The WWE Smackdown Evolution Build has entered a critical phase as major storylines heat up on the road to key events like Evolution II and Summerslam. Notable developments include the intense rivalry between Jade Cargill and Naomi, the reformation of The Bloodline faction with new members, and <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE’s structural decisions impacting show pacing and event scheduling throughout 2024.
Recent shifts in episode length and storyline pacing, alongside high-profile returns and match announcements, have set the stage for a dramatic summer in WWE programming. The expansion and contraction of Smackdown’s runtime, strategic event placements in California and South Carolina, and WWE’s efforts to showcase the women’s division all factor into the broader wrestling landscape right now.
Smackdown Returns to a Two-Hour Format Amid WWE’s Structural Changes
After months of Smackdown airing for three hours in 2024—temporarily becoming WWE’s primary show due to Raw’s shortened two-hour schedule—Smackdown is now reverting back to a two-hour format. This adjustment comes after WWE balanced airtime across its divisions and is a move signaling further fine-tuning of programming to achieve optimal viewer engagement and division representation.
The return to two hours also reflects WWE’s ongoing experimentations in show formatting as they continue to respond to audience reactions and competitive pressures, indicating more changes may be forthcoming as WWE seeks to maintain its position in the highly competitive wrestling market.
Survivor Series Confirmed for San Diego: Potential for Cross-Brand Collaborations
The long-anticipated Survivor Series event has been officially confirmed to take place in San Diego, California, later this year. San Diego’s historical ties to Mexican culture and its proximity to the border gain particular interest in light of WWE’s acquisition of the lucha libre promotion AAA. This geographic and cultural setting hints at the possibility of cross-brand integration that could influence both storytelling and wrestler appearances in the near term.
Given the local fanbase’s strong enthusiasm for pro wrestling, Survivor Series in this region is expected to draw significant attention, potentially featuring talent collaborations across WWE’s expanding properties, increasing event prestige and cross-cultural appeal.
WWE Unreal and Counterprogramming Tactics Against AEW
WWE is set to release “WWE Unreal,” a Netflix Original behind-the-scenes series revealing the writing process behind WWE storylines in 2025, scheduled to debut by the end of the month. The documentary-style show has sparked debate due to WWE’s longstanding tradition of kayfabe, leaving fans curious about the unscripted insights into storytelling decisions before their on-screen conclusion.
Additionally, WWE’s decision to host NXT Heatwave in South Carolina on August 24th strategically counters AEW’s Forbidden Door PPV announced for the same day. While this move aims to prevent AEW from dominating the weekend’s pay-per-view market, some perceive WWE’s approach as aggressive counterprogramming, especially given WWE’s dominant position in the industry.
Evolution II Build: Mixed Fan and Company Attention Before the Women’s PPV
With an all-women’s PPV airing July 12 titled Evolution II, there appeared to be minimal focus on promoting the event, overshadowed by recent builds towards Summerslam. Prior to last week, WWE’s promotional effort for Evolution II was criticized for being disjointed, as feuds lacked consistency and matches were often announced abruptly via social media or mid-show declarations rather than through crafted segments.
The two women’s world champions found themselves without strong rivals, pushing both to call out challengers spontaneously. Although faster pacing in builds can sometimes benefit programming, as seen in New Japan Pro Wrestling’s quick event setups, WWE’s traditionally cinematic storytelling style felt out of place with this rushed approach, which failed to honor the significance of a women-focused pay-per-view.
The Rising Feud: Jade Cargill Faces Off Against Naomi at Evolution II
Jade Cargill returned to WWE following a mysterious attack during her previous Women’s Tag Team Championship run alongside Bianca Belair. Her attacker was revealed as Naomi, who took over the championship role during Cargill’s absence. The personal animosity between Cargill and Naomi culminated at Wrestlemania 41 and escalated as Naomi became Ms. Money In The Bank.
At Night Of Champions, Cargill claimed the Queen of the Ring title by defeating Asuka, earning a future shot at WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton at Summerslam. However, before that, she was attacked again by Naomi backstage, prompting the scheduling of a No Holds Barred match between them for Evolution II.
This program stands out as one of the strongest currently, with internal logic supporting Cargill’s desire to confront Naomi first, given Naomi’s ongoing interference. Cargill’s cold, steely persona contrasts perfectly with Naomi’s erratic villainy, delivering intense promos that effectively build anticipation for a brutal match.
Grade: A
Tiffany Stratton’s Upcoming Challenges: A Dream Match With Trish Stratus
The rivalry between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Queen of the Ring Jade Cargill is set to continue at Summerslam. Stratton recently defended her title in a violent Last Woman Standing match versus mentor Nia Jax and held a town hall discussing her confidence in facing Cargill. However, her plans shifted when former legend Trish Stratus returned and challenged her for the title at Evolution II.
The Stratus vs. Stratton match positions a marquee clash of generations during the women’s-only pay-per-view. Though the segment was functionally sufficient to set the match, it lacked engaging character interplay or acknowledgment of Stratton’s accomplishments, rendering the build somewhat flat despite the compelling matchup itself.
Grade: C
The Wyatt Sicks Return and Tag Team Division Turmoil
The long-absent Wyatt Sicks faction re-emerged, aggressively targeting the major teams within Smackdown’s tag division. As The Street Profits claimed dominance over the division, other groups such as Fraxiom, MCMG, and DIY became embroiled in conflict, resulting in an eight-man tag match where The Wyatts stood victorious.
This storyline cleverly revitalizes the tag division by uniting disparate teams against a common foe, allowing individual performers to showcase their abilities in a broader storyline context. The babyface hesitation from DIY adds internal drama, hinting at future factional developments reminiscent of early Bloodline tensions.
Despite respectable execution, the Wyatt Sicks themselves still suffer from uninspired character depth, limiting the overall narrative excitement.
Grade: B-
Fraxiom vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix: A High-Flying Tag Team Encounter
With the Wyatt Sicks causing chaos in the tag division, a match was arranged between Fraxiom and the luchador duo Andrade & Rey Fenix to determine a number-one contender. Andrade and Fenix secured the win, ending Fraxiom’s winning streak drawn out since their recent promotion to the main roster.
This bout stood out as a burst of exciting, agile wrestling amidst a segment-heavy show. While the match didn’t significantly advance storylines, it energized the crowd and showcased the depth of Smackdown’s midcard talent. However, the decision to end Fraxiom’s streak before fully establishing Andrade and Fenix in prominent roles left questions about future directions for both teams.
Grade: A-
The Bloodline’s Power Reunited Amidst New Tensions
The Bloodline faction strengthened its ranks with the inclusion of JC Mateo, introduced by Solo Sikoa, which provoked a rift with Jacob Fatu. This tension peaked at Money In The Bank when Fatu betrayed Sikoa, ultimately leaving The Bloodline. The faction regained momentum when the returning Tonga Loa and debuting Tala Tonga assisted Sikoa in defeating Fatu for the Intercontinental Championship at Night Of Champions.
Subsequently, a tag match between Uso & Fatu and Mateo & Tonga highlighted the fragile alliances within The Bloodline. Though The Bloodline members stood tall after the match, internal conflicts remain unresolved.
While the storyline capitalizes heavily on real-world issues to underline faction fractures, its current presentation lacks the intensity that once made The Bloodline an overwhelmingly dominant force. New members do not yet command the strong character presence needed to replicate prior excitement, tempering audience investment for now.
Grade: C
Charlotte Flair Teams With Alexa Bliss in Tag Title Tournament
Following a bitter loss to Tiffany Stratton at Wrestlemania 41, Charlotte Flair has exhibited signs of strain and frustration, marked by angry outbursts and fan backlash. Alexa Bliss has intermittently offered support despite a volatile dynamic, ultimately leading to their unlikely partnership in a four-way tag team match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship qualifying round set for Evolution II.
The duo’s chemistry and narrative complexity injected fresh intrigue into Smackdown’s women’s tag division as they defied expectations by winning their qualifier. The alliance reflects logical storytelling—punishing Flair’s antics by pairing her with an unpredictable ally and forcing her to wrestle through her personal issues.
Though Bliss’ motivations remain somewhat ambiguous, their interaction provides entertaining character work and may develop into a noteworthy team akin to past successful pairings.
Grade: A
Twenty-Woman Battle Royal Announced for Evolution II
Evolution II will also feature a 20-woman battle royal, with Nikki Bella confirmed among the participants. The victor gains a championship opportunity at a forthcoming Clash In Paris pay-per-view, potentially challenging Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship.
This inclusion allows WWE to highlight numerous talented athletes and address past concerns over limited female representation on PPV cards. By spreading title opportunities across multiple events, WWE aims to maintain momentum in the women’s division and create new storyline possibilities ahead of the rumored fall draft.
Grade: B-
Giulia’s Rapid Rise and New Championship Threat
Newly called up to Smackdown after a dominant NXT run, Giulia swiftly engaged in a rivalry with US Champion Zelina Vega, culminating in a decisive and brutal victory to claim the title. A pre-taped promo signaled Giulia’s intent to assert dominance over the roster, positioning her as a significant heel threat.
While the build suffered from limited time and failed to bolster Vega’s status as a champion strongly, Giulia finally appears in character as the ruthless competitor WWE intended. Her heel persona’s threat level feels authentic and ominous, opening pathways for more compelling rivalries moving forward.
Grade: B-
Aleister Black and Damian Priest Square Off Amid Unclear Motivations
The emerging feud between Aleister Black and Damian Priest stems from tensions following John Cena’s record-setting WWE Championship win at Wrestlemania 41 and R-Truth’s subsequent violent persona change and departure. Priest’s attempts to ease tensions with Black proved unsuccessful, setting the stage for their match.
The storyline’s ambiguity, rooted in annoyance and attempts at conflict resolution, leaves the purpose and direction uncertain. The feud may serve as a transitional storyline to position both wrestlers for future angles, but clarity and escalation are needed for sustained engagement.
Grade: B
Drew McIntyre’s Return Stirs Seeds of Conflict
Drew McIntyre’s comeback at Night Of Champions interrupted a town hall between King of the Ring winner Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, suggesting deliberate manipulation aimed at creating distrust between the latter two. Orton’s RKO on McIntyre after a tense exchange reignited speculation about character shifts and rivalries ahead of Summerslam.
The segment effectively rebuilt anticipation for Rhodes vs. John Cena rematch, while hinting at potential darker character developments for Rhodes and enhanced tension between Rhodes and Orton. Though McIntyre’s decisive defeat may diminish his return’s immediate impact, it fits his heel persona’s narrative flaw of ego-driven vulnerabilities.
Grade: A-
