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1. Evolution
One could make the argument that 2018 was the single best year for women’s wrestling in WWE history. The women’s evolution reached several more impressive plateaus throughout the year, but the biggest one came in late-October when the evolution got its own pay-per-view.
The historic, first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view was fittingly named Evolution, and it would be an unforgettable night. The night kicked off with the in-ring return of Trish Stratus and Lita as they teamed up to face Mickie James and Alicia Fox in a solid match that saw the hall of famers get the win. Nia Jax was the last woman standing in the 20-woman battle royal that turned out to be a very enjoyable match that saw Jax earn a Raw Women’s Championship opportunity.
The 2018 Mae Young Classic tournament final round came down to Toni Storm and Io Shirai, and these women put on a great match that saw Storm get the big win. Six-woman tag team action followed when Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Natalya defeated The Riott Squad in a pretty good match. Shayna Baszler retained her NXT Women’s Championship against Kairi Sane in a very good match, but the ending did take a little bit away from the match.
Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship was not only phenomenal, but it ranks as a legitimate match of the year candidate that saw The Man retain her title. The main event of Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the Raw Women’s Championship had a lot to follow, but it did a very admirable job before Rousey got the win and retained her title. This history-making night was outstanding from start to finish.
Calling Evolution the best pay-per-view of 2018 isn’t just a nod to the history this show made, it deserves to be called that and it more than proved that women’s wrestling is the best.