With the release of the WWE Network, subscribers now have more content just a few clicks away than they could ever hope to sift through themselves. Last Word on Sports is here to do the work for you, highlighting the best the WWE Network has to offer.
In recent weeks, the WWE Universe has witnessed the reformation of Evolution. Formed in 2003, the stable was designed to represent the then past (Ric Flair), present (Triple H), and future (Batista and Randy Orton) of the WWE. The four men ran roughshod over the company, including holding the World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and Tag Team Championships simultaneously.
While colliding egos eventually led to the demise of the stable, Evolution was around long enough for its members to put on several high quality matches. The following are some of the best the WWE Network has to offer.
Unforgiven 2003: Randy Orton (with Ric Flair) vs. Shawn Michaels
After costing Michaels matches against Flair and Chris Jericho, Randy Orton set his sights on using “The Heartbreak Kid” as a “stepping stone” towards greatness. This match occurred during the beginning of Orton’s run as the “Legend Killer.” The two went toe-to-toe in a near-20 minute affair that was one of the early performances indicative of Orton’s future Hall of Fame career.
Highlight: The Sweet Chin Music countered into an RKO akin to the ending of WrestleMania XIV.
Armageddon 2003: Batista (with Ric Flair) vs. Shawn Michaels
A few months later, HBK took on a member of Evolution in a profile-increasing performance. This time Michaels took on “The Animal” Batista; in a feud that again began when he was assaulted by an Evolution member. This was perhaps the first time Batista was able to truly demonstrate what he was capable of in the ring, and who better to bring it out against than “The Showstopper” himself?
Highlight: Man, Sweet Chin Music is pretty.
Armageddon 2003: Randy Orton (with Ric Flair) vs. Rob Van Dam
Earlier in the night, Batista’s Evolution stablemate Randy Orton sought to capture the first singles title of his career when he competed against then Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam. This match was the beginning of a seven month long title reign for Orton, the longest with the Intercontinental strap in seven years at that point. This is the match I immediately thought of when I went to write this list, it’s stuck with me after all these years.
Highlight: Orton’s turnbuckle-elevated spike DDT.
Summerslam 2004: Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit
After defeating both Triple H and Shawn Michaels to win the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XX, Benoit spent the ensuing months repeatedly defending his title against both men. On the same night in which he finally vanquished Triple H in an Iron Man match, Benoit learned of the next contender for his belt: winner of a 20-man battle royal, Randy Orton. The two met in the main event of Summerslam that year, with the upstart Evolution member seeking to become the youngest world champion in WWE history.
Highlight: “RKO outta nowhere! RKO outta nowehere!”
Vengeance 2005: Batista vs. Triple H
While Orton was booted out of Evolution after his win over Benoit, the other half of the WWE’s purported future stayed put. That is, until he won the 2005 Royal Rumble and decided to challenge his mentor, and World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H at WrestleMania 21. Batista won the title and continued his feud with HHH, defending it at both Backlash and Vengeance. The latter match, which served as the blow off to their rivalry, was also the best match these two produced and is considered one of the best and most brutal Hell in a Cell matches to date.
Highlight: Batista’s finishing steel steps spinebuster/powerbomb combination.
Photo via WWE.com
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