Evolution Returning to PPV?
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If the current rumors of internal plans are true, WWE is looking towards an Evolution reunion at next month's Extreme Rules pay-per-view. The proposed match would see Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton team up to face all three members of The Shield. This won't be a long-term deal, but more than likely a one-off match that gets The Shield over and probably opens a few wallets for the May event. At this time Ric Flair hasn't been written into any plans, if these plans exist at all, so don't expect a full Evolution return for the summer.
On paper this deal sounds fantastic. Evolution is one of my favorite factions, but now they're "all grown up", so to speak. The group can't last, for obvious reasons. Batista wants the title, Orton wants the title, and Triple H doesn't play nice with anyone. But for one match, it's a great selling point for a B-PPV.
Now, the obvious question is what WWE then does with Daniel Bryan. He just won the world title(s). You can't leave him off the card. But all three of his WrestleMania opponents would then be booked in a feud with The Shield – so much for "ending the YES movement". Daniel Bryan vs. Kane could have been a PPV match if they did it 9 months ago when Team Hell No was still fresh on people's brains. The more likely option (and the way less appealing option) would see Kane, Batista and Randy Orton face The Shield, and Triple H have a WrestleMania rematch with Bryan in the main event.
As much as I want to see the Evolution match happen, I just don't think it's in the cards. With John Cena and Bray Wyatt occupied, there are no clear challengers that can compete on a PPV level with just a few weeks to build them up. Sheamus and Alberto del Rio have been out of the title picture too long, and they would need more time to execute a heel turn for the first. Brock won't wrestle at Extreme Rules again, and that match is a SummerSlam candidate for sure. Barring the extremely unlikely return of CM Punk, the only plausible option is for Bryan to face one of his three WrestleMania opponents.
