Stratus.

Women’s Battle Royal

Anything can happen in a Battle Royal, and with a title opportunity at WWE Clash in Paris on the line, everything is on the table. We don’t know all the participants, as some Legends could compete. I’d love to see Natalya win it, Nikki Bella could win it, Chelsea Green needs to win it, and Nia Jax is the favorite, but …

Prediction: Stephanie Vaquer will win the Women’s Battle Royal

WWE Women’s World Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Kabuki Warriors vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria

You can make an argument for any of the four teams to come away with the tag title. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss may have the most talented team, but the NXT group of Sol Ruca and Zaria aren’t far behind. And what are we talking about here with The Kabuki Warriors – maybe the best women’s tag of all time? Asuka and Kairi Sane were just put together again last week and could quickly return to their dominance. While Perez and Rodriguez have to be the favorite to win, the upside with The Kabuki Warriors is just too good.

Prediction: The Kabuki Warriors win the Fatal 4-Way.

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne vs. Jordynne Grace

It’s a nice twist to have a NXT Women’s Championship Match on a WWE PLE, something that’s much deserving, perhaps as deserving as Jordynne Grace taking home the title. Grace had already had a small taste of the main roster when she took part in the 2025 Royal Rumble. Now, it’s time for her take that next step. It can’t be understated what Grace had to do to get to this point with a win over Lola Vice at during the WWE Evolution Eliminator Match and then winning a Fatal 4-Way over Izzi Dame, Jaida Parker and Lash Legend. Even though Grace worked for this opportunity, it sure feels like a foregone conclusion that Jayne retains, even if Blake Monroe is there to potentially throw a wrench in all of us. Heck, I am confusing myself now. Translation: Anything can happen.

Prediction: Jordynne Grace def. Jace Jayne