10 takeaways from WWE Evolution

The Great American Bash, 2005. On one end of the ring stood Torrie Wilson, a former model and ex-girlfriend of Kevin Nash who earned a WCW, and then a WWE contract based solely upon her looks. On the other, a tough enough contestant and former Miss Hawaiian Tropic whose main claim to fame was her split-legged slide into the ring. As a special referee, a former Playboy Playmate. The ultimate goal of the match was not a pinfall or submission, but to strip the opponent down to their underwear.

It was a bra and panties match, and at a pay per view at that. It was also a low point for the portrayal of women in the WWE, where wrestling talent took a clear backseat.

To be fair, the revolution in women's wrestling didn't truly begin in WWE, it began in rival TNA (now Impact Wrestling.) Their Knockouts division pushed wrestling ability over looks, and with ring general Gail Kim as the main star of the division, they proved women's wrestling could be a draw. Other stars, like the Beautiful People and Awesome Kong, helped blaze a trail that WWE would later follow, thanks to Triple H.

When Triple H was put in charge of NXT, the first thing he did caused many to scratch their heads. He started pushing women's wrestling as a serious attraction and not just a side show. Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley all pioneered the division that would later be spearheaded by Asuka. NXT proved that women's wrestling could be just as physical, dramatic, and entertaining as the men.

Now WWE has held its first ever all female PPV, and the reviews have been generally positive. Evolution provides a prophetic glimpse into what is to come not only for the women in WWE, but the entire company itself.

Here are ten takeaways from Evolution.

#1.Old School is back in style.

It's hard for even long time wrestling fans to remember a time before a massive screen was a standard part of all but the smallest indie shows, but at one time such things were unheard of.

The Titantron's main purpose was to display events that were happening outside the ring, so the live audience could participate in real time. However, the presentation of the Evolution show was gloriously old school. The screen was much more discrete and smaller than the usual Titantron, and the focus was on in-ring action rather than backstage shenanigans.

#2. Wrestling action takes center stage.

The WWE is sometimes criticized for having more interviews, backstage stunts, and dramatic or comedic elements rather than a lot of in-ring action. However, if Evolution is any indication of what's to come when Triple H begins booking the main roster--and we're betting it is--fans can look forward to a delightful return to an emphasis on wrestling.

There have been several times when the pro wrestling industry has unwisely tried to veer away from wrestling. In the late days of WCW, Eric Bischoff was seriously considering a move that would eliminate wrestling rings entirely, and have nothing but brawls. He wanted WCW to be like a 'millionaire's fight club' and escape the many tropes and conventions of pro wrestling.

As we all know, this didn't work out very well. Vince McMahon once tried to move in a direction of more skits and comedy than actual wrestling, such as featuring effigies of political figures Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The fans rejected such segments, even chanting 'we want wrestling' much to the boss's chagrin.

Evolution's action almost entirely took place in or around the ring, a big contrast to the previous sports entertainment vision.

#3. Legends never die.

Trish Stratus was originally hired simply for her looks. The former fitness model surprised everyone at WWE when she announced her intention to become an in-ring performer.

Aided by her athleticism, but mostly by her sheer determination and pride as a performer, Trish pushed herself beyond a simple bra and panties grappler. She often credits veteran performer Ivory with helping to make her into a complete wrestler.

Lita struggled to get noticed for her wrestling ability in an era where women were little more than window dressing or prizes to be defended or won. Relegated to the role of a manger in ECW, she eventually signed with WWE where she amazed fans with her ability to pull off picture-perfect moonsaults, even from the top rope to the arena floor.

Both women were greeted with much fanfare by the live crowed, who were clearly thrilled to have the two legends back in the ring. Look for legends to become a bigger part of WWE shows, and not just in the women's division.

#4. Riott Squad is here to stay.

When Riott Squad first came together, many pro wrestling critics and fans alike believed it was doomed to fail. After all, the three singles stars were seemingly thrown together without much in common between them

Of course, the same thing was said about the New Day, and that became a worldwide phenomenon. Riott Squad seems to have weathered some growing pains and now the three women exhibit genuine chemistry as a group. What's interesting is the way they've subtly morphed characters to match each other better.

Liv Morgan has become more edgy, Sarah Logan comes off less as a redneck and more of a street urchin, and Ruby Riott herself seems more expressive and emotive, as if Liv Morgan were rubbing off on her. The group has even outlived the Raw brand version of their stable, Absolution.

Though they suffered a loss at Evolution, it was in one of the hottest matches of the night against arguably the three top babyfaces on the Raw brand's women's division who are not named Ronda Rousey.

#5. Jim Neidhart is looking down with pride on Natalya.

It is the hope of any parent that their children will someday not only live up to their example, but actually supersede them.

Clearly, Jim Neidhart can look down from the heavens upon his daughter Natalya and feel some of that pride. Jim was a high school and collegiate standout athlete, a power lifter and body builder who caught the eye of promoter Stu Hart.

Neidhart survived the infamous "Hart Dungeon", a place where the dreams of being a wrestler either came to fruition or were ground to dust. He persevered, and also found himself married to one of Hart's daughters.

Natalya has royalty in her blood from a wrestling standpoint. Her grandfather was a legendary wrestler and promoter, as was her father, and her Uncle is Bret "The Hitman" Hart. But here's the thing that a lot of people may not want to admit, not even Natalya herself; She's a better wrestler than all of them.

Her performance at Evolution, including a powerbomb in homage to her father, a Hart Attack performed with Banks, and a double sharpshooter all served to illustrate she exists as a bridge between the past and the future of wrestling. And Jim Neidhart, wherever he's watching from, couldn't be more proud.

#6. Bayley and Sasha are the best Frenemies ever.

The 'friends who are sort of enemies' trope has been used in wrestling before. Batista and Eddie Guerrero got a lot of mileage out of it prior to Eddie turning full on face, for example.

It has also been run into the ground. Lex Luger and Sting are a great example of how not to do the frenemies trope. Lex turned on Sting at least six different times during their association, and often little explanation was given as to why they reconciled afterward other than booking convenience. WWE announcers even poked fun at the situation, claiming Luger had stabbed Sting in the back 'over a hundred times.'

With Bayley and Sasha, however, the tenuous yet compelling relationship continues to unfold. The Riott Squad even sought to exploit their familial tension, by knocking them into each other during the match.

What the duo proved is that they could write an exciting chapter in their frenemies story without giving too much away and keep the fans thirsty for more. Speculation will continue whether they will turn on each other and become full-fledged rivals, and just which one will be the 'evil' one.

#7. Ronda Rousey gets better with every match.

Ronda Rousey is far from the fist MMA fighter to make the switch to the squared circle. Men like Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn made the transition years ago, much for the same reason as Rousey.

Pro wrestling allows the MMA fighters to employ their unique skillset and make a good living while they're at it. While pro wrestling is athletics and therefore does wear and tear down the body, it is still much safer than an MMA bout where any blow to the head might mean the end of the fighter's career--or worse.

Many critics believed that Rousey was only 'running away' from the UFC because she'd been defeated, and would never put her all into being a pro wrestler. However, those fans of Rousey who have been paying attention to her entire career realize she has always loved pro wrestling. She had a particular affection for, and later connection with, Rowdy Roddy Piper, who was a childhood hero.

Everyone figured Rousey would be able to handle the physical aspect of wrestling; After all, she is an Olympic level athlete and a world class fighter. Her ability to resonate with the fans, however, is quite unexpected and a pleasant surprise for WWE. Rousey gets smoother performances every match, but she already has her character down pat.

#8. Nia Jax will continue to dominate

The twenty woman over the top rope battle royal did not disappoint, and provided many exciting and nostalgic moments for the fans.

While it was a treat to see Madusa aka Alundra Blayze in a WWE ring again--especially considering what happened during the Monday Night War--it was obvious that the story being told was all about Nia Jax.

To be fair, there was a lot going on in the battle royal. For one, Ivory looked sharp and crisp during her performance, and we hope that she ends up getting a Legends contract because she obviously can still wrestle at a high level. Michelle McCool may have been the first Divas champion, but with so many talented performers in the ring, she sort of faded into the background.

One of the highlights of the match was Tamina facing off with Nia, who of course managed to eliminate the other Samoan because it was her night. Tamina looks to be working at a much more natural weight for herself and moves much better in the ring than she has in years.

But it was the press slam of Zelina Vega over the top rope that really cemented the idea that Nia was literally on top of the world. With the win, she earns a future title shot, and we're betting that Ronda Rousey better be worried.

#9. Toni Storm is the future of the women's division.

Though still in her twenties, Toni Storm has already accomplished a great deal in the wresting industry.

She won two brutal international tournaments in the same year, a feat few other wrestlers male or female have accomplished. One of those Tournaments was the Stardom Grand Prix, and is of particular note because she is the first gaijin (westerner) to be crowned victor.

The Japanese take their "Puroressu" very, very seriously. For Storm to have made such an impression on the fans and promoters speaks volumes to her work ethic and toughness. Indeed, during one tournament in the far east she was dropped during a suplex off the apron spot and wound up with nasty bruises on her thighs. She continued the week long event despite being in constant pain.

When Toni Storm won the Mae Young Classic II, she sent a statement not only to the women's locker room, but to the entire world. There's a Storm coming, and you'd better take shelter!

#10. Charlotte and Becky Lynch might be the best wrestlers in WWE.

Far be it from me to impugn my journalistic integrity by telling readers to go subscribe to WWE network just for the Evolution main event of Charlotte vs. Becky. Instead, I will say you should find some way to get your eyeballs on it, such as watching at a friend's house, because if you are a true wrestling fan it is absolutely cannot miss action.

For some time, fans and wrestling critics alike have made it clear they think Becky Lynch was being underutilized on the main roster. Those gripes should be a thing of the past, now, because Becky Lynch has made her mark at possibly the most significant event in women's wrestling history.

Their contest unfolded much like one of the technical, yet brutal affairs in ECW between men like Taz, RVD, and Jerry Lynn. Fans of hardcore wrestling were thrilled at the utter destruction both women waged upon each other, while more traditionalists could still find a lot to be happy about.

Bottom line; Charlotte and Becky raised the bar not just for the women's division in WWE, but for ALL wrestlers of both sexes all over the world.

There you have it; Ten takeaways from WWE Evolution. Questions or comments? Please leave them below and thanks for reading!