Don't expect Evolution 2 this year.
WWE made history on October 28, 2018, when they held the first-ever all-women's pay-per-view WWE Evolution. The event was a critical success, with many calling it the best show of the year. Despite the acclaim and fans asking for a sequel in 2019, Stephanie McMahon revealed that Evolution 2 is unlikely to happen this year.
"We did consider it. A lot of our focus has been on having this particular match as a part of this PPV in Saudi Arabia. More to come on Evolution but it's most likely not going to happen in 2019," she told Jonathan Snowden of Bleacher Report.
The match McMahon is referring to is Lacey Evans vs. Natalya, which will be the first-ever women's match in Saudi Arabia at WWE Crown Jewel. The bout was announced early Wednesday morning.
When asked why Natalya and Evans were chosen to make history, McMahon replied, "Natayla is somewhat of a legend in the women's division. She is the veteran. She has been here for so long, been a part of so many of the changes that have happened. When you consider her legacy and family history, it's pretty remarkable. You take Lacey Evans, who is fairly new on the scene but who has not been shy about sharing her perspective on overcoming, especially in her life and the things she's been through. She has a young daughter and she wants to set an example and pave the way not only for her daughter but boys and girls all around the world. That's their personal stories. I can't think of better representatives for WWE. You can go on their social media. They've made some pretty awesome statements. Lacey Evans said 'I never thought I'd have the opportunities to do the things I've done with WWE. Tomorrow I get to show my little girl that hard work can bring you to history-making heights. I'm ready for this.'"
As far as the customs for Lacey and Natalya go, Stephanie revealed that they won't wear their typical WWE attire. While Stephanie didn't go into detail on what they will wear, she did say WWE will be respectful to the Saudi culture. Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss wore full body suits when competing against each other in Abu Dhabi in 2017.
Fightful will have live coverage of WWE Crown Jewel beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct 31.
