The final image of WWE Raw this week was a deeply powerful and prophetic one. Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman towered over the beaten Roman Reigns and CM Punk, echoing The Visionary’s shocking main event victory at WrestleMania 41 just two nights before. More importantly, it was impossible to ignore the parallels between the trio and Evolution, one of the most dominant stables in WWE’s history.
Responsible for the breakthroughs of Randy Orton and Batista, Evolution established Triple H as the company’s leading heel. Allowing Triple H to thrive and Orton and Batista to grow into top-tier performers. Ric Flair added weight as their experienced and crafty manager. The original run lasted from 2003 to 2005 but continues to be seen as a benchmark for the villainous stables that followed.
Which Roles are Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman playing?
No stranger to a villainous turn, Seth Rollins as the present star perfectly fits Triple H’s central heel status. An outlandish but wholly convincing character, Rollins has completed some of his best work in factions. Breakker’s dismantling of Roman Reigns on Raw this week – with a Spear no less – is highly reminiscent of the powerhouse Batista. Impressive physically, Breakker looks a perfect fit for the stable’s enforcer role. That leaves Heyman. The Wiseman may not be a wrestler, but he possesses more wit and guile than Ric Flair. As an experienced strategist and mastermind, he will be invaluable to Rollins’ aspirations and Breakker’s continued development.
What does the Randy Orton Role require?
Much like Bron Breakker playing Batista, the Orton substitute must be an up-and-coming star with real promise. Ideally, they need to be charismatic but also willing to be directed by Rollins.
Notably, Orton had yet to win a title in WWE before he joined Evolution. Subsequently, this led to his first Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championship reigns before his expulsion from the group. If Rollins’ Evolution “MK II” is to accurately mimic the original, the Orton surrogate should be relatively undecorated in WWE. While not an essential feature, it would help to convince the superstar that aligning with Rollins is the best move for their career.
Who are the Suitable Candidates?
Of the promising, young superstars on the main rosters, Carmelo Hayes and Austin Theory stand out as fitting candidates. Hayes is highly decorated in NXT, but has yet to make a serious dent on the competition on SmackDown. However, winning the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal last week may signal a turn in his fortunes. Hayes has all the tools to succeed. He’s charismatic, if not narcissistic, and capable of being a heel or a face. Hayes’ storylines on the main roster have not built on his NXT dominance. A turn in a significant stable could be the move to help grow his stock.
Austin Theory is a slightly different case. A two-time US Champion, Mr. Money in the Bank, and an Elimination Chamber winner, and all by the age of 25. Theory was destined for the top. However, opportunities in recent years have been limited, with Theory demoted to jobber status. Remember, Theory briefly teamed with Rollins as a disciple in 2020. Therefore, a reunion would make more sense compared to superstars with similar résumés. A very talented in-ring performer, and still only 27, a move into Seth Rollins’ stable would be a great way to revive Theory’s flatlining career.
The Wildcards
While Evolution served to elevate promising talent, Evolution “MK II” could move in a different direction. New stables are a great opportunity for heel turns, redemption tales, and big character shifts. They can also be chances for popular and reliable superstars to get their overdue shot at a big storyline. While he continues to be a staple of the tag division, Montez Ford remains an untapped source for singles stardom.
The Street Profits remain an entertaining team to watch, but it is Ford who is the star of the pairing. A magnetic screen presence with sublime athleticism, Ford has hinted at a darker side with The Profits’ current tag title reign. Ford’s character sits in an interesting position. Now operating under tweener status, he could be tempted to the dark side by Seth Rollins.
Considering that Batista and Randy Orton famously graduated to WWE from OVW, it wouldn’t be unthinkable for Rollins and Heyman to cherry pick from NXT. The WWE Draft tends to take place in the weeks and months after WrestleMania, meaning that fans can begin to speculate as to who might be making the jump to the big leagues. NXT has never been stronger and there are a number of viable candidates who could join the main roster.
Despite being the victim of some unfair criticism concerning his in-ring ability, it is time for Trick Williams to graduate to the main roster. Confident on the microphone, and often viewed as an NXT equivalent to Jey Uso in terms of popularity, tutelage from Heyman and Rollins could be a surefire way to develop Williams into a top-level star.
A Mega Move for The Megastar?
But if WWE is thinking long-term, one of their biggest draws might be the way forward. Despite being a wildly popular face, a sudden heel turn for LA Knight might be the shock storyline pivot that WWE are looking for. Having lost the US title for the second time at WrestleMania 41, Knight is at a fork in the road. Despite his popularity, a move for John Cena’s WWE title seems unrealistic. The second option would be to incorporate Knight into a key storyline.
Knight is one of the company’s best on the microphone and a solid performer. For many reasons, his qualities would lend themselves well to Rollins’ stable. Firstly, the unexpected heel turn for a popular superstar.
LA Knight Finally Goes Main Event
Secondly, being a part of the stable would help that difficult transition from upper mid-carder to unquestionable top-tier status. Assuming Rollins wins the world title down the line, Knight will be well placed to turn on his stable leader and credibly challenge for that title.
Knight is in danger of his momentum running dry. He has thrived in every storyline thrown at him and ultimately proved that he’s capable of being a part of something more crucial. If Jey Uso has what it takes to win a world title, Knight at least deserves a chance to run with the top-tier stars. Should he get the opportunity, he’s likely to take full advantage.
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