Rhea Ripley recently described her bout against Dakota Kai at the inaugural WWE Evolution as a standout achievement in her wrestling career, as anticipation builds for WWE Evolution’s return this July. Reflecting on the Rhea Ripley WWE Evolution career highlight, she shared insights into a memorable night that marked a significant point in her professional journey and the evolution of women’s wrestling.
Looking Back at the First WWE Evolution
The first WWE Evolution event unfolded in October 2018, showcasing an all-women lineup in a special live pay-per-view. As WWE prepares to revisit this historic event in July, Ripley took the opportunity to discuss her NXT UK Women’s Championship match against Dakota Kai, who was recently let go from the company. The match occurred before the main televised card and holds a special place in Ripley’s memories.
During the SummerSlam Kickoff show, Ripley openly recounted the significance of competing at Evolution and the impact it had on her burgeoning career, particularly against Kai, who has since exited WWE.
“But going out at Evolution 1 and facing against Dakota Kai, and it being for the NXT UK Women’s Championship, it was one of the highlights of my career.”
—Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
Dakota Kai ended her tenure with WWE earlier this year after her contract was terminated in May, joining a wave of roster changes within the organization.
Personal Milestones and Destiny
Ripley also pointed out that the first WWE Evolution event landed on the sixth anniversary of the day she began her wrestling career with Riot City Wrestling in Australia. This coincidence was meaningful for her as it represented both personal and professional milestones aligning on the same day.
“It’s wild how history repeats itself and just everything lines up so perfectly. Your destiny is your destiny. But right now, the women’s destiny is Evolution 2. We are going to take over this company and we are going to take over that pay-per-view. We are going to absolutely kill it.”
—Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
With NXT UK operating on a tape delay, Ripley’s reign as the first Women’s Champion is officially recognized as starting on November 28, 2018, though she originally captured the title during the August 26 tapings. Her tenure with the championship continued into the following year until her defeat by Toni Storm at NXT TakeOver Blackpool.
Evolution 2 and What Comes Next
Looking ahead, Rhea Ripley is set to return to the WWE Evolution stage, where she will challenge IYO SKY, the current Women’s World Champion, on July 13. This upcoming match not only continues the tradition of spotlighting women’s wrestling through marquee events but also offers Ripley an opportunity to create new milestones as her journey progresses.
The return of WWE Evolution underscores ongoing efforts within WWE to elevate women’s wrestling and honor its trailblazers. For Ripley, her previous clash with Dakota Kai remains a defining moment, serving as inspiration for her next chapter. As the event approaches, both fans and competitors await another night that could shape the future of women’s wrestling on a global stage.
