WWE Evolution 2018 results: Ronda Rousey retains, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair steal the show

Brian Fritz

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WWE Evolution 2018 results: Ronda Rousey retains, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair steal the show image

Ronda Rousey may have closed out the show but it was Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair who grabbed the headlines on this night.

It was a historic night for WWE as it presented Evolution — the first all-women's WWE pay-per-view — from NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Coliseum Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. 

Another first on the night was Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair squaring off in the first-ever WWE Last Woman Standing Match for the "SmackDown" Women's Championship in what turned out to be a hellacious match. The two women pummeled each other in an incredible performance that ended with Flair unable to answer the ten-count and Lynch retaining the title. 

This wasn't just the match of the night; this was the best women's match in years and one of the best WWE matches of the year. 

Elsewhere, Ronda Rousey had to battle not one but two Bellas to keep the "RAW" Women's Championship while the NXT Championship changed hands. 

Sporting News had all the WWE Evolution 2018 coverage you needed with a live blog that you can check out below.

(All times Eastern.)

WWE Evolution 2018 live updates

10:22 p.m.: Before the show ends, we get this from backstage.

And then all of the women's pose on the top of the stage. 

Ronda Rousey beats Nikki Bella to remain "RAW" Women's Championship

10:20 p.m. FINISH: Nikki hits her finisher but Ronda kicks out. Nikki is begging the ref and having a hissy fit. Here comes Ronda as she slams Nikki off the top rope, slaps on the armbar and makes Nikki tap out. 

Not a bad match. It went longer than it should have gone with Brie involved in it throughout trying to help her sister get the win. 

10:16 p.m.: It's all Ronda now as she's tossing Nikki around the ring and to the floor. Brie again hits Ronda behind the ref but Ronda shakes it up and throws Brie over the announcer's table. She goes back to the ring and Nikki hits an Alabama Slam but Rousey kicks out. 

10:12 p.m.: Brie keeps interfering but Ronda is fighting back. The champ goes to the top rope and dives for a big crossbody but Nikki moves out of the way. Ronda gets in control and stacks up Nikki and an interfering Brie on her shoulders before tossing them aside. Nikki looks really banged up and has a big welt on her left leg.

10:08 p.m.: Nikki's time to mock Ronda.

10:06 p.m.: Ronda with another throw and Nikki goes to the outside. Ronda follows and gets distracted by Brie with Nikki tossing her into the post. Then Brie tosses her face-first into the post again while Nikki distracts the referee. Twin power!

10:03 p.m.: Ronda opens the match with a Judo throw and mocks Nikki, somewhat helping her up. Then she does another one and is mocking her on the mat again. Nikki is a bit frustrated.

9:58 p.m.: Main event time. Like I said before — good luck following that last match which was hellacious and probably the best women's match in a few years and one of the best WWE matches of the year. 

Becky Lynch defeats Charlotte Flair to retain the "SmackDown" Women's Championship in a Last Woman Standing Match

9:50 p.m. FINISH: Charlotte puts Becky on a table outside the ring and climbs to the top rope for a moonsault but Becky recovers and powerbombs Charlotte through the table. She tries to get to her feet but she's in too much pain and Becky retains the title. Awesome, physical war between these two. Good luck following this match. How did this not go on last?

9:47 p.m.: Becky buries Charlotte under a pile of chairs and barely beats the 10 count. Now, she's angry. Really angry. She grabs the Kendo stick and is smashing Becky with it.

9:44 p.m.: Becky has had enough and is limping through the crowd with her title but Charlotte runs her down and delivers some chops. They're fighting amongst the fans before taking it back to ringside. where Charlotte bounces Becky's face off one of the announcer's tables. Charlotte gets another ladder and sets it up outside the ring but it backfires as Becky puts her through the announcer's table with a huge legdrop off the ladder. These women are killing one another and Charlotte somehow breaks the count.

9:39 p.m.: Now there's a ladder in the ring and Becky slams Charlotte onto it. Charlotte recovers and goes to work on Becky's leg using the ladder. She puts Becky's leg through the ladder and locks in the Figure 8 as the champion taps but there's nothing the referee can do as this is a Last Woman Standing match. Finally, Becky gets a chair and hits Charlotte in the leg to break the hold.

9:37 p.m.: Charlotte was determined to put Becky through a table.

9:36 p.m.: Charlotte goes for the moonsault off the top rope to put Becky through the table but she overshoots and barely catches her.

9:34 p.m.: And now it's Becky sending Charlotte hard into the chairs.

9:31 p.m.: Becky puts the chairs in the ring into a big pile as Charlotte struggles to get to her feet. She finally does, reverses a suplex and drops Becky hard into the chairs.

9:28 p.m.: The two woman are on opposite sides of the ring tossing chairs into the ring. Charlotte pulls out a table but Becky runs around and clobbers her. This is getting really physical.

9:26 p.m.: Anything goes in this match as Becky gets a Kendo stick and is going to town on Charlotte. 

9:24 p.m.: Charlotte with a strut but Becky comes back and does a mock strut over her opponent. Then, Charlotte comes back with a couple of boots to the face. Dueling chants in the crowd who are totally into this one.

9:20 p.m.: The crowd is firmly being Becky, chanting her name and cheering wildly for her.

9:15 p.m.: This is another first from WWE with it being the first time two women have competed in a Last Woman Standing match. Becky and Charlotte have arguably the best ongoing feud in the WWE with so many fans getting behind Becky despite the fact that she's supposed to be the heel between the two. It's her time and she has stepped up in a huge way.

Shayna Baszler beats Kairi Sane for the NXT Women's Championship

9:09 p.m. FINISH: Baszler gets tossed into the front row where some NXT stars are sitting including her friends Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, members of the Four Horsewomen. The referee isn't looking as Jessamyn Duke goes after Sane but gets smacked in the face. Minutes later, Shafir gets to ringside and kicks Sane in the face. Sane falls backward into Baszler, who puts her into a rear choke and she passes out. Baszler regains the championship and becomes the first woman to become a 2-time NXT Women's Champion.

Strong match and you have to wonder if this means we'll see the Four Horsewomen of MMA officially band together in NXT and maybe in WWE.

9:06 p.m.: Sane is in control and was about to go to the top rope but Baszler cuts her off. She then was holding her by her "injured" arm and drops her to the floor. The crowd is starting to get into this more. Sane went up top for the elbow but Baszler rolls outside the ring so Sane connects with a huge dive.

9:03 p.m.: Don't give up on the champ!

9:00 p.m.: Baszler bends Sane's arm backward into an awkward position and stomps on her hand. The challenger is targeting her arm and hand.

8:57 p.m.: Baszler has amazing ring presence and has taken so well to pro wrestling. But early on, it's Sane taking the fight to Shayna until she gets tossed into the ring steps.

8:50 p.m.: Another match that could steal the show. Only three matches left on the show so this may get some time. 

Natalya, Sasha Banks and Bayley defeat The Riott Squad

8:46 p.m. FINISH: Natalya with a power bomb on  Liv Morgan with Bayley following up with a big elbow off the top rope. Sasha, with a salute to Eddie Guerrero, lands a frogsplash and picks up the win.

Good match that was a step above what we typically see on "RAW". 

8:44 p.m.: Finally, Natalya gets tagged in and she slaps on a double Sharpshooter.

8:42 p.m.: The Riott Squad is keeping Sasha in the ring but can't get the win. Then Bayley takes the bullet to save her former/current BFF.

8:40 p.m.: Sasha went for a diving flip but didn't seem to get enough speed and clumsily went over the rope and landed on the apron. The Riott Squad picked Sasha up and tossed her hard into the barricade, which looks to be metal guardrail covered by a tarp than the usual barricade. Yikes.

8:37 p.m.: Bayley finally gets to the corner and tags in Sasha, who clears house and lands double knees off the top rope onto Ruby Riott. Bayley tags back in and hits a Bayley to Bayley suplex on Riott but Liv Morgan makes the save.

8:32 p.m.: Bayley was in control early but went for a drop kick from outside the ring into the corner and missed. Time for the Riott Squad to go on offense.

8:29 p.m.: Six women tag team action up next. 

8:26 p.m.: So, WWE aired a video package for Crown Jewel, the show in Saudi Arabia where women are not allowed, on Evolution, the first ever all-women's PPV. OK...

Toni Storm beats Io Shirai in the finals of the 2018 Mae Young Classic

8:20 p.m. FINISH: Shirai goes for a moonsault but Storm gets her knees up to block it. Storm Zero and it's all over - Toni Storm wins the 2018 Mae Young Classic.

A really good match between the two although it was a bit short and the crowd was sitting on their hands for a part of it which is a shame. Afterward, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and (NXT trainer) Sara Amato present both Storm and Shirai with roses. Storm is all smiles with flowers and her trophy.

8:17 p.m.: Huge clothesline by Storm and she hits Storm Zero but Shirai kicks out! This match will continue and she hits a huge springboard sunset flip and nearly get the pin.

8:13 p.m.: The action is picking up now with Storm delivering a German suplex and Shirai coming back a few minutes later with a moonsault off the top rope to the floor onto Storm.

8:10 p.m.: Good mat wrestling between the two so far with Storm connecting on a low drop kick. Then Shirai with a backflip followed by a drop kick of her own. Nice action.

8:07 p.m.: The winner of this match gets bragging rights and a big, shiny trophy!

8:05 p.m.: Don't sleep on this match as it might be the best of the night. Let's see how much time they get as it could steal the show.

Nia Jax wins the Battle Royal to get a future women's title shot

7:56 p.m. FINISH: Wait, Zelina Vega is still in this match. She tries to eliminate both Nia and Ember but she can't and Nia ends up press slamming her over the top rope to the floor. Zelina is out. Ember is hitting Nia with clotheslines but then Nia plants her in the middle of the ring and tosses her over the top rope for the win.

A lot going on this match and there weren't many extended sequences but they didn't really have time for that either with all of the women starting in the ring.

After the match, Nia is interviewed in the ring and with tears in her eyes, she says she is ready to challenge for the "RAW" Women's Championship. She adds that she whoever wins between Ronda Rousey and Nikka Bella later tonight better be ready for her.

7:54 p.m.: Ember eliminates Tamina. We're down to Ember and Nia Jax as the final two.

7:53 p.m.: Ember Moon and Asuka square off for a few minutes and Ember gets the better of it, ending with Asuka being eliminated. Three left.

7:51 p.m.: Carmella is out so we're down to five - Ivory, Asuka, Nia Jax, Tamina, and Ember Moon. And just like that, Ivory is out.

7:50 p.m.: More eliminations with Lana, Maria Kanellis and Michelle McCool all out. And then Nia Jax with a huge back drop onto Noami who goes high over the top rope to the floor.

7:49 p.m.: Nia Jax and Tamina are teaming up and cleaning house with Lana begging them to be nice and not fight. And then a huge eight-woman suplex. Carmella decides its time for a dance break and Ivory joins her. Mandy Rose then tries to eliminate Ivory but it's Carmella who ditches Mandy from the ring.

7:47 p.m.: Alunda Blayze is out.

7:45 p.m.: More teamwork from Sonya and Mandy as they eliminate Torrie Wilson. And then Mandy pushes her bestie Sonya off the apron to the floor and she's out.

7:41 p.m.: Big kick to the head from Sonya Deville and Molly Holly is eliminated. And then Sonya and Mandy Rose team up to eliminate Kelly Kelly. 

7:40 p.m.: The IIconics talked some trash on their way to the ring and once the bell rang, both were dropped over the top rope to the floor. Billy Kay and Peyton Royce eliminated.

7:38 p.m.: The women came out in this order: Naomi, Michelle McCool, Sonya Deville, Alundra Blayze, Carmella, Zelina Vega, Kelly Kelly, Tamina, Ember Moon, Lana, Maria Kanellis, Mandy Rose, Molly Holly, Dana Brooke, Nia Jax, Ivory, Asuka, Torrie Wilson, Peyton Royce, and Billie Kay.

7:30 p.m.: Time for the 20-woman (at last count) battle royal. It looks like all of the women will start the match in the ring.

Mickie James and Lita defeat Mickie James and Alicia Fox

7:25 p.m. FINISH: Trish connects with Stratusfaction on Mickie but the pin got broken up late with the referee having to hold off on the three count. Both Mickie and Alicia are done with Lita connecting with a moonsault on both of them with Trish ending it with a Chick Kick to Mickie. Decent opener but the crowd is hot and Trish looked sharp considering her time away from the ring.

7:20 p.m.: Alexa Bliss gets involved behind the MALE referee's back and now its Alicia and Mickie in control as they work over Lita. Alicia has been tossed around like a rag doll so far in this one but she's finally getting some offense in.

7:18 p.m.: Trish Stratus isn't holding back despite not being in the ring for years.

7:17 p.m.: Some double team moves from Trish and Lita and now it's Trish and Mickie squaring off for the first time. The crowd is really into the show, especially for some Stratusfaction.

7:12 p.m.: And we kick off the show with a pair of hall of famers returning to the ring. Alexa Bliss was scheduled to be in this match but she suffered a concussion last weekend and has not been cleared for action. Before the match, Bliss introduced Mickie and Alicia and will be in their corner.

7:03 p.m.: A music performance with Nita Strauss and Lita Hale to kick off the show.

7:00 p.m.: Here we go - time for WWE Evolution.

6:52 p.m.: Less than 10 minutes until the show begins. Check out my predictions below and we'll see how I did at the end of the night. I think I'm going to do pretty, pretty good.

6:42 p.m.: Whoa, even Eve Torres is there!

6:40 p.m.: Only 20 minutes until the show.

6:25 p.m.: R-Truth announced that he was so happy to be a part of Evolution and planned on winning the battle royal. Then, he had his heart broken when he was told he couldn't be a part of the show. Damn.

6:20 p.m.: Yeah, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus will be returning to the ring tonight. It's been such a long time since she laced up the boots.

6:18 p.m.: There's really only two choices for the main event of tonight's show. While the "SmackDown" championship match between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair has the most heat leading up to it, my money is on the "RAW" title match between Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella to close out the show. Ronda is their biggest female star and I'm betting she'll be on last.

6:10 p.m.: Sasha Banks is pretty excited.

6:05 p.m.: The kickoff show is underway with Renee Young, Paige, and Beth Phoenix. And there's a red carpet as well. WWE is going all out for this event.

5:58 p.m.: WWE Evolution means a lot to a lot of people. Here's what Renee Young had to say about it.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

So I woke up this morning and wondered if today would feel different? We’re on the road 52 weeks a year, on planes, in arenas, putting on shows. But today is different. Today the energy is different and we all know it’s our time. We’ve all wanted more, needed more and strived to be the best performers in the world. Sometimes our lights were dimmed, or times were cut, or opportunities fell through the cracks. But today is a sign that that time is over. I’m so proud to be standing next to every woman in this arena, and to represent women in my own way. I’ve always wanted to be a part of this story, and now I get to write my own chapter of it. Time to shine as bright as we possibly can on the stage we built. Love you all!! Let’s eff em up! 👊🏼❤️😜 #WWEEvolution @wwe

A post shared by Renee Paquette (@reneeyoungwwe) on

5:56 p.m.: And here's a slick video package for tonight's show.

5:52 p.m.: Here's how the set looks at Evolution in Uniondale, NY.

5:47 p.m.: Welcome to tonight's live coverage of WWE Evolution, the company's first ever, all women's pay-per-view. The kickoff show will start shortly and the main card begins at 7:00 p.m. ET. In the meantime, check out my recent interview with indie standout Toni Storm who will face Io Shirai in the finals of the Mae Young Classic. 

WWE Evolution 2018 lineup

— Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the "RAW" women's championship

— Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for the "SmackDown" women's championship in a Last Woman Standing match

— Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler for the NXT women's championship

— Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai in the final of the 2018 Mae Young Classic

— Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Mickie James and Alicia Fox

— Women's Battle Royal for a future women's title shot

— Sasha Banks, Bayley and Natalya vs. The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan and Ruby Riott)

WWE Evolution 2018 predictions

— Ronda Rousey makes Nikki Bella tap out to her armbar to retain the "RAW" women's championship.

— Becky Lynch holds off Charlotte Flair to keep the "SmackDown" women's championship.

— Kairi Sane defeats Shayna Baszler to keep the NXT women's championship.

— Toni Storm upends Io Shirai to win the 2018 Mae Young Classic.

— Trish Stratus and Lita score the win in their return to the ring against Mickie James and Alicia Fox.

— A true toss-up, but Ember Moon will be the last woman standing.

— Sasha Banks, Bayley and Natalya beat the Riott Squad.

Brian Fritz

Brian Fritz Photo

Brian Fritz is a contributor with The Sporting News covering the NBA and NFL who previously worked at BasketballNews. He is a 20-year veteran of sports talk radio in Orlando, Florida, after graduating from the University of Central Florida. He now resides in Durham, North Carolina.