Ahead of the second instalment of Evolution, a WWE legend has gone on record saying how she would love to face Rhea Ripley in her return.
‘Mami’ already has her hands full at the WWE all-women’s pay-per-view with Ripley scheduled to face Iyo Sky for the women’s world title.
The contest is set as the show’s main event with women’s wrestling legend, Trish Stratus, aiming to dethrone this current generation’s women’s champion, Tiffany Stratton, in the co-main.
Also featured on the card is the Evolution battle royal, where the winner gets a title shot at Clash in Paris on August 31st.
Nikki Bella believes she and Rhea Ripley will create ‘magic’ in dream match
Taking part in that multi-woman battle royal is none other than Nikki Bella, who bridged the gap between the Divas era and the Women’s Revolution.
Now returning to the squared circle, she was asked on Busted Open Radio who is the current star she’d love to face.
She said: “One of my main ones is Rhea Ripley, it feels very similar to how Paige and I were.
“With Rhea it also gives me vibes of Ronda with Brie by my side and I feel like heel Nikki would be so incredible with her because Rhea has layers but I feel like what my character has would bring even more layers out of her stuff that we don’t know yet about ‘Mami’ and everything she is.
“She is someone I always look at, and not only do I think we can create a lot of magic in the ring, but I think the storytelling can be so different, fresh, and fun.”
Bella is set on being a heel for the encounter to bring back the memories of her feud with Paige.
But first, she’ll have to contend with 20 other women for a shot at the women’s world championship and hope the ‘Nightmare’ can get the job done to set up a dream match.
The confirmed entrants in the Evolution 2 battle royal and one potential surprise return
So far, the list of competitors for the match, which honours the same match type as the inaugural event, has 14 confirmed women battling it out.
Mexican sensation Stephanie Vaquer is the favourite going in alongside women’s US champion Giulia.
Joining them is former US title holder Zelina Vega and two established names in Nia Jax and Natalya.
Six NXT names have the opportunity to show out and catch the eye of the WWE universe, as confirmed last night by general manager Ava.
The full list of confirmed entries is as follows:
- Maxxine Dupri
- Ivy Nile
- Lash Legend
- Izzi Dame
- Tatum Paxley
- Kelani Jordan
- Lola Vice
- Jaida Parker
One other name floated as a potential surprise is none other than women’s wrestling royalty Gail Kim, who has not competed in WWE since 2009.
Kim was recently let go from TNA and could now land herself a shock return to the company on Sunday if rumours are to be believed.