Review: WWE Evolution 2025

Note: This was originally published on the night of the event happening in 2025 on Blog of Doom. I want to bring a few reviews over here into the Substack archives, so you’ll see one pop up every now and then. The reposts here come with the advantage of me adding in the matches that WWE has added to YouTube.

Tonight, it’s WWE Evolution! For the first time since 2018, the women get their own show in WWE.

A few notes: first, this is going to be full of bias. Obviously I’m a fan of the women. Hopefully that’ll translate to a fun review - I think the person reviewing something should enjoy it! There will be the usual snarkiness as well. Also please remember that it is perfectly okay for people to like people you might not. Nikki Bella for example might not be for you or someone that has inspired you, but there’s a whole audience out there that means a lot. I also apologize for the amount of words - this is a three-hour show and I’m wordy for Raw as it is. You’re welcome to take your time reading it, just read the bold words, or do whatever you need to do to enjoy it. Just know I’m enjoying it!

Before I jump into the show, a note on the preshow - I caught the last half hour. Big E spent almost ten minutes shouting out the women by name backstage and talking about how important the women who were stuck in the bad matches back in the day were as well. Guys, be like Big E.

WWE: Then, Now, Forever, TOGETHER. Dun dun DUN.

The skyline of Atlanta welcomes us as does the voice of Joe Tessitore. We’re at the State Farm Arena. Arrivals! Bayley arrives and she’ll be going for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title. Lyra Valkyria is here and taking a phone call, I’ll assume from Tatum Paxley. Becky Lynch is here and also on her phone. Maybe she’s talking to Lyra! Tiffany Stratton struts in with her Women’s Title, meanwhile Trish Stratus gets the elevator exit. Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky is walking near a set of windows of her own, but Rhea Ripley and her Labubu wave to the camera and the crowd explodes.

We start with a beautiful opening package set to Katy Perry’s “Rise.” Listen, we can’t win ‘em all. It works though and it’s a great video focusing on little girls and action figures and falling in love with wrestling as well as running down the card. I cried the first time I saw it a few days ago. I bet I’ll cry again tonight. Don’t worry, I won’t tell you. Look, here it is!

And now, Maybelline New York presents WWE Evolution! Fireworks explode and Joe Tessitore joins us from the kickoff stage in the crowd. Tonight, we celebrate women! He says this is now the industry norm. Well, sometimes. He brings out his co-host - Stephanie McMahon. Well, obviously she’s first out. She joins him at the hosting stage after a pleasant response. Big Steph thinks they had so much to prove at the first Evolution, and now we’re at the second with the women regularly main eventing. She hypes up the girls at the Performance Center and says to be inspired tonight. Joe asks Steph which match is drawing her in the most, and her response is Jade Cargill vs Naomi.

Michael Cole and Wade Barrett join us from ringside and our commentary team tonight as there are not any women who can talk for three hours on the roster. Kidding. I like Michael and Wade; this is a best-case scenario out of the wheel of commentary. The great Alicia Taylor is on the commentary call.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Match: Becky Lynch vs Bayley vs Lyra Valkyria

Bayley is out first, Cole noting she still has a chip on her shoulder for not being called up at the same time as the other Horsewomen. Lyra Valkyria gets the woos from the crowd. Very tight entrance ramp tonight, the same setup as Saturday Night’s Main Event which makes sense as it was here last night. The crowd sings along with Becky Lynch’s theme because damn it, we love her even if she’s a heel. She has a fantastic fur coat going on tonight.

Bayley attacks Lyra first, which starts us off with two of the Horsewomen. Bayley and Lyra trade pinfall attempts early, as they tend to do in their one-on-one matches, but Becky interrupts. We keep breaking off into two women. With her opponents outside, Lyra tries to dropkick them both but they catch her and toss her into the Maybelline Announce Table. Maybe it’s Michael Cole, maybe it’s Maybelline! Becky and Bayley trade blows again outside, Becky running in to take Bayley back down with a baseball slide. Lyra springboards onto Becky, who catches her and tosses her into the steps before slinging Bayley into the ringside barrier. Becky picks up Bayley and does the Bexspoloder into the barrier, rolling her back in for a two count.

Bayley is able to fight back, but Becky kicks her and goes up with an axhandle for a two. The crowd chants for Bayley as Becky continues working her over. Lyra shakes things off and comes in with a flurry of offense. We get a hot segment of Bayley taking both women out but only being able to get a two. Bayley goes up top but Becky goes up with her. Becky superplexes Bayley over Lyra and can only get a two, locking on the Disarmher. Bayley tries for a Rose Bud, but Lyra comes up top to take them both down, but again only a two count.

“This is awesome” breaks out for the first time tonight. Becky slaps herself in frustration as she can’t get the three. Lyra and Becky trade pin attempts before Becky nails a Manhandle Slam, Bayley breaking this pin attempt. Bayley and Becky trade slaps which turn to chops. Lyra breaks a pin attempt after a Bayley-to-Belly as we’re really battling for a win here. Lyra scoops Becky up for the Nightwing, Bayley breaking her pin attempt. “Women’s wrestling” chant. Lyra rolls through a Rose Plant for a two. Many continuous near counts. Rose Plant and Becky tries for a pin, but Becky rolls over and rolls up Bayley, getting the three count.

Becky Lynch pins Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Fantastic match with a ton of near falls, the right choice to heat this crowd up and get the crowd going. It really could have gone any way at several points, but The Man gets the really cool pin steal to keep her gold.

Our NXT General Manager & Mayor Ava is ringside! Mark Henry is ringside as well - he brought us Jade, Bianca AND Samantha Irvin so I salute him. Cole tries to introduce someone else, but “EXCUSE ME” reigns over and let’s greet Vickie Guerrero. Vickie is certainly a choice.

NXT Women’s Title: Jacy Jayne (with Jasmyn Nyx and Fallon Henley) vs Jordynne Grace (with Blake Monroe)

Jordynne brings out Blake Monroe as backup against Fatal Influence. The winner faces TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich in a winner-take-all match in a week at TNA.Slammiversary. They fight outside early, with Jayne taking Grace down with a big boot to the floor. It’s all Jacy early as she works over Jordynne in the ring.

Jordynne fights out, driving Jacy into the corner. Jordynne deadlifts Jacy into a power bomb for a two count. The crowd is starting to come around on this one. Jacy rolls out of the way of a Vader Bomb but runs right into an elbow. Jacy boots Grace down as she continues to keep Jordynne from having a consistent advantage. They trade pins, which is a thing we’re going to do tonight. Jordynne catches Jacy into almost a Perfect Plex but with a release, getting a two count. Jordynne goes up top and Jacy kicks her to a seated position, climbing up and landing a rana and a running knee for a two count. Jacy gives us “shock.” Henley tosses the title in the belt but is stopped by the official, who does a tug of war with her. Jordynne rolls her up for a two as Nyx sees the belt at ringside, picking it up and admiring it. Blake Monroe takes her down and grabs the title. Henley distracts the ref again as Jordynne is - accidentally? - hit by the title by Blake. Except it’s not an accident and Blake stares down Jordynne after the pin.

Jacy Jayne pins Jordynne Grace to retain the NXT Women’s Title. Monroe joins Fatal Attraction in the ring and hands the belt to Jacy, smiling at them and leaving as they celebrate. This is a good turn - Blake is best as “the woman from hell” and now she’s starting to show that natural heel side. The match itself wasn’t bad, it was a little too much Jacy leading and I’m not sure the overall WWE crowd knows Jacy.

Michael Cole sends us to a Naked Gun trailer including Cody Rhodes. There is also a female co-lead in the movie, though they don’t really show her in the trailer.

We have some trailblazers in the crowd! Jazz gets a good reception; Ivory gets some cheers and so does WWE Hall of Famer Jacqueline. Maryse is with us too, ringside with her kids and proudly wearing a “divas” vest.

Joe and Stephanie rejoin us from the desk for some thoughts. It’s interesting to hear who Steph hypes up - Monroe and Sol Ruca this time.

WWE Women’s Tag Title Fatal 4-Way: Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) vs Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) vs Zaruca (Sol Ruca & Zaria) vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss (with Lilly)

Sol Ruca is NXT Women’s North American Champion and Women’s Speed Champion, having defeated challenger Izzi Dame at the Great American Bash yesterday. Wade Barrett mentions Sol is a belt collector. Sounds like a good gimmick! Flair gets a mixed but leaning positive reaction and Alexa gets a big ol’ pop. Alexa throws Lilly at Charlotte, who tosses it back playfully. I like their chemistry. Charlotte’s needed a friendly foil to play off and Alexa’s needed TV time period.

This is probably going to be fast and furious. Rox and Kairi start off, playing off their battle Monday. Asuka tags in joins Kairi to double team Rox. Rox tags in Raquel, who slams Asuka onto Kairi and taunts Alexa. As the referee is distracted by Alexa, Judgment Day double team Asuka. Raquel takes down Zaruca while she’s at it as Cole covers Raquel being inspired by larger women like Chyna. Alexa tags herself in as the fans chant “we want Charlotte.” Zaria tags in and stares down Alexa, who tries to slap her. Zaria lifts her into an F5, but Alexa drops out and tries for a DDT - Zaria catches her and powers her into a vertical suplex. Sol is tagged in and leaps on Alexa for a two. This is Sol’s third match in 48 hours. Sol spins Alexa around many times and flips over her, Sol spinning to tag Raquel who cuts off the tag attempt again to Charlotte.

Charlotte tags in to a great reception and crossbodies both members of Judgment Day, the fans whooing as she chops them. Charlotte gives the fans a heart hand signal and drops Raquel out of the ring. Rox runs into a beautiful spear by Charlotte, but it only gets her a two. Asuka tags in and delivers German suplexes to several women, then batters Rox around the ring. Kairi tags in but only gets a two. Zaria tags herself in, being elbowed and kicked by the Kabuki Warriors. Sol hits a Soul Snatcher on Charlotte, Alexa tries for a Sister Abigail. Charlotte saves Alexa from a spear, causing Zaria to spear her own partner instead. Rox tags herself in and takes down the field, Rox coming in with PopRox before popping back out. Raquel powerbombs Alexa onto the crew outside as the fans chant “this is awesome” and then “holy shit.” Rox leaps out on Charlotte, Raquel bombs Sol and stacks her up for the win.

Raquel Rodriguez pins Sol Ruca, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez retain the Women’s Tag Titles. Hey, watch the hell out of this match. It was a blast and the crowd helped make it. Charlotte got her flowers and it’s very clear there is an audience for her, which is great.

We have more legends in the crowd! Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson is ringside in a Rhea Ripley shirt. She gets it. Melina is here! Hall of Famer Molly Holly is here!

Back to Joe and Steph. Joe thinks the roars are getting louder as the night goes on and Steph says the night is over-delivering as she knew it would.

Tiffany Stratton puts on some Maybelline before we head into a video package on Tiffany/Trish.

WWE Women’s Title: Tiffany Stratton vs Trish Stratus

Hall of Famer Trish gets a lot of shrieks and screams for her entrance, wearing gear that is a homage to the original Women’s Title. Tiffy gets a louder ovation. Wade compares this to Gunther-Goldberg. They trade slaps after a few holds, Tiff taking Trish down with a dropkick. Tiffy suplexes Trish, then rolls her to the apron where Trish does the handstand and whips her to the floor.

“You’ve still got it.” Of course she does, she’s Trish. Back in, Trish nails a beautiful spinebuster for a two. Trish goes up and flips a great tornado DDT for another near count as Barrett notes Tiffany hasn’t gotten out of the block tonight. Trish lays in chops and trades them with Tiffany. Tiffany nails a gorgeous Swanton but can only get two. Trish comes back for a Stratosphere and a kick, only getting a two herself. Trish goes for the Stratusfaction, but Tiffany rolls through and moonsaults right into Trish’s knees. Trish hits Stratusfaction this time but friends, it’s only a two. “This is awesome” chant.

Trish climbs up for a Moonsault of all things and leaps into Tiffany’s knees. Tiffany lands an Alabama Slam and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, pinning Trish.

Tiffany Stratton pins Trish Stratus to retain the WWE Women’s Title. This took a few to get going but it was enjoyable. Trish can still go as well as she’s always been able to, which is impressive. Tiffany held up her side very well. Tiffy Time continues. After Tiffany leaves, the crowd gives Trish a standing ovation and a “thank you Trish” chant.

This past Friday, Rey Mysterio threw out the first pitch at the Padres game. This of course is to promote Survivor Series at PetCo Park.

Legends - they’re in the crowd! Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze, who Cole calls Madusa, is ringside. Her WrestleMania X opponent, Lelani Kai, is ringside as well. Lelani is a fun follow on social media, she seems to be sincerely enjoying being back under the WWE umbrella.

Thanks to Dorothy featuring Lanie Garner and Slash for “Tombstone Town (Outlaw Country Remix)”, the theme song tonight.

The stars are out! Metro Boomin is ringside. Lil Yachty is here! The stars love professional wrestling!

No Holds Barred: Naomi vs Jade Cargill (Special Guest Referee: Bianca Belair)

No countouts, no DQ, pinfall or submission only. Bianca gets a mega pop and it’s good to see her back on TV. Naomi and her light-up briefcase is out first to a really good reaction, Jade looks like a trillion dollars as always. Cole notes this is the fourth time women have had a no holds barred match in WWE history. Naomi tries to attack with the briefcase in the aisle and we’re on.

Jade tosses Naomi into the stairs, throws the top stair off but is dropped onto it by Naomi. Naomi finds a kendo stick but misses, Jade suplexing her onto the mat. Jade looks under the ring and brings out the Slim Jim Table, but Naomi knocks her into the ring post. Naomi grabs her stick again and works over Jade’s back.

Naomi throws two chairs and a trash can in the ring but is speared by Cargill. Jade throws her in and finds a big red toolbox. In the ring, Naomi sets up a chair and bulldogs Cargill onto it. She covers for a two. Naomi goes into the toolbox and pulls out a chain, climbing the turnbuckle behind Jade and choking her with it. Jade powers out, grabbing the chair and pulling Naomi down. Jade gets the chain, wraps her fist and smacks Naomi with a punch. Jade grabs the camera from the cameraman and hits Jade with it, tossing it outside the ring. She grabs a trash can and puts it over Naomi, measuring and hitting a pump kick.

Naomi rolls out as the fans chant “this is awesome.” Jade grabs the whole toolbox, lifts it above her head and tosses it at Naomi, who rolls out of the way. Naomi gets the edge and dropkicks Jade THROUGH a TV monitor on the announce table, causing sparks and a “holy shit” chant. Naomi finds a second Slim Jim Table, sliding it into the ring. Naomi grabs Jade and rams her face into the leg of the table, wrestling like she’s Jon Moxley. I hope she pulls out a fork. No I don’t. Naomi drives Jade’s head to the ring apron - the hardest part of the ring! - and knocks Cargill off the apron and through a table with a chair.

Now Naomi plants Jade onto the chair with a face buster but gets a two. Naomi’s nose is bleeding; she wipes the blood onto her hand and into Jade’s hair. Naomi sets up the Slim Jim Table and lays Jade on it with a chair on top. As she goes up to the top, Cargill grabs the chair and smacks Naomi, then they go to the second rope where Jade drives Naomi through the table with Jaded for a three.

Jade Cargill pins Naomi. Hey, that ruled. These two work so well together and the stipulation played to any skill issues Jade may have.

Tomorrow on Raw, a gauntlet match to determine Gunther’s SummerSlam opponent - Punk, Uso, Knight, Penta, Bronson. I’ll be reviewing that right here on Blog of Doom.

20-Woman Battle Royal

The winner earns a title shot at Clash in Paris. We’re getting individual entrances here which is everything I hoped for. That was half the fun of the last one, though this one is all current talent. Nikki Bella is out first, getting the cheers you’d expect. The Secret Hervice is next - Chelsea Green, Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. I love this for Chelsea. For those without the premium Peacock subscription, it goes to ads here which kinda sucks. Good thing I pay that big money! Natalya and Maxxine Dupri are next. Jaida Parker pops out to a good reaction with her little walk. Lash Legend follows and gets a good reaction, followed by Lola Vice who dances as she does.

Zelina Vega, advertised as Women’s United States Champion on the chyron (oops) is out, followed by Kelani Jordan in a cute gear set. Tatum Paxley is here! I love Tatum. She’s followed by Culling teammate Izzi Dame because Tatum has joined a cult in NXT. B-Fab struts out, next is her tag partner Michin. The American Made music walks out Ivy Nile as we return on the lower priced Peacock tier.

Our first entrance back from “commercial” is Candice LeRae as commentary rejoins. LeRae is followed by Nia Jax, who is not like most girls. She won the 2018 battle royal, last eliminated Ember Moon. I wonder if Ember had a good weekend. The lights drop and Stephanie Vaquer gets the crowd fully back. She’s neat. Last but not least, we have the actual WWE Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia.

Alright, let’s call a battle royal. Much like the first battle royal, we’re starting off with factions - a NXT corner, a Raw corner and a SmackDown corner. Tatum is tossed immediately by Nia. Izzi is out by Nia. Nia knocks Kelani over and onto the Culling girls, but she lands on the announce table and we’re going to get a Kofi spot. Kelani does the handstand spot, walking across, grabbing the bottom rope with her feet and pulling herself back into the ring. We brawl around for a bit as Stephanie and Giulia toss Ivy. Jaida knocks out Nattie. Candice takes down Maxxine. Jaida is thrown into LeRae, who Michael Cole calls “Candice Michelle” as he does and laughs about. Michin and B-Fab toss Jaida, LeRae pulls out Kelani. Vega knocks Giulia out, so we’re probably not done with that story.

This is pretty much a battle royal, friends, which isn’t giving much to write home about. Piper tosses B-Fab, Chelsea pushes out Michin and Ala dives out to save Chelsea from being pulled out. Lash almost Razor’s Edges Zelina out, Zelina fights out and is caught by Lash, who presses her out of the ring. Lash is wild. Alba’s out by Bella, so Chelsea and Piper work Nikki over. Lola Vice takes offense at Bella hate and tries to attack. Nikki and Lola do the hip swivel together. Piper headbutts Lola out, Stephanie and Nikki toss Piper. We’re down to five- Nia, Chelsea, Stephanie, Nikki and Lash.

Stephanie locks in the Devil’s Kiss on Chelsea, who sells it as dramatically as you’d expect. Nikki drops Chelsea and tosses her. A miscarriage of justice! Nia tries to dump Nikki, but Lash kicks Bella off the apron. Down to three. Lash scoops up Nia and tries to toss her, then Stephanie joins her to make it official. Down to two: Lash and Stephanie. I’d love this singles match, actually. Stephanie runs into a big kick and grabs Stephanie, but she drops down for a kick of her own. Stephanie does a 619 and springboards into Lash’s arms, who picks her up and they both tumble onto the apron. Stephanie locks on a Devil’s Kiss on the apron and that’s what it takes, as Lash rolls out to the floor.

Stephanie Vaquer eliminates Lash Legend, winning a Women’s Title shot at Clash in Paris. It was fine. I liked the 2018 battle royal better, but a lot of that was because of nostalgia. Lash was particularly impressive here.

Stephanie McMahon joins the much shorter Stephanie Vaquer in the ring. McMahon looks ten feet taller., McMahon, leaning into the meme, asks a question in Spanish. Vaquer says she’s going to make history and thanks every woman who made the way for tonight. “Evolution is a big show and the biggest experience in my career.” She promises she will keep working hard and promises we will remember her name forever.

WWE Women’s World Title: Iyo Sky vs Rhea Ripley

Mami, of course, gets the biggest reaction of the entire night by a very large margin. A superstar if I’ve ever seen one. Iyo gets a good reaction too, letting every fan touch her belt going down the aisle.

The fans are hyped as we start. The women trade holds early, Iyo taunting Rhea as she gets the advantage. Rhea gets the advantage and does Iyo’s taunt back to her, drawing… boos? Are y’all booing? They fight out and Iyo moonsaults onto Rhea, pumping her fist from the ground. Back in, Iyo leaps into Rhea with double knees and rolls it into a two. Iyo takes Rhea down with a Crossface and so far, Rhea can’t get a hold on the lead. Iyo goes for a 619 of sorts but catches Rhea’s head, rag dolling her into the apron as we continue to talk about Iyo having Rhea’s number and the fans chant “women’s wrestling.”

Battling on the apron, Iyo runs into a huge knee by Rhea. Rhea slings Iyo into the announce table from the apron and now we’re going for it. Rhea drives Iyo into the barricade and the stairs, starting to show anger. The Prime Hydration Station survives the nearby brawl. In the ring, the “Mami” chants pick up and Rhea works Iyo’s back. A couple of near falls show Rhea’s frustration.

Rhea works an abdominal stretch on Iyo, continue to work her midsection. Iyo is able to roll into a stomp and drops Rhea with a beautiful German suplex, Rhea rolling to the outside. You know what that means - Iyo hypes up and takes her down with a suicide dive. Rolling Rhea back in, Iyo nails a dropkick, the Bullet Train knee in the corner and gets a two. Iyo goes up for a moonsault but Rhea dodges. Rhea goes up top and Iyo yanks her back down for an ugly landing.

Iyo tries for uppercuts, Rhea battles back with power. Iyo nails a Poisonrana and gets the crowd loud and this has been a great battle. “We want Rhea” and “Iyo Sky” dueling chants as we reset a bit, both women trying to get up in the ring. Iyo is up first and tries to step over Rhea, he grabs her ankle. Iyo shakes it off and goes to turn turnbuckle, where Rhea tries to grab her again. Rhea pushes sky down and grabs her for a Razor’s Edge, picking her back up for a powerbomb and a two count. This is beautiful.

Rhea tries for Riptide, Iyo reverses into a sleeper. Rhea backs her into the corner to break it, then boosts Iyo up to the turnbuckle. Rhea follows her up for a superplex attempt, but Iyo fights out. Iyo kicks Rhea down and springboards over Rhea and into referee Jessika Carr. With the referee down, Rhea lands a headbutt and a Riptide but notices the referee is gone. This is a familiar feeling for Rhea, who starts freaking out. Rhea sets up and lands a second Razor’s Edge. Iyo rolls out and Rhea boots her over the barricade and into the crowd. Well, we’re going on an adventure.

Rhea and Iyo battle deep in the crowd, Rhea battering Iyo on a stairway. Rhea looks into the distance and notices something, then we pan to a set of moving cases. She takes Iyo up and grabs her for a powerbomb but Iyo grabs onto a higher case, kicking her way out. Iyo climbs to the highest case - I’d give it about twenty feet? - and leaps onto Rhea with a crossbody. “Holy shit” chant.

The battle continues through the crowd, Iyo stomping Rhea on the stairs. Iyo slings Rhea back over the barricade, trying to jump on Rhea but hitting the announce table. Iyo leaps out for a sunset flip on Rhea, nailing her with a power bomb. A beautiful leap by Iyo. Going back in, Iyo goes up as we see Jessika coming back. Iyo lands the moonsault but Iyo kicks out at two. Iyo goes up again and Rhea rolls to the apron. Bouncing Iyo’s head off the post, we see a smile on Rhea’s face as she goes up with Iyo. Rhea hits a Spanish Fly of all things on Iyo and they’re both down. Then… music hits.

Naomi comes out with her briefcase and a referee. She gives the briefcase to Alicia Taylor, who announces the cash-in. We have a triple threat! Naomi smacks Iyo with the briefcase as this becomes no DQ. Naomi bounces Rhea off the ring post and springs onto Iyo, pinning her and successfully cashing in Money in the Bank. As the credits roll, Naomi celebrates with her new title, the crowd going wild and fireworks at the entrance.

Naomi pins Iyo Sky to become new WWE Women’s World Champion. Wow. You know what? I loved that. Good for Naomi! I love that ending. Good for her. She’s had a hell of a year, and this character change has been great for her. The match itself was fantastic of course and now we can continue with the narrative that Rhea hasn’t defeated Iyo. The cash-in doesn’t take a thing away from it for me.

After the show ends and we move to the post show, we see Rhea and Iyo embracing in the ring. They hug on the apron and walk out together.

Overall, a fantastic show. The battle royal might have been its weakest point, but that’s not a complaint when every other match absolutely delivered. The opener and main event both were great, Naomi and Jade had a fun brawl, and the tag match stole the show before Naomi came in and stole the end. It’s worth giving the show a watch. The crowd added a lot - they were hot and into the entire show. There is an audience for women’s wrestling and this crowd? They proved it. A great night. Maybe my favorite PLE this year.